[Answered], Highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonate, Made for reptiles that require vitamin D3 to assimilate calcium, Recommended for reptiles that are kept indoors, Promotes healthy bones and vital bodily functions, Provides the necessary calcium for strong bones, Made from high-quality and natural materials. As dehydration decreases nutrient utilization. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most frequent illnesses in domestic bearded dragons, although it is completely avoidable with correct nutrition and care. [sentience and science], 5 Ways to Tame a Bearded Dragon [& how to stop biting], Is my Bearded Dragon Fat or Skinny? As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. The UVB tube length for your bearded dragon house should not cover the entire length of the house. 11. Dead bugs? Instead, keep it simple. You need to get a calcium supplement that doesn't have D3 in it. Burimi 's desc original0030.blogspot.com Placing the light too close or too far away can lead to some of the issues we mentioned earlier. Stress is very common when it comes to dragons whether it has to do with first-time relocation or just a small change in the enclosure. #3. Vitamin D3 given as a supplement orally is not as effective as it is from giving access to sunlight without any barriers between the UVB and the bearded dragon. This is one of the best bearded dragon calcium powders on the market. As a generalisation, the recommendation of numerous veterinarians, researchers and herpetologists, suggest you should give your bearded dragon calcium and vitamin D3 supplement as follows: Shortest answer is yes you should give your bearded dragon D3 (cholecalciferol). Should i? Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) occurs in plant sources vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from plant and animal sources. Taking excessive amounts of calcium from supplements in amounts from 1.5 to 16.5 grams per day long-term can raise calcium levels in your blood above normal, which could develop into hypercalcemia. They may sleep more and become less active. While they can receive some of this from the proper lighting, its usually not enough (99.9% of the time). Always check with your vet before determining supplements. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. At night, keep the enclosure at around 70-75 degrees fahrenheit (21-24 celcius). For most species, 0.1% calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet. Thats because its just not possible to recreate an exact replica of a dragons natural habitat, although you can come close. Lack of exposure to UVB source can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Learn how your comment data is processed. Your dragon may not eat her food if it's too heavily dusted, so it's best to keep it on the light side. The Exo Terra calcium liquid offers high absorption, passing the liquid directly into the small intestine. Although this does provide Vitamin D3, its not quite the same as free range exposure to the Australian desert sun. Now, Whether You Need Calcium With or Without Vitamin D3 . (2010) Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation and UVb exposure on the growth and plasma concentration of vitamin D3 metabolites in juvenile bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Its important to read the instructions when setting up their lighting situation. Bearded Dragons require an ultraviolet light to be fully healthy (and when combined with calcium supplements helps to prevent Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Metabolic Bone Disease). Reptile medicine and surgery. Reverse the inverse Ca:P ratio of insects by gut loading and dusting. Since in the wild they are able to effectively convert UVB radiation to into vitamin D3, they are able to make use of the calcium they can absorb in their diet. Twitches, ticks, spasms, or tremors. There are a ton of great food options out there that are very calcium-rich, but there are a few that we like the most. Stress. Kindly take your bearded dragon to an experienced vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Bearded dragons are susceptible to calcium overdoses, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, and twitching. Thompson, K. S. 2016. NAVO Revised. Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) is rare in bearded dragons, but it can happen, and it can result in illness and death. This only happens once for like a second then he is back to normal. Bearded dragons get their name from the scaled and spiked . Silkworms. In fact, we would say almost all soon-to-be or inexperienced owners know this. You can prevent hypercalcemia by feeding your bearded dragon the right amount of calcium. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. Without vitamin D3, the calcium wont do much (for better or worse). After all, isnt it the job of the Dragon Keeper to recreate the natural environment of their bearded dragon to the best of their ability? As an Amazon Affiliate, Reptile Maniac may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on our site. Bowel Impaction happens when an animal swallows indigestible matter that blocks the intestines. Copyright 2023 Reptile Maniac. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. Picture this: 100 grams of these greens contain up to 187 mg of calcium. While kale can be a staple food, it should also be part of a varied diet. Dehydration can decrease the level of nutrients absorbed. Foods high in oxalates and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium and caution must be used. Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can increase bone loss. Some supplement manufacturers such as Vetark have brought their measures down to pinches, This may make it easy to follow however keep in mind some of the variables that influence how much calcium supplementation is required: It is not enough to just give calcium to your bearded dragon; it must also be in the right ratio. The Bearded Dragon is a well-known lizard and currently considered one of the best pet lizards. We know how much you love your Dragon and we want to make it easy to show how much you care. Take a look at your enclosure, lighting, and diet to see if theres anything that can be improved. There have been reports of some lumps here and there, so we always like to grind it up a little bit more just to be safe. If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. Beardies are prone to diarrhea. A lack of either one of them will put your beardie at risk of MBD. Some of the symptoms of MBD are as follows: Bumps that you can see or feel in the legs. Depending on the age of a beardie, they may require more or less for growth purposes. Diehl, J. J. E., Baines, F. M., Heijboer, A. C., van Leeuwen, J. P., Kik, M., Hendriks, W. H., & Oonincx, D. G. A. See the post on setting up lighting and heating for more information. (2016). Ingesting Toxic Plants or Bugs. As such, it is not advisable to provide your bearded dragon with too much vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. Youll want the enclosure to be at 75-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day (24-29 celcius) with the basking spot between 88-100 degrees fahrenheit (31-38 celcius). This is a much similar but more severe disorder to that of osteoporosis in humans. If your beard is more than seven years old, it may be due to age. What bearded dragon food is high in calcium? Check the ingredients of the food before supplementing. Hypercalcemia also causes the muscles to become sore. Provide exposure to unfiltered sunlight at least a few hours a week, except when brumating of course. You dont want to feed your dragon foods that have a very high phosphorus content compared to the calcium content, as this will deplete your dragons calcium supply. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. These tumors have been classified as gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (GNT), which readily spread to other organs. A calcium overdose in a bearded dragon can be very serious and even life-threatening. Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. (Eds.). Metabolic bone disease is a condition that affects several types of domestic reptiles. For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Swelling of lower jaw. You can space out how many meals are coated in this calcium powder depending on how much calcium your bearded dragon needs. Beardies are not completely covered in dirt. If left untreated, a calcium overdose can be fatal. Lets say you have one of the best cages for bearded dragons and a high-quality light. The gradient should go from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit on the cool side, up to a basking temperature of around 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. I kept searching into this, and ppl say it is really hard to od a beardie on calcium. Bearded Dragons that don't get enough calcium can suffer from serious health conditions such as metabolic bone disease. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Fortunately, this is an easy thing to fix. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation in bearded dragons. Most often seen in bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure. in Beardie health, Beardie info, Caresheet. Both are essential for your pet's body functions. Lethargy and weakness can be a sign of many potential health complications, and its no different with a calcium deficiency. Excessive calcium will lead to overdose and calcium can be unpalatable. Vitamin A supplements are often given presumptively to reptiles . These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Make sure your bearded dragon gets enough water. This is a very common sign of hypercalcemia and should be looked into by a vet right away. So its always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation. JavaScript is disabled. Which is better? Fluker's Repta Calcium. That is for you and your vet to determine. Hypercalcemia is seen in bearded dragons with excessive exposure to UVB light along with excessive oral supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3. Journal of Endocrinology: 64-81. Choose a powder that has a reputation for sticking to insects. Schmidt-Ukaj S., Hochleithner M., Richter B., Hochleithner C., Brandstetter D., Knotek Z. This can cause excessive thirst and frequent urination. Klaphake, E. (2010). In most cases, the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them. Nonetheless, it is important to identify the exact factors that contribute to the development of the disease. . While this isnt always a surefire sign that the problem is a calcium overdose, loss of appetite can be related to another issue. When there is too much calcium in the blood, the cells tend to lose water excessively, resulting in dehydration. Beta caroteneis a lot safer than Vitamin A because of the way your dragons body will absorb it. This can lead to an excess amount being created from the lighting situation. Bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms. Some bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their beardies too much calcium, but others dont realize that they need to provide calcium at all. Providing foods with vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3. There are a number, 11 Types Of Chameleons That Make The Best Pets, The Best Ways To Provide Them With Calcium, The Best Calcium Powders For Your Bearded Dragons, the best UVB light for your bearded dragon, variety is important when it comes to diet, Zoo Med Repti Calcium D3 Reptile Supplement, Do Bearded Dragons Like To Be Pet (And How To Pet Them), How To Tell If Your Turtle Is Dying: Signs & Causes, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mice? If you don't have a mercury vapor bulb (think of the REALLY strong, high-priced reptile bulbs, such as the . Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragon's blood is above the normal limit. Most commonly, the cause is a hard substrate such as sand, or chitin shells of insects that are too hard to digest, such as beetles or mealworms. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. The mixture is extremely fine which makes it easier to digest. One case where you may want to select a liquid supplement over a powder would be if your dragon steadily refuses to eat or finish her food. Each of them has vitamin D3 included (something that not all powders have) because its just a more straightforward and sensible way to approach supplementation. Note: The above-listed signs can also apply to other health complications in bearded dragons. The exact content of the bone meal tablets varies with manufacturer. There are a ton of different calcium powders you can use for your bearded dragon. Bearded Dragon Calcium Overdose. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Your pet bearded dragon needs sufficient calcium and vitamin D3 for its growth. Zoo Med is a fantastic company that has been providing high-quality products to the reptile community for quite a while. 14. Vitamin D and ultraviolet B radiation considerations for exotic pets. The amount of calcium in a supplement varies, but most contain around 100-500 mg of calcium. It's important to note that a bearded dragon's diet should always be supplemented with calcium, as it can't get enough from food alone. It could be anything even a neurological problem. I would back down on the calcium to once a day and see if it helps. Read on for more information on hypercalcemia, how to spot it, and how to prevent your dragon from getting it. A relatively newly recognized and highly malignant cancer is being seen more and more often in captive bearded dragons. You should also be measuring the amount of calcium in supplements they are getting in addition to foods that contain calcium. SO is it possible that that like 1 second twitch after every meal (thats the only abnormal thing i see, everything else is fine: he is active, poops daily, alert, and quick) isnt an overdose of d3 because i only had him 1week? Yes, you can overdose using D3 and vitamins. So it can be hard to gauge exactly how much calcium your dragon is eating based on diet alone. But for 3 days i used no calcium, to get most of it out of his system. Metabolic Bone Disease. Calcium. Bruce, H.M.; Parkes, A.S. 1950. Another thing to be wary of is the moisture content. Don't use any eardrops unless advised so by your vet. The symptoms can often be subtle that may appear to not be an issue, but in these rare cases, hypercalcemia can be very serious and lead to death. If you notice any signs of discomfort in your bearded dragon, it could be that they are in pain. Frances Baines (MRCVS). If the urates are not bright white and are of a different color then yes it is possible. Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? Pet dragons primarily get Vitamin D3 through proper UVB lighting in their tank as well as exposure to natural sunlight (this means exposure to natural sunlight outside, not necessarily through a window; its actually dangerous to keep your dragons tank by a window due to risk of burns). Ask your vet how much water is recommended for your bearded dragon's situation, and make sure the water bowl isn't too deep. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The nutritional demands of adults is 1.5:1 and in egg laying periods it reaches up to the level of 10:1. The 7th day use the vitamin and NO Calcium, Thx. Blood vitamin D3 metabolite concentrations of adult female bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) remain stable after ceasing UVb exposure. Therefore even if you must drive a long distance for a proper vet, itll be worth it in the end. You may notice some products on the market that contain both calcium and Vitamin D3. Metabolic bone disease. Hypercalcemia will result in your bearded dragon becoming sick and, in some cases, it is fatal. Why do we dust calcium? A survey of diseases in captive bearded dragons: a retrospective study of 529 patients. Stomatitis or Mouth Rot. If possible, consider dusting more docile insects like roaches instead of crickets. One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. Elsevier Health Sciences. Youll want a mix of each in order to maximize the health of these animals since they get their calcium from a variety in the wild. Dragons require high temperature for proper feed digestion so temperature of vivarium should be high enough to proper utilization of feed in intestine (heat lamps orlight generated heat source can be used as if needed) Should be given free access to water to avoid dehydration. If you have questions or would like to give feedback, please email us at[emailprotected]. Rickets and osteoporosis in Xenopus laevis. Remember, nothing beats natural exposure to sunlight even if only for a few hours a week. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. Bearded dragons cant metabolize calcium without vitamin D3. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. In a conversation on calcium, vitamin D cannot be left out. Is it necessary? If your dragon displays symptoms of hypercalcemia, it must be taken to a vet immediately. If these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die (although this is less common). In the wild, this species heavily uses UVB rays from the sun to fulfill this requirement. its just peristalsis that you are seeing. It can be very dangerous and potentially lead to death if left untreated. Its entirely possible for you to be giving your bearded dragon too much calcium without realizing it. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam. A pet bearded dragon requires calcium powder in his diet. We are not licensed veterinarians. In a way, it just boils down to preference. If you choose to do this, its best to ensure they are not getting any additional Vitamin A (unless your vet determines your dragon is seriously deficient in Vitamin A). We know tons of owners who swear by this powder, and weve had great success with it as well. Fluker's Repta Calcium with vitamin D3. Liquid supplements can be a little trickier because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which your dragon may not enjoy. The average bearded dragon's lifespan is 8-10 years, but the oldest ever recorded was 18 years old. Could that twitch be just a way of him digesting it? It may also be drooping down, and their beards may be black due to stress and discomfort. Foods like Romaine lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, chicory, escarole, and cilantro are all options we use often. Exo Terra Reptile Calcium with vitamin D3. So i want to see if i dont dust crickets for the next couple of days will he return to normal without that body twist/twitch for 1 second? The symptoms are very similar to hypercalcemia, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent. Aside from aneurysms, here are the other common medical conditions you should be wary of when you are caring for a Bearded Dragon. Toggle navigation. New and longtime owners alike often wonder if they are providing enough calcium for their pets. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. Avoid feeding them calcium-rich foods along with any calcium powder supplements. A diurnal lizard, bearded dragons are awake and active during the daytime. But after that, the information gets hard to find. MBD can be also caused by over supplementation with phosphorus (ratio of calcium : phosphorus in bearded dragon's diet is crucial and should be 2:1-2.5:1). After all, the bearded dragon diet should be omnivorous and should . Best calcium supplements with and without vitamin D3. Recently, I watched. Below is a list of the most common diseases in bearded dragons. This warms the bearded dragon while bathing, but does not cause itching or discomfort. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen. Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. But i dont use Herptivite with beta carotine. Youll want to ensure your beardie has a good basking spot and a place to get away and cool down. If your bearded dragon has stopped eating greens or perhaps never started then there are a few tricks you can put in place. Calcium is nothing to your dragon without Vitamin D3. Find out! It plays a huge role in their ability to grow and maintain bone health over time. Theyre already going to get eaten, so why make things worse for them? One of the most common ways this occurs is with a suboptimal light and habitat combination. Give them a light dusting and feed them. Yeates, J. Too much phosphorus or oxalates (oxalic acid) in the diet, Poor lighting, causing a Vitamin D3 deficiency. It cant be metabolic bone disease cuz i dust his crickets every meal which is twice a day every day. Proper temperatures in the tank are extremely important. Decide what foods and times you want to feed your dragon supplements. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) 10. Without enough calcium, your beardie will be prone to fractures from very light impacts or even handling. The tighter the mesh, the less UVB it will allow through. Resulting most frequently from a lack of calcium and/or Vitamin D3, MBD can be life threatening if left unattended. It has the quality of a more expensive powder, in a cheap package. Vitamin D3. Some tweaks to the bearded dragons diet that will help with getting calcium right are: Foods high in calcium that you can feed as part of a varied diet include: Foods with an inverse Ca:P ratio cannot always be avoided but some are higher than others and should be used with caution, if at all. This occurs when the body tissue surrounding the weak bones gets pulled tight in an attempt to fortify the bones resulting in tissue and muscle damage. (also known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or fibrous osteodystrophy) refers to several painful skeletal disorders that are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. That is for you and your vet to determine. It also helps prevent metabolic bone disease and keep your dragon healthy and happy. So this only leaves the calcium overdose. Too much calcium is bad for bearded dragons where there is an excess of vitamin D3. Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A; opt for beta carotene instead. Please chat with your veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified practitioners for information and advice on your specific subjects. Calcium supplementation is necessary for egg production . Bearded dragons are a very popular pet and many people bathe. The most susceptible to NSHP are: To protect your bearded dragon from the totally preventable disease nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, see the linked post by Dr Buchanan (DVM). If you make a change in the tank whether it's just taking a rock out, changing where the basking spots are, or switching . In fact, a lack of vitamin D3 or dietary calcium are sighted as the main 2 . Remember, kale is about 90 percent water. (2015) The Diet of Free-Roaming Australian Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Tail Rot. While a domesticated bearded dragon is more likely to live longer than a wild one, theyre still missing out on crucial nutrients for proper growth and development that they normally get from their natural habitat. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. Here are a few tips to combat this issue: Pro Tip: Your dragon may not eat her food if it's too heavily dusted, so it's best to keep it on the light side. Buying calcium powder both with and without cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Foods dusted with too much calcium will probably be refused. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. This diet is not necessarily good for the insects health. Thx, Too much calcium can be just as bad as too little. Of course, always check with your vet first, especially if your beardie is a rescue or if you notice any signs of illness (especially MBD). Metabolic bone disease (also known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or fibrous osteodystrophy) refers to several painful skeletal disorders that are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. Cuz i hear calcium overdose can lead to future complications Thx. The effects of Vitamin D overdose will include calcium deposits in joints and bones that shouldn't be there. They might develop tail rot as well. Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragons body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but its so easily preventable with. Not to mention that in the wild, bearded dragons are exposed to many more types of foodinsects and plantsthan they ever would be in a domestic setting, so they invariably consume more calcium on a regular basis than they do in captivity. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine,23(4), 369-379. Overdosing lowers the use of fat, protein and minerals like zinc, iodine, manganese, iron and phosphorus. I do give it daily baths. A healthy diet should consist of only five phosphorus meals and five calcium meals. Leafy greens are a great source of calcium for bearded dragons, especially the following options: Other foods that can boost your dragons calcium intake: Calcium and Vitamin D3 play an important role in your dragons overall health and wellness. Assuming you have too much of both, there are other serious issues that can arise in your bearded dragon. 1. I really hope that whichever one of these problems it is, itll be as simple enough as refraining from calcium dust for a couple days and ordering 1/4 inch crickets in bulk! In comparison, broccoli contains only about 47 mg of calcium, while spinach bears 99 mg of the mineral per 100 grams. The accumulation of calcium salts in arteries and veins can limit blood flow to critical organs such as the brain. Both are inversely related and negatively affect the level of each other. Understanding if bearded dragons like to be pet is important if youre interested in owning these lizards. Getting calcium for bearded dragons right is crucial for good health. The more I keep reading about the problems with the dying dragons' liver failures, etc. Create your own wipes to clean your bearded dragon's enclosure and furniture. Avoid mixing vitamins and calcium in the water. * If balanced with 0.6% phosphorus; requirements for altricial chicks like the parrot are unknown. One of the nice things about this product is that its super affordable. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. Calcium, alongside vitamin D3, is arguably the most essential nutrient to bearded . Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Lamps below 290 nm are of no use for bearded dragons. Thank you for the support! If you wish, you could also add in a secondary calcium supplement to your dragons feeding schedule, but it isnt necessarily something you have to do. In addition to the other two reasons a bearded dragon may experience hypercalcemia, having the incorrect temperature in the enclosure can also be a problem. When taking care of a pregnant bearded dragon, you must provide plenty of calcium. In addition, learn your dragons eating behaviors so that you can notice any changes that could lead to an underlying problem such as hypercalcemia. Refer to this post on how much light they need. This means you need to supplement these in order for your bearded dragon to remain healthy. Signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness and constipation.
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