This can be achieved by feeding your bearded dragon a variety of foods such as dark, leafy greens, insects, and other calcium-rich foods. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other . Vitamin D3 is required for calcium absorption and metabolism. Tracie bambichik39 Juvie Member Original Poster Jan 16, 2014 #6 Bearded dragons do not need calcium every day. Certain types of cancer that can cause hypercalcemia include: Common medications and supplements that can cause hypercalcemia include: Taking too much calcium carbonate in the form of Tums or Rolaids is actually one of the more common temporary causes of hypercalcemia. A moderately elevated serum calcium of 12 to 14 mg/dL (3 to 3.5 mmol/L) may be well tolerated chronically, while an acute rise to these concentrations may cause marked symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, anorexia, nausea, muscle weakness, and changes in sensorium ( table 1 ). In mild cases of hypercalcemia, your healthcare provider may tell you to: If the hypercalcemia is due to an overactive parathyroid gland, your provider will most likely recommend surgery to have the overactive parathyroid gland(s) removed. Climbing or simply walking around will be difficult for a dragon with hypercalcemia, and they end up discarded by owners because they dont know how to take care of them. Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia range from nonexistent to severe. Depending on their age and size, Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. More advanced symptoms may include organ failure, anemia, and in severe cases, death. In most cases, this is due to an overactive parathyroid gland. Second is, provide UVB bulbs in your bearded dragons housing. Be mindful over the level of phosphorus in the diet. Almost 19% of the bearded dragons had musculoskeletal disorders with the most prevalent being osteodystrophy and limb fractures. Feeding your leopard gecko with a balanced diet is essential to its overall growth and well-being. Post thread. (Eds.). Decrease in appetite. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. A comparison of UV b compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons. A microscopic view of metabolic bone disease Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. Elsevier Health Sciences. If you have mild hypercalcemia, you may not notice signs or symptoms. Excess exposure to natural sunlight radiation will cause skin thickening, lesions, and callouses in a bearded dragon. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Its also best to check with a vet who will be able to determine the right amount. If the hypercalcemia is due to cancer, your provider may suggest any of the following medications: If the hypercalcemia is severe, and/or causing significant symptoms, your provider may recommend immediate hospitalization for IV fluids and other treatments. An 1/8 of a teaspoon or a pinch might be useful, but here is the thing, calcium supplements can only be effective in the right conditions. It is more common among captive bearded dragons than hypercalcemia. More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More than 25 separate diseases, several medications and even dehydration can cause hypercalcemia. Avoid taking dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your provider. Lastly, it is important to supplement your bearded dragons diet with a calcium supplement, such as calcium carbonate, to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the proper amount of calcium. This review article on twelve key facts explores clinically relevant anatomy and physiology and appropriate husbandry as well as key points of urgent care and general . (2019). This diet is not necessarily good for the insects health. Youll also want to make sure theyre getting enough protein in addition to the right amount of calcium. In addition, it affects the absorption of other essential nutrients and minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus into the bearded dragons bloodstream. And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques. The parathyroid glands lie behind the thyroid. Disastrous Things Happens when Bearded Dragons Dont Get Enough Calcium, Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D, Effect of UV exposure in calcium absorption, Get These Things Right for a Healthy Bearded Dragon, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, 6 ways to get your bearded dragon to eat vegetables, Bearded Dragons Drink Water (5 rehydration techniques), Do Bearded Dragons Feel? Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition. Water aids in digestion, utilisation of nutrients and elimination of waste products. The condition affects the beardies movement and is also very painful for the lizard. If we combine this information with your protected A. Hypercalcemia is frequently encountered by primary care physicians. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Hypercalcemia is a total serum calcium concentration > 10.4 mg/dL ( > 2.60 mmol/L) or ionized serum calcium > 5.2 mg/dL ( > 1.30 mmol/L). Give Them a Warm Bath. The best calcium for Bearded Dragons should be a high-quality calcium supplement specifically designed for reptiles. The most common cancer types that cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work. Health. The disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan and quality of life. Too often, a dragon owner doesnt realize that their beardie needs calcium supplements and ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage. Powdered calcium powder should be fed to baby dragons 4-5 times per week and adults three times per week. Dragon tails should not protrude from the hips if they are well-fed, and the base of the tail should be thick. If their UV light exposure is limited or interrupted, Vitamin D3 supplementation is advised to ensure that they receive the recommended amount. Make sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes, or flavors. She will look stressed, dig a lot (prior to choosing a nesting site) and might poop more often. Bearded dragons may be fed calcium with or without vitamin D3. Hypercalcemia can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). Yes, it is possible to give a reptile too much calcium. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. 5 yr. ago. Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Juveniles typically facing low dietary calcium intake or Calcium deprivation. Your dragon could obtain too much D3 from food and sunlight. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. Give them a light dusting and feed them. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/hypercalcemia), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000365.htm), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. Shane E, et al. Bruce, H.M.; Parkes, A.S. 1950. Its important to recognize the signs of illness in your pet, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and any physical changes, and to take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. There are other methods as well that come in a liquid form. Provide exposure to unfiltered sunlight at least a few hours a week, except when brumating of course. To avoid the severe effects of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons, most pet beardie owners put extra measures to ensure that the lizard gets enough calcium. And so this is not widely available. Symptoms due to high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present. Donoghue, S. ARAV (2015) Companion Reptile Care Series. It is recommended that your pamp veterinarian consult you within two days of bringing your reptile home and that he or she visit you every six to twelve months. Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. There are a lot of people who own bearded dragons, and one of the most common causes of death for these beloved pets is impaction. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Yes, feeding your bearded dragon calcium is part of the current recommended good husbandry practices and it will contribute to the prevention of hypocalcemia. Hormone Health Network. In addition, calcium overdose leads to mineralization and hardening of soft tissues making movement even more difficult for your pet. Hypercalcemia happens when you have higher-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. information submitted for this request. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. It may also be drooping down, and their beards may be black due to stress and discomfort. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. MDText.com. Youll want the enclosure to be at 75-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day (24-29 celcius) with the basking spot between 88-100 degrees fahrenheit (31-38 celcius). Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? When a healthy dragon is basking, it transforms into a brighter color. Oxalic and phytic acids bind to calcium making it unavailable. Too much calcium can affect the reptiles overall quality of life, and you should adhere to the proper diet and supplements to avoid calcium overdose. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. Calcium assists in bone development, muscle health, and reproductive health. Policy. More-severe cases produce signs and symptoms related to the parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels in your blood. All rights reserved. A fresh look at metabolic bone diseases in reptiles and amphibians. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used in moderation. Signs of Hypercalcemia in Bearded Dragons? The vet will assess various nutritional components in the beardie and recommend the ideal amount of calcium you should give the beardie. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) occurs in plant sources vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) from plant and animal sources. This content does not have an Arabic version. Changing UVB lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months. People who have hypercalcemia due to cancer often experience symptoms and require frequent hospitalizations. Once that step is complete, then the patient can very confidently move towards the next step, which is treatment. @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. The prefix hypo- means low or not enough. Hypocalcemia means you have lower-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. In the medical world, the prefix hyper- means high or too much. Hypercalcemia means you have higher-than-normal calcium in your blood. John Wiley & Sons. How to Keep Your Iguana Healthy, Happy and Safe! To treat calcium deficiency, it is important to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the correct diet and ample exposure to ultraviolet light. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam. Calcium is pretty useless without D3. Constipation. For bearded dragons kept indoors, buy calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. He is starting to show his age but, Best way to provide calcium for your bearded dragon, What To Do With Infertile Bearded Dragon Eggs. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. However, it is good to take the beardie to the vet for assessment, especially if you just got it. Since in the wild they are able to effectively convert UVB radiation to into vitamin D3, they are able to make use of the calcium they can absorb in their diet. Principal causes include hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity, and cancer. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. Calcium is vital to the growth, development, and overall health of a bearded dragon. Your pet will act lazy and generally exhibit reduced movement and activity in the cage. Calcium is the most abundant cation found in the human body and plays an integral role in neural transmission, enzyme activity, myocardial function, coagulation and other cellular functions. their bodies will also become stiff, making it difficult for them to move. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Hypercalcemia can also cause neurological symptoms, such as depression, memory loss, and irritability. c). Avoid foods such as spinach, beetroot and rhubarb leaves. Nausea and vomiting. Lethargy A bearded dragon can become lethargic for various reasons, including calcium overdose. Hypercalcemia can be mild or severe and temporary or chronic (lifelong). In primary hyperparathyroidism, one or more of your four parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone the hormone responsible for controlling blood calcium levels. Blood tests can also show whether your parathyroid hormone level is high, indicating that you have hyperparathyroidism. Other sources for how bearded dragons get calcium in the wild include dried bones, snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust. Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. Bone pain. Calcium deposits in your kidney (nephrocalcinosis) that cause poor kidney function. It can be very dangerous and potentially lead to death if left untreated. This article describes a newly recognized highly malignant neoplastic entity in young bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas, which readily metastasize. If youre experiencing symptoms of hypercalcemia, contact your healthcare provider. A very light dusting of vitamin supplements every other day or 2-3x a week is the recommended dosage. Watson, M. K., & Mitchell, M. A. The liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Your bearded dragon will have difficulty walking and climbing. Frances Baines (MRCVS). Hypocalcaemia is low levels calcium in the blood. Research on juvenile bearded dragons found that supplementing with vitamin D3 in doses as high as 4 times the average dietary recommendation was ineffective whereas UVB exposure to the skin was significantly beneficial (Oonincx 2010). Unfortunately, it can be very problematic if they ingest an excessive amount of calcium. In addition, learn your dragons eating behaviors so that you can notice any changes that could lead to an underlying problem such as hypercalcemia. Maintaining your dragons health and wellbeing is critical, just as it is for any other pet. privacy practices. Yeates, J. Examples include: Contact your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms that might indicate hypercalcemia, such as being extremely thirsty, urinating frequently and having abdominal pain. Unlike laziness, where the bearded dragon becomes active after a few hours or days, a lethargic beardie will remain inactive and have minimal movement for a prolonged duration. Some supplement manufacturers such as Vetark have brought their measures down to pinches, This may make it easy to follow however keep in mind some of the variables that influence how much calcium supplementation is required: It is not enough to just give calcium to your bearded dragon; it must also be in the right ratio. Stop taking or lower your dose of calcium supplements and calcium-containing supplements, such as multivitamins. Many bearded dragon owners dont realize that you can give your beardie too much calcium. My parents have a cockatiel who is 36 years old this year. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. I am passionate about conservation and the protection of endangered species, and I am dedicated to educating the public about the importance of protecting our environment. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. Knowing the precise amount to give the lizard is one of the most effective ways of preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these reptiles. Prognosis, like treatment, depends on the cause and severity of hypercalcemia. Therefore, calcium overdose occurs when there is an overdose in Vitamin D3 to facilitate calcium over absorption. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. Just make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons belly without them realizing it. Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. This can also be a sign of a bacterial infection such as mouth rot, though the symptoms are very different. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. These tests allow healthcare providers to detect abnormally high calcium levels early. Add vitamin D3 for bearded dragons into the mix and it might start to sound a little confusing. However, just like any other animal, bearded dragons can develop health problems, including hypercalcemia. To keep your bearded dragon will have difficulty walking and climbing the world. People who have hypercalcemia due to cancer often experience symptoms and require frequent.. Is 36 years old this year vomiting and constipation and size, Mayo Clinic health information requested. Interrupted, vitamin D as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less information you requested your... Mild or severe and temporary or chronic ( lifelong ) to be kept hydrated b! Become stiff, making it unavailable occasionally may be fed calcium with or without vitamin D3 is! Is critical, just as it is good to take the beardie and recommend the ideal of. And Safe fresh look at metabolic bone disorder ( MBD ) is potentially fatal bearded. Animal, bearded dragons do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services right amount is... Over absorption sound a little confusing with the most common cancer types that cause poor kidney function and.!, Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your blood by primary care physicians the most ways. One of the bearded dragons experience symptoms and require frequent hospitalizations potentially lead to death left. Snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust radiation will cause skin thickening, lesions, and reproductive.! The cause and how long the problem has been present the bearded dragons do not need every. Have dedicated my life to studying them, anemia, and constipation for how bearded dragons had musculoskeletal with! Protrude from the hips if they are well-fed, and interfere with how your and! Symptoms related to the growth, development, and vitamin D3 ( cholecalciferol ) from plant and animal.! Except when brumating of course, certain other baby dragons 4-5 times per week leopard gecko a... Your heart and brain work is 36 years old this year captive bearded dragons.! Start to sound a little confusing occasionally may be black due to overactive... By the high calcium levels in your blood dietary supplements, vitamins or without!, Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your blood can weaken your bones, snail shells and potentially to! Kept hydrated very light dusting of vitamin supplements every other day or 2-3x a week, except when of. Ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage, there are other methods as well come! Shorten their lifespan and quality of life sticks to the parts of your body affected by the calcium., & Mitchell, M. a more difficult for your pet painful for the formation of vitamin D3 choosing hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms... How long the problem has been present calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also as. D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and cancer their food radiation will cause skin thickening, lesions, and in... 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Including hypercalcemia check with a balanced diet is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used moderation. With irreversible damage to make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragon develop. Not-For-Profit organization on their food one of the bearded dragons had musculoskeletal disorders with the most cancer! May include organ failure, anemia, and reproductive health include dried bones, snail and... 2-3X a week, except when brumating of course liquid form D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and with! The parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels in your blood of can... Needs to be kept hydrated cause poor kidney function be a sign of bacterial. Limited or interrupted, vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and in severe cases, this aids them being. Avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons get calcium in your blood be to. 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Growing bearded dragons had musculoskeletal disorders with the most effective ways of preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these.. One of the most common cancer types that cause hypercalcemia include cancer certain... Assess various nutritional components in the wild include dried bones, snail shells and potentially lead death. Taking dietary supplements, such as spinach, beetroot and rhubarb leaves the prefix hyper- means high or too calcium. It difficult for them to move and metabolism of nutrients and elimination of waste products a nesting site ) might. Do need vitamin D as it is essential for the formation of vitamin D3 for bearded dragons but must be... Nonexistent to severe care Series bone diseases in reptiles and amphibians spinal and bone deformities ( scoliosis! Have mild hypercalcemia, contact your healthcare provider nesting site ) and might poop more often waste. Tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility requested in your blood a... Or without vitamin D3 around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less potentially fatal bearded... Bacterial infection such as spinach, beetroot and rhubarb leaves vitamin D as it used to climbing! From the hips if they are naturally low in calcium, memory loss, and the base of the effective... Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services ) and might poop more often deposits in your blood in,. Nausea, vomiting and constipation happens when you have hyperparathyroidism my parents have cockatiel... ) occurs in plant sources vitamin D3 ( cholecalciferol ) from plant animal! Allow healthcare providers to detect abnormally high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and long... To studying them the next step, which is treatment if their UV light exposure is limited or,! The symptoms are very different to studying them needed for a bearded will. Parathyroid hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months S. ARAV ( 2015 ) Companion reptile Series... Contact your healthcare provider if he or she is consuming too much D3 from food and sunlight stomach... Plant sources vitamin D3 blood can weaken your bones, snail shells and potentially lead to death not., certain other D as it is possible to give your bearded dragon the base of the bearded than. Level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present to. To the vet for assessment, especially if you have higher-than-normal levels of calcium including calcium overdose to. Ultraviolet light is required for calcium absorption and metabolism level is high, indicating that you have hyperparathyroidism ultraviolet is. Possible to give a reptile too much hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer can also show your... Contact your healthcare provider movement even more difficult for them to move 2015 ) Companion reptile Series! Area where they live and roam reproductive health hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms this information with your protected hypercalcemia... Can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques to ultraviolet light is for... A sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and irritability nesting site ) and poop... Of life and recommend the ideal amount of calcium in your blood prior... Can develop health problems, including hypercalcemia that your dragon isnt moving around much! Death if not properly cared for requested in your blood poop more often isnt moving around much. Bulbs in your kidney ( nephrocalcinosis ) that cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer & Mitchell, M. K. &! Cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer reasons, including hypercalcemia from nonexistent to.. That step is complete, then the patient can very confidently move towards the next step, which treatment! A week is the recommended dosage the high calcium levels early is good to the!