A tegu can not have MBD, eh?

herp_haven · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:30 pm Post subject: A tegu can not have MBD, eh?

What are these muscle spasms that I just now witnessed with Loki? This is the first time I have seen it. I have him under the mercury vapor bulbs now, and the twitching stopped. I believe that he is going to remain under this UVB... That scared the living crap out of me.

Brisamen · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 4:18 pm Post subject:

sounds like MBD to me...and why wouldnt he be able to get that?
But did it stop emidiatly or...?
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herp_haven · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 5:47 pm Post subject:

I was reading a discussion on the forums where people were saying they have never seen a tegu with MBD.

The twitching has gotten better, but I just noticed it again when I got home. I think a vet visit is in order?

Rick · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 6:48 pm Post subject:

A vet could take a X-ray and see if it is indeed MBD.

I stated in a different thread that I have never personally seen MBD in a tegu, but I have seen it in bearded dragons and iguanas. The fact that I have never seen it does not in any way mean that it is not possible. I think someone (Jane?) stated that she has seen warning signs of UVB in tegus. I would personally never keep a tegu, iquana or such without UVB just because it's a cheap precaution.

If the twitching just started I would make sure it is getting D3 dusted on it's insects and being fed a rodent diet. I'd also make sure it had exposure to UVB lighting and that it was placed within the specified distance based on the bulb used.

If it continues for more then a night or two I would go to a vet just to make sure.

Rick
theTegu.com

herp_haven · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:02 pm Post subject:

Thanks Rick. I'll do that.

James_James · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:31 pm Post subject: UVB

Just another example of why why youngsters to young adults, should be supplied with a source of UVB! Any lizard is capable of developeing MBD.

jiffypop · Member Joined: Jan 12, 2005 Posts: 35 Location: Michigan

You might want to dust his food with a calcium supplement with D3 for a while just to give his system a boost. Glad you caught it early. A vet visit may be in order if you don't see a vast improvement in a few days. Keep that MV lamp on Loki too. Good catch!!
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herp_haven · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 8:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the help. I'm glad I pay close attention to all of my reptiles. I usually catch illnesses fairly quick, when they do occur. Loki will be better in no time. =)

Brisamen · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:50 am Post subject:

Hope he will be fine in no time.
And I can't keep wondering that, if its neccecery in youngsters then why wouldn't it be in adults? They may not grow anymore but they need their cals and vit just the same...just to keep being a happy healthy tegu..
I'm not that up to date about what bones do in a body ones its fully grown but the rest will be renewed every ones in a while...Just like your own skin for example.
Every 7 years you will have a completely new skin, not all at ones ofcourse. It takes 7 years to change old for new.
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jiffypop · Member Joined: Jan 12, 2005 Posts: 35 Location: Michigan

I'm not convinced that adults don't need some UVB either. That is why, when I switch out the 6-8 month old UVB lights for new ones, the old ones go to the adult Tegus. It may not be a lot of UVB from those old lights but they are getting some.
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Rick · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:59 am Post subject:

The way I look at it, a young tegu does alot of rapid growing, so the effects of a deficiency is likely to show up quickly and in an adult that is grown and only aging now, it needs the same vit/calc in it's body but a deficiency in them will take a longer time to show up.

I keep UVB on ALL of my reptiles, minus the geckos, but including my snapping turtles.

Rick
theTegu.com

Brisamen · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject:

Thats what I was thinking Rick.
Would be petty to have a uvb bulp up for the young tegu and get it to adult in a healthy way then when it finally is healthy take the bulb away and let it get sick a bit at a time..
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0.1.0 T.merianae
1.0.0 Testudo horsfieldii
1.0.0 Stenodactylus sthenodactylus
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0.0.1 Geocholone elegans
0.0.1 Python regius
2.0.0 Mustela Putorius Furo
0.1.0 Bouvier des flandres

herp_haven · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:02 pm Post subject:

^^ This is a good discussion.

Just a little update. It's about 3pm and I haven't seen him get the shakes yet today, which is great news. He usually eats later on in the day though, but I am going to make sure he gets his calcium/vitamins. I felt so bad for him yesterday... I still do. =\ I'm a bad mom!

John · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:08 pm Post subject:

What does his main diet consist of? If it's insects then UV and supplements are needed without a doubt!
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herp_haven · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 7:12 pm Post subject:

He eats hoppers, ground turkey, crickets, and roaches. worms and eggs as treats.

I think that at least some UVB is needed for tegus. I already see a great improvement in him with the light.