Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

Without medical care and concurrent changes in husbandry, reptiles with MBD usually die. The prognosis is better when signs are relatively mild and when the animal begins treatment early in the course of the disease. The prognosis for reptiles affected by MBD is largely dependent on the commitment the owner is willing to make with respect to time, veterinary care and education regarding the animal's needs. The environmental needs of some of these animals are considerable. See related articles for husbandry information.
Broken bones may be repaired surgically or with external splints, depending on the animal, its condition and the bone in question. When the bones are very soft they may not be strong enough to tolerate splinting or surgical repair until medical treatment restores at least some of the body's calcium deficit.
Reproductive or gastrointestinal associated problems may require specific medical or surgical intervention.

Seizures and paralysis related to low blood calcium are treated with injectable and then oral calcium. This form of MBD is often more difficult to treat and carries a guarded or relatively worse prognosis.
A hormone called Calcitonin, which prevents the removal of calcium from bones, is used in some cases, but is generally thought to be less effective in the long term than changes in husbandry.
Disease syndromes such as scoliosis may worsen as the animal grows and ages, and can lead to complications involving the nerves of the spinal column. Reptiles whose bone structure is altered by the disease, such as lizards with a rounded lower jaw or turtles with a misshapen shell, will not usually regain normal conformation.
Treatment is usually long term and may be life long. Follow-up veterinary visits are usually required, and may involve blood tests to assess changes in calcium and phosphorus levels and organ function, and radiographs to assess changes in bone density or fracture healing.
Some individuals will have such long standing disease that recovery will require months. Some will be so severely affected that they will be unable to attain an acceptable quality of life, no matter the quality and length of care they receive. Other pet reptiles will experience such severe consequences of MBD, such as a broken back, that they cannot reasonably be treated. Some animals will be too weak to withstand potentially life saving procedures, as in cases where anaesthesia is required. Individuals of certain species may be unable to cope with long term treatment, and in light of an already stressed immune system, may fail to respond to therapy. For such individuals, euthanasia may be the only fair choice.
MBD and its consequences can have life long effects, such as compromised kidney function and stunted growth. Constant attention will be necessary to the reptile's dietary and environmental needs.