Metabolic Bone Disease in Amphibians

Let's talk about metabolic bone disease in amphibians. Metabolic bone disease is not limited to any one type of animal and it tends to be more common in reptile and amphibians. If you have pet amphibians, it is important to know what causes metabolic bone disease and how you can treat it.

This disease is usually the result of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus deficiencies. It affects an animal; bones. Vitamin D controls the metabolism or absorption of calcium in the body and a calcium deficiency leads to various bone problems. An imbalance in these beneficial vitamins and minerals can also lead to problems with an animal's cartilages.

The most common reason for these imbalances and deficiencies occurring is poor diet. Many pet owners think giving their amphibian food is good enough, but it's not. Just because the amphibian eats the food that you give it doesn't mean that it's the best food for it. Amphibians especially ones that feed mostly on insects such as crickets are likely to develop metabolic bone disease. Eating only one type of insect everyday doesn't ensure that an amphibian is getting all the vitamins and calcium that it needs.

Not all insects are good sources of calcium. Changing an amphibian's diet to a more healthy one if the best way to avoid diseases like metabolic bone disease. Consult a veterinarian or professional with questions about exactly what the best diet is for your species of amphibian.

Symptoms of metabolic bone disease in amphibians can mostly be notice by skeletal deformities. Scoliosis or a curved spine is one symptom. Others include a lower jaw that is deformed. bloating, muscle spasms, and bone fractures. Amphibians and all animals that develop metabolic bone disease can easily facture or break their bones.

Most cases of metabolic bone disease in amphibians can be treated. With treatment and a few changes, amphibians can recover. 

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.