What Is Metabolic Bone Disease In Iguanas?
The most common disease in Iguanas is Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD. It is caused by an imbalance of Vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus in the body. If the correct amounts of each of these factors are not incorporated together through a regulated diet and access to sunlight, then the bones and muscles will not be able to grow correctly. Early symptoms of MBD include hard swelling of the lower jaw, bumps along the vertebral column of the back and tail and hard lumps in the long bones of the legs. This will develop eventually into more noticeable signs such as shaking and tremors when standing or resting. Constipation and loss of appetite accompanied by the inability to climb are advanced signs. An extreme case would end up with the Iguana being paralysed. You should take your Iguana to see a reptile veterinarian if you are concerned that any of these symptoms are present.
