How to spot metabolic bone disease in chameleons (before it’s too late)

Just like us humans, chameleons also have certain requirements to grow and develop healthily. These requirements include supplements and proper diet along with the proper environmental conditions, without which, they get prone to getting diseases that sometimes are hard to detect and even end up being fatal. One of such disease is the metabolic bone disease in chameleons get which makes it very difficult for them to live a healthy life. Therefore, it is important to keep a check on all the resources that we provide our chameleon pets in captive so that they do not get any disease that could be
a result of deficiency of any sort.

With this article, we aim to provide you an insight on how common the metabolic bone disease is in captive and how you can spot metabolic bone disease in chameleons before it’s too late.

Metabolic Bone disease: A Silent Killer

A lot many chameleon pet owners are unaware how common the metabolic bone disease is for chameleons and how easy it is for chameleons to become a prey to that. Many chameleons in the wild also become prey to this disease but there is no statistical report of that however, out of all the diseases that happen in captive, metabolic bone disease in chameleons are very easy to catch and if it is not spotted and treated with immediate effect, can also turn out to be fatal.

Metabolic bone disease or MBD is not just one particular disease rather is a group of diseases that affects the skeletal and metabolic systems of reptiles and not just chameleons. MBD is a result of insufficient nutrients and therefore is also referred to as Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) in many cases. Understanding why it is much more common in captives is really important since MBD is highly preventable and even curable if detected on time.

MBD is usually a result of a deficiency of calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin D3 more majorly than other vitamins. Now these vitamins go hand in hand since just providing with calcium and no Vitamin D3 will cause calcium to not get absorbed in the body and therefore being discarded by the end of the day. MBD is a progressive disease and not just appears in one day. MBD shows starting signs of warning and can be treated and healed from completely too. Many of the chameleon breeds such as veiled chameleons and panther chameleons are common host of these disease so its important to stay aware and vigilant.

Early Signs of Metabolic Bone Disease in Chameleons (Don’t Ignore These)

As mentioned previously, the metabolic bone disease is a progressive condition which means that it worsens over time and can also lead to irreversible damage or even death. Since the disease not just involves the skeletal system but also the metabolic system, its important to understand the basic and the first signs of problem so that it can be detected and treated on time before it becomes a bigger issue. Now these warning signs are basically very subtle and are easy to ignore too but it is crucial to pay attention to them and see a vet immediately if you suspect these are signs of MBD-

• Reduced Appetite– One of the first signs if your chameleon is having any issue at all is that they display very less interest in the food that they are offered and even in their favourite insect. They will have very less appetite and will only eat when they are on the verge of starvation. In case of MBD, this happens because the chameleon is in discomfort from jaw pain or is suffering from muscle weakness too, which can result in less energy and interest in food.

• Weak Grip and Limb Curvature– The next most crucial sign of a metabolic bone disease in chameleons is that you can notice a subtle limb curvature that is not normal or was not there previously. You might also notice that your chameleon is having some problems in climbing and is having a weak grip because of which, its usual activities are not going as they should. Again this is because of muscle tremors and decreased neuromuscular control as well as less skeletal control. Low calcium levels affect nerve and muscle control while vitamin D3 affects the bones.

• Jaw Softness or Puffiness– Gently check your chameleon’s jawline. A soft, flexible lower jaw, sometimes called “rubber jaw,” is an early sign of trouble. You might also see puffiness around the mouth or face. These signs show that the bones are starting to lose density because of a lack of calcium.

• Muscle Tremors or Twitching– The next warning sign you may see is muscle tremors or twitching. Now this is not very apparent until you interact with your pet chameleon. For these signs to appear, you will have to notice your pet and then you might be able to see their legs trembling or muscle spasm and they might be very subtle and mild in the beginning so it can often be missed to be spotted.

• Lethargy or Unusual Resting Behavior– Now this comes from the lack of appetite as well since the chameleon is not interested in food and does not feel hungry, it lacks all the necessary resources it needs for its body to function. As a result of which, the chameleon is going to act lethargic and will rest more to preserve the remaining energy and to ease the pain and discomfort too.

Advanced Signs of Metabolic Bone Disease In Chameleons (When It’s Nearly Too Late)

As the early signs become visible, it is recommended to see a vet immediately before it gets too late. Now the signs that were subtle and mild, if left ignored and undetected can become huge and can cause permanent deformity or even death. At this point, the skeletal system is significantly damaged. Muscles can’t function properly, and internal systems start to fail. These serious signs cause pain and disability, and they usually can’t be fixed. However, emergency veterinary care might still help stabilize the condition.

You can see that your pet now has visible deformities, the ones that can be spotted from far. Curved legs and bowed spine or tail are often the visible when MBD becomes huge in chameleons. You will also notice swollen limbs and will figure out that your pet is in much pain very obviously. At this point even walking, crawling and climbing will become a task for them and may even lead to fractures. Loss of limb function happens due to which frequent fractures happen and inability to crawl or climb happens as well.

The lower jaw of the chameleon becomes as soft as a rubber which prevents itself from staying in shape. As a result of which, the chameleon can no longer chew or hunt for preys and has to keep itself hungry. Because of the neuromuscular dysfunction, seizures and paralysis as well can happen in the last before the pet might actually succumb to the disease. Therefore, it is important to see the vet immediately when the first sign of illness begins.

How to Prevent Metabolic Bone Disease in Chameleons?

Now that we know how much our pets have to suffer because of the metabolic bone disease, it is our responsibility to also understand, how this disease can be prevented from happening in the first place. Since the disease is a result of deficiency, proper diet and supplements are a must. If the chameleon is getting proper diet, supplements and proper environment to grow in, it is near to impossible for the chameleon to get MBD.

1. Proper Diet– A proper diet is a must to prevent any sort of disease in chameleons. Chameleons can have a deficiency of any vitamin such as calcium, vitamin A and Vitamin D, and it is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide them with good quality food such as insects and gut load them before offering them to your pet. This can help prevent metabolic bone disease in chameleons.
2. Supplement– Supplements are extremely important to keep your pet healthy and keep them functioning and growing. There are supplements available for all reptiles and are also affordable. Along with supplements its important to follow a proper routine and maintain a chart of when and how much supplement you have already given and how much you will give the next time and when.
3. UVB Lighting– Another crucial step towards ensuring a healthy pet is installing a good quality UVB light. In captive, these UVB lightings are the ones that suffice for the Vitamin D requirements of your pet and also helps a chameleon to absorb calcium.
4. Maintaining the Right Environment– For your pet to be happy and healthy, it is important to ensure a proper and safe environment. Keep a check on the temperature and humidity index and adjust it accordingly. Try to provide your pet as safe and comfortable environment as you can and also to keep it close to the nature.

Since the Metabolic Bone Disease in chameleons is preventable and curable if caught on time, it is recommended you take your pet for regular checkups and keep a check on the environment so that your pet can go on to live long and healthy.