Metabolic Bone Disease in Geckos

Well, I posted this on Python Passion as well, which I just joined today. Not sure how to balance out posting on two separate forums, but I guess different people will see it. Pam and Sandy might have to see it twice! Lol.

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For those of you who don't know what MBD is, here's a quick reference: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesgeneral/a/metabolicbd.htm

Basically it is the result of one or more of the following problems:
1. Fast Egg Production (a female that is too young to breed)
2. Improper Diet/nutrition (calcium levels too low or unable to be absorbed)
3. Lack of Calcium in the Egg (female lacked calcium, thus the baby is born with MBD)

MBD is frequently seen in crested geckos because people have the misconception that feeding dusted crickets is enough for them. Crested geckos and many other rhacodactylus should actually have a primary diet of Crested Gecko Diet: http://www.pangeareptile.com/store/repashy-crested-gecko-diet-1-4-lb.htmlt, developed by Allen Rapashy, which is formulated to provide all of the needed nutrients. Additional insects are okay, but fruit blends and babyfood mixes are NOT recommended except for advanced hobbyists.

Want to see an example of extreme MBD?

My friend Jennifer from Florida will be sending some rescue geckos my way. They have lived with her for a while and have actually improved in her care.

The first, Krumpets, is a crested gecko that was subjected to neglect and improper care/diet.

(These pictures are taken by Jennifer Kim.)





As you can see this poor gecko was severely affected.

Next is a gargoyle gecko, Pumpernickel, who unlike Krumpets received his malformation in the egg. The most probable cause was that his egg was laid at the end of the season and thus received less calcium from the mother gecko.



Nevertheless I am quite excited for the opportunity to have these two special ones, and I hope they live as long and happy lives as may be expected. They will most likely be shipped to me at the end of August or in September.



Thank you, Jennifer, for the pictures.

Poor things.. They look like the punchline to a bad camel joke.

lol I laugh and think....I am going to hell but I still laugh

I know, it really is too funny looking. Poor things.