Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Two of my three ornates are starting to form lumps on their spines. I had this happen when I first got one of them but it went away quickly qith a good diet and some light. Now I don't know what has changed. They have a 100W Mercury Vapor Bulb, a mix of seed, and plenty of veggies. The only bothersome thing I can think of is that one of my guys is addidcted to peas. I'm thinking maybe he's not changing it up enough. Any suggestions appreciated.

Also, what brand is it? All of them a pretty good with the exception of Big Apple's. They usually only last about eight months before they stop producing UVA/UVB. the light is the only thing i can think of that might be causing the lumps.

Andrew

1.0 Uromastyx malienses
0.1 Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis
0.1 Pogona vitticeps
3.0 Python regius
0.1 Boa constrictor constrictor
1.0 Tsuedo Horsfeldi

First of all, be sure that your UVB light sources are fresh and adequate. A good quality mercury vapor lamp is a fairly good way to try to simulate sunlight and aid in calcium absorption. As are the more popular brands of UVB fluorescent lamp. I usually use both in each of my enclosures although most of my herps are in outdoor caging when weather permits. Just keep in mind that the fluorescent lamps should be checked/replaced annually if not sooner. It is most important that these UVB lighting sources are the proper distance from the surface where your uro(s) spend most of its waking hours. Most manufactures will state the proper distances on the package.

Also, be sure to put them on a regime of preventative maintenance supplementation. In your case I suggest a good calcium/supplement/vitamin source with D-3 added. I personally use miner-all (I). I would also recommend a great calcium 'quick fix' which can be administered orally. This is calcium glubionate (neo cal-glucon) which you can order at most pharmacies. It sounds like your ornates have had MBD since you originally got them. If the bumps on their spinal column have re appeared, that means that the MBD is re occurring. This can be a deadly disease of not taken care of quickly. If it were my animals, I would start them on this therapy with a regime of 0.2 cc of the calcium glubionate for each 100 grams of animal weight ASAP. Or, you can simply offer them a drop or two (depending on the uro's weight) and give them this amount twice a day for the first week and every other day for the second week. Continue through the third and fourth week but reduce the oral dose frequency to every two or three days. By the end of the first month you should begin to see a reduction of the spinal bumps. Hopefully they'll disappear completely in time. Once they seem to be back on trak You can offer them the calcium syrup once every month throughout their lives. Once MBD (metabolic bone disease) takes hold, it may never go away but can pretty much be controlled with the proper therapy depending on the advancement of the disease.

Remember, be sure to keep a close check on your UVB lighting source including mounting distance and keep up the calcium supplementation at regular intervals or when you feel it's necessary.

Good luck with your ornates.

Sorry for the long post,

John

I had thought that the bumps were reserves of calcium due to the lack of UVB. I can always change or add more uvb to the cagae although my guys only spend a little time in front of the lamp. The rest of the time they are hiding somewhere. Do I have to remove their hiding spots?

I use NEKTON minerals - should I be using straight calcium?

I will try the method you suggest though it seems counterintuitive - I thought they were not processing calcium instead of not getting enough.

thanks

The bumps are likely a result of calcium deficiency which can lead to MBD ... most common with prolonged lack of UVB absorption and a lack of vitamin D-3 intake mainly. You also mentioned your uros eat a lot of peas. If you feed lots of peas, you really need to add more calcium to their diet as the peas are known to bind much of the calcium and merely pass it on through. It doesn't matter what calcium supplement you're using as long as it has a vitamin D-3 additive ... especially with your lumpy uros. With what you describe on the ornate's backs, YES, I would take out their hides for at least a few hours a day and force them to be subjected to the UVB light ... good suggestion thanks.

If you don't hear back from me anytime soon ... I've got tons of herp related chores to finish.

John

the pharmacist told me that the 'brand' you recommended was no longer available. He said I might get something similiar at a vitamin store. Can you recommend something else?

thanks

Sure, no problem.
Let me give you some info on how I order it.
It comes in a white plastic pint bottle.
It's manufactured by Rugby.
They compare this supplement to neo-calglucon which is no longer available.
The order number for the Calcium Supplement --- Calcionate Syrup (Calcium Glubionate Syrup USP)
is ... #138-3017
My cost per pint is $19.73 plus tax.
I'm near Los Angeles and I get it from any Sav-on drugs

It's an over the counter item but most pharmacies do not readily stock it
but can have it within a day or two for you.

Good luck,
John

thanks a million - now a drop a day per uro for a week and then a drop every other day for a week after that?

thanks