Metabolic Bone Disease in Iguanas

Metabolic bone disease is a term used to describe various conditions that cause bone deformities in iguanas. Iguanas in the wild never suffer from this condition. It almost always occurs because of improper care by the owner.

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Causes

DISEASE

This disease can be caused by one or more factors. The most common is a lack of calcium in the diet. When your iguana doesn't get enough calcium, his body will start leeching it from the bones. This leads to dramatic softening leaving your iguana very susceptible to fractures.

Metabolic bone disease can also result when there is an improper calcium to phosphorus ratio in the diet. Another common cause is not enough exposure to UVA and UVB. Iguanas need this light to manufacture their own vitamin D, which is essential for calcium metabolism. Other common causes include improper temperatures in the enclosure and diseases which cause a hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms

One of the first signs of metabolic bone disease isn't visible. If you feel the lower jaw bone, it will feel spongy or soft. It may also start to swell and make it difficult for your iguana to eat. This usually leads to loss of appetite. Your iguana's thinning bones will also cause him to suffer easily broken bones.

As the disease progresses, he may start experiencing episodes of twitching and tremoring. This usually occurs in the muscles of the toes and legs. He will also likely develop a jerky gait that you can easily notice when he walks.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. The good news is that metabolic bone disease in iguanas can usually be treated when detected early. If your iguana has suffered any broken bones, they will need to be allowed to heal. If calcium deficiency is the underlying cause, then a strong calcium supplement may be prescribed. Other causes resulting from improper care will also need to be remedied to treat the disease.

Metabolic Bone Disease in Iguanas

DISEASE

Metabolic Liver Disease

The primary function of your liver in your body is to regulate your metabolism. Without the liver, you will not be able to metabolize your intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It accomplishes this function by working closely with your other systems such as you lymphatic system, circulatory system, as and endocrine system. In order for your liver to metabolize the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in your body, it must be healthy and free of any diseases.

liver disease

Bile Production

DISEASE

Your liver produces and secretes a product called bile. This is what makes it possible for your liver to metabolize your intake of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This fluid is a very important presence in your body due to the fact that it aids in the elimination of contaminants in your body, such as drugs. The bile system is also responsible for re-circulating your red blood cells.

Failure to Produce Bile

It is possible for a type of liver disease to cause the liver to stop the secretion of bile. When this happens, the liver loses the capability to metabolize the fats, carbohydrate, and proteins.

The only way fats can be absorbed into your blood system is if bile is present. This is why it would be impossible for your body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins without bile. These vitamins, such as vitamins A, K, D, and E, are essential for your liver to function properly. Without bile present in your system, your body will not be able to absorb and metabolize these vitamins.

Red Blood Cell System

Another important function the liver performs is that it cleanses your body from the damaged, or old, red blood cells. The liver will also store iron in your body, as well as breakdown hemoglobin. This is the reason why many people who suffer from liver disease may suffer from anemia. Along with the spleen, the liver stores blood. Therefore, in case of blood loss severe enough to threaten your life, the liver will expel its stored blood to replace the lost blood in your bloodstream.

Metabolic Liver Disease

DISEASE