spine

txrepgirl · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 11:05 pm Post subject: spine

I'm worried

.Is it normal to feel the spine on my Tegu.You really can't see it but when I'm petting him I can feel his hole spine.I haven't noticed it before.I would check and see if I can feel it on my other Tegu,too,but he has been sleeping for two days now.

dpjm · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 12:37 am Post subject:

I just checked Ripper's back. He has fairly well developed musculature down his back, but it's less concentrated down the center over top of the spine, so I can feel the spine, but it's not very distinct. I would think this is the normal condition, so if this describes your tegu, there shouldn't be a problem. However, if you can clearly feel each vertebrae, then I might be concerned.

Here is an excerpt taken from Melissa Kaplan's website regarding metabolic bone disease:

"Signs of metabolic bone disease include hard knobs in the long bones of the legs, bumps along the vertebral column of the back and tail, bilateral softening or hard swelling of the lower jaw, and softening of the plastron or carapace. All of these signs may be felt before they can be seen, making a careful physical exam important. Visible signs of moderate to severe MBD include jerky gait when walking, repeated tremors and twitches in the limbs and muscles of the legs and toes when at rest, and shakiness when being held. (The occasional single myoclonic jerk that happens is not considered indicative of MBD.)"

I'm not saying that this is the problem, I'm just trying to present some possibilities. Another is that he may be underweight. Or there may be no problem at all. Take him to a vet and get him properly diagnosed. Good for you for being a concerned pet owner.

txrepgirl · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:21 am Post subject:

Thank you sooooooo much for your help.I can feel his spine just a little bit.Like if you would touch your own spine.No,he is not underweight

.He eats a lot and poops good,too.He is very calm when he lays on my chest or shoulder or on his log when he is basking.The only time I see him twitch is when he free roams in the room and I try to get him and pick him up ( when he wants to get a way from me).After I got him he is very calm again.I'm checking his jaw about ones a week.I do give him his vitamine and calcium powder every other day.Oh,I also felt some bones at the beginning of his tail.Like on us it would be the hips.

greentriple · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2007 7:59 pm Post subject:

All that sounds normal. He would look skinny before there'd be a problem with bones protruding at the spine or hips. Keep an eye on him if your concerned, but don't poke or prod him too much it's just going to annoy him. Remember what it was like when your kid was brand new, same thing.

txrepgirl · Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:30 am Post subject:

Thanks greentriple.I think ones you are a parent (kids or pets) you never stop worrying no matter how old they are

.