Although the legs in a chameleon will often be very skinny when

the chameleon has MBD, as shown in some of the pictures in the

following article, usually in the beginning

they look quite plump (perhaps muscle-bound is a good

description?) and you might think that the chameleon was healthy

to look at the legs.

http://www.adcham.com/html/veterinary/mbd-fractures-kramer.html



Here's another article talking about MBD....

http://www.mythicalchameleons.com/vetcases.htm#gout



http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-1987.html

"Puffy arms and legs are one sad symptom of metabolic bone

disease (MBD). With MBD, the bones in the body become weakened

because there isn't enough calcium in the diet, and the herp

hasn't been able to sun. In an effort to restore strength in

the weakened limbs, the body adds fibrous tissue to the muscles. This extra tissue puffs up the limbs, and they look chubby."



"With UV, calcium supplements, and a proper diet, the strength

can be restored to the bones, but certain deformities, such as

a curved spine and shortened jaw, are there to stay. Take your

herp to the veterinarian, buy some UV lights, read up on this

disease, and provide a better diet."



The pictures in this site should give you an idea of how thick

a veiled chameleon's legs should be...

http://www.chameleonjournals.com/icham/icham.php

[ Hide Replies ]

• leg thickness - veiledchamlver, Sat May 28 19:39:46 2005
• RE: leg thickness - b_vanfossen, Sun May 29 00:22:25 2005
• RE: leg thickness - kinyonga, Sun May 29 02:57:59 2005