At my practice we have, unfortunately, seen a few beardies with backs like your friend's dragon. First, yes it is permanent but as long as she is getting around ok with proper husbandry there shouldn't be any further damage.



In the beardies we have seen the cause was poor calcium supplementation and access to UVB. This caused weakened and brittle bones that easily fracture. When these fractures healed (again without proper calcium levels) the bone that the body laid down caused the fusing of vertebrae. If this happens during periods of growth it causes a curving of the spine and tail. If the veterinarian xrayed the animal it would be easily visible on the radiographs. You would see an increased density of bone around the areas of the curves. This is my educated guess based on the picture you posted. I would need to see radiographs to be sure. Calcium supplementation is critical in this animal to prevent further deformities.
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Stacey

[ Hide Replies ]

• Friend's bearded...MBD? pic - Melle, Thu Dec 18 14:20:50 2003
• RE: Friend's bearded...MBD? pic - NorwegianDragon, Thu Dec 18 15:21:33 2003
• RE: Friend's bearded...MBD? pic - Melle, Thu Dec 18 15:56:12 2003
• She lays on her back in the water bowl??? - veronicag, Thu Dec 18 16:32:05 2003
• RE: She lays on her back in the water bowl??? - grimdog, Thu Dec 18 16:39:36 2003
• RE: She lays on her back in the water bowl??? - Melle, Thu Dec 18 16:45:57 2003
• RE: She lays on her back in the water bowl??? - grimdog, Thu Dec 18 16:49:16 2003
• What state is your friend in? - CheriS, Thu Dec 18 18:28:05 2003
• Curved back - RaderRVT, Fri Dec 19 11:44:25 2003