Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been a reptile owner for about 6 years now and own many different kinds of reptiles. I have never had any cases of Metabloic Bone Disease in any of my reptiles. I have always used the proper UVA/UVB bulbs and provided the proper nutrition. However, my 2 year old panther chameleon that I have had for a year has developed MBD. I work at a vet clinic and brought it in yesterday. I thought he was near death but after giving him subQ fluids, vitamin B injection, and a Baytril injection, he seemed to perk up. we took an x-ray and sure enough he has a fracture in his right front foot, which i had suspected for a week or so, and his leg bones are starting to bow. My vet see's reptiles but even admits that he is not an expert in reptile medicine. We are kind of learning together on what the best way of treament is. A week ago I switch his light bulb from a tube light to a zoo med compact UVA/UVB light. His diet has consisted of silkworms, butter worms, and crickets with the occasional hornworm as a treat. His has not been eating and finally stopped drinking which is what I think has sent him over the edge. I am just wondering if anyone has any input on what I should do as far as treatment, and if anyone has had success with a certain way of treatment. Thanks

I'd run some bloodwork, if anything, to get a baseline sample. It might turn up something else as well. Especially since you seem to have proper husbandry, I wouldn't jump to this being nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. There are many types of metabolic bone disease. This could be a difficult case. Liver or kidney problems, as well as endocrine problems could also be at play here.

You mentioned calcium supplements correct? The feeders you mentioned are quite often sold on an empty stomach, if not done already, make sure everything is gutloaded prior to feeding.

Right now though, I would concentrate on keeping this guy hydrated. Have you placed an intraosseous cathetor before? If you lose the battle to dehydration, then the prognoses becomes much more guarded. If you suspect a lack of calcium, continue injectable therapy in this regard. Additionally, once hydrated, you'll be on a feeding regime that may include the calcium supplementation. Tube or gavage feeding might be necessary, or a surgically placed esophagostomy tube might be less stressfull on the animal. The feedings can consist of mashed bugs, or several critical care diets for insectivores are available. Do you have the new Mader? Nutritional support is covered to quite an extent by Susan Donaghue.

This isn't an exhaustive list, and obviously work with your vet... do they use VIN? This is a valuable resource IMO.
My first priority would again, be hydration, then further stablization/nutrition, alongside diagnostics and a treatment plan.

Ian