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Uromastyx Problem

gaparicio Mar 16, 2005 06:23 PM

I purchased a 3 year old Uromastyx at a reptile Expo sometime in February. I bought it from a person who claims he had it since it was a baby. He did't have anymore room for her so she sold her to me cheap. She looked very healthy (clear eyes very fat and great skin) and tame. The problem was after about 4 days, I noticed that she wasn't using he back legs much when she walked. After closer examination, I also noticed she had a small lump on her spine when you ran your fingers down it. I got real upsed because I should have noticed this before I purchased her.

I wonder if this is MBD and if you guys think this is curable. She eats alot and roams around but the only problem I see is when she falls on her back, she has trouble turning over. Any help will be appreciated.

Sorry for the loong post.

Replies (5)

John-C Mar 16, 2005 07:33 PM

It sounds as if your new uro is advancing from moderate to advanced MBD. Primarily, you should take it to your vet for a blood calcium test. They can draw blood and send it to the lab for quick results. We usually get our lab results faxed back within 24 hours. They may recommend two calcium injections (a week apart) to try to stop the advancing disease. In the mean time, I suggest starting it on a regime of calcium syrup (calcium calcionate syrup ... AKA neo calglucon) to begin ASAP. You can find it at most major pharmacies as an over the counter item. If they don't readily stock it, they can easily order it for you.
The bump near the area of the spine and the fact that they're not using their hind quarters much ... not to mention that they can't upright themselves after falling on their backs is strong evidence of this. Most of the cases that have reached this stage are often difficult to turn around. But we just have to try ... don't we?
You should also check it's joints to see if they're stiff/rubbery, swollen and for any signs of disfigurement. Make sure it has fresh UVB lighting and that it's getting a good calcium supplement with vit-d3 which should be lightly sprinkled in it's salad and mixed in good. Be sure to include the darker greens such as collards, mustards and any other dark green calcium fortified veggies.

Hope this helps in stopping what sounds like advancing Metabolic Bone Disease which can more easily be controlled in it's earlier stages but seldom in it's advanced stages. I don't want to lead you on but you're going to have a fight on your hands with this dreaded disease by your described symptoms.

Keep us updated on how it goes and good luck,
John

gaparicio Mar 16, 2005 08:38 PM

Thanks for the info. I will try using the calcium syrup. Good Rep vets are hard to come by in the Chicago area but I know I need to get one fast for this girl. I still can't believe the guy sold his pet. Sounds like he probably didn't want to worry about it anymore. I have had a male Mali uro for 4 years that never had this problem. I don't recall uros getting MBD, I mean how bad must the husbandry of this uro have been to get this advanced?

John-C Mar 16, 2005 09:50 PM

One of the most common reasons is poor UVB absorption. Natural sunlight being the best UVB/A source ofcourse when weather/circumstances permits. Poor diet is up there as well along with the lack of a good calcium/phosphorus balanced supplementation. Put all those bad (or the lack of)ingredients together and VIOLA ... your herps (including uros) can quickly end up with a calcium deficiency and even MBD with worse scenarios of such prolonged poor husbandry.

John

gaparicio Mar 16, 2005 10:46 PM

np

joeysgreen Mar 17, 2005 03:17 AM

It is VERY premature to jump to the conclusion that this is MBD. What is the history of this reptile; how was it kept prior to purchase?

A lump on the spine can be from many, many things and it will do more harm than good to jump to conclusions.

The previous post did one good thing in suggesting a vet visit. It is essential to properly work up this problem with bloodwork and X-rays if you would like to see it resolved.

There are many good herp vets in the Chicago/Milwaukee area; look at www.arav.com or herpvetconnect for a directory. You can also call several local vet clinics and ask who they refer reptile cases too. Also consider contacting the Chicago Herpetological Society and find out what veterinarians it's members prefer.

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