Metabolic Bone Disease in Bearded Dragons

Today we discuss Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) as seen in bearded dragons. This video covers what causes MBD, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

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[jennivamp]

I was out at the park the other day on one of the first properly sunny days of the year and there was a boy there with his bearded dragon, both enjoying the sun ☺️ it was great to see.

[katherynedarrah]

One thing I've found with the 6 month bulbs is that the actual light itself lasts for roughly another 6 months. So I have 2 fixtures. One is a UVB bulb that gives off UVB, the other is the pervious bulb just for lighting.

[katherynedarrah]

Another tip, especially if you get a dragon + enclosure from someone else, and something I do no matter what: change the UVB bulb as soon as you get it!

[bentclaw]

The zoo I used to volunteer at in Denver has a lioness with MBD, she was kept as a private pet when she was a cub and not fed properly. She's doing great now though! Her growth is stunted but she is more athletic than anyone predicted.

[TheWolphren]

As an exotic animal vet, I approve this message. Another helpful hint. If you purchase a UV meter you can measure your bulbs to try to sneak out a few more months. But you have to measure, otherwise you may miss when the uv part of the bulb fails.

[jyek]

I got a “ubv” light at a pet shop and the person was reassuring me that it was the right one for a bearded dragon. But it turns out it was literally just a normal light. Luckily we found out pretty soon. Never going to that pet shop again

[SeattleSeaDragon]

So heartbreaking to see a dragon that can't run the way the love. MBD is no joke

[ChristineMung]

I was just at your facility my name is Chrissy and I just want to thank you for the wonderful experience and all of your kindness. You are genuinely the kindest person I’ve ever met in my entire life and I think that I will forever remember this vacation

[gretaland]

You have helped me get over my fear of reptiles! Not only that but also get one of my own! ❤️

[axoticgeckos]

I love how SD is that type of youtuber who will mention/shoutout someone or a website if they are really good! And not only shoutout them if they are a sponsor, SD is so whole hearted and they make amazing videos! So glad you made this, people really need to learn about this! Keep up the great work!

[eclipsee]

Thank you for this video. I actually just got a baby bearded 5 days ago so I appreciate any information so I can do my best for the little guy.

[darkroseofshadow]

Can we get a care guide about bearded dragons? Both juvenile and adult, and even how to do the switch in the diet percentage? I'd love to have a video like that on hand from snake discovery! 💕

[jpolowin]

Yes, both oxalates and phosphates react instantly with calcium to form highly insoluble compounds. That effectively makes the calcium biologically unavailable, if they're eaten together.

Calcium phosphate is apatite, the mineral that forms the basis of teeth. They're pretty obviously highly resistant to dissolving except under extreme conditions. Calcium oxalate crystals are one of the most common forms of kidney stones -- again, highly insoluble. If one consumes a diet rich in oxalates, the oxalates can circulate in the body, and essentially absorb calcium from the tissues.

[Kamirose.]

Just a note of caution regarding bringing your small-medium reptiles outside for UVB, please be extra careful if you live somewhere with birds of prey. I've heard a lot of horror stories about reptiles and even small dogs being carried off by hawks.

[_.-._.-.]

Goober head is MASSIVE, I hope that wonderful chonky boy is able to get the surgery he needs. Dragons are such loving pets, my sister had hers for around 12 years before he had to be put down. He was such a lovely and tolerant boy, and loved laying on the pavement on our porch when it was sunny :)

[kaelplatt]

I saw these babies when I visited on Friday! Poor things :( I wanted to adopt them both immediately but my landlord would hate me. If they're still available by the time that I buy a house I'm 100% coming for them <3
I had a beardie for YEARS from a hatchling well into their adult age. It's not hard to keep them happy and healthy!! So sad to see these babies like this :(

[selinadudley]

I'm so glad u guys made this video. I lost my first baby beardie to mbd. I had gotten her from a large chain pet store, bc I didn't know any better at that time, & the vet i had taken her to said it wasn't anything i had done wrong. It broke my heart losing her. It's so important that they have proper care from day one. Now I have an adult who is happy & healthy. She's my baby. 🥰

[thelifeofbillandstew]

To Emily and Ed

Thank you guys so much for making these videos you’ve help me through a lot over the years and even though I can’t get a pet snake or lizard because my mom and sister have an irrational fear just watching your videos and seeing how much you two and all of your staff love your animals reassures me about not being able to get a reptile so thank you so much.

Also everyone would like to see more Sharon videos

[spoopy]

a great way to tell is to watch for yellowing on the bulb base. they tend to turn yellow over time so once you see that yellowing start, it’s definitely time to change!
a great product to see if you need to change your UVB bulbs is to use a UV test/sensor card or UV emitter sensor. the cards turn purple if UV is still being emitted. the sensor emitter will cost a little more but can give you a an exact UV rating.
checking once a month is a good idea, most cards can be used 500 times and are less than $10USD.
using both these methods together is almost a fool proof way to make sure your animal always has proper UVB lighting.

[comitlight]

This was honestly difficult to watch. When I first got my Beardie, this was my biggest fear especially after she laid her first clutch of eggs. Luckily, I did my research and she didn't get sick at all. I'm glad you made this vid, tho. It helped me relieve some of my worries and that I was doing everything I can for her to keep her healthy.