MBD?

[iggypop1969]

I have a question regarding MBD....once mbd has started, is there anyway to completely cure an iguana from it? I've been asked this question and I'm unsure, but I dont think there is...can anybody shed light on this for me?

[Merlin]

It can be stopped and if not too far along reversed. It requires exposure to UVB as well as increased calcium, depending on how bad it is you may need to have a dose of calcium administered by a vet. A trip to the vet with xrays is the only way of determining how bad the situation is any way.

[Tesa]

just to add a little more info:

If necessary, the vet will give calcium injections.
As Merlin said, it can be stopped (assuming the ig isn't too far gone) and sometimes reversed.
However, if deformities are already visible, chances are they won't be corrected.
For example: Thrasher had MBD when I got her. Her lower jaw is slightly shorter than her upper, exposing some of her gumline and making her more susceptible to stomatitis. (inflammation or infection of the mouth)
Her toes are also malformed: some crossing each other, others curled at akward angles. Her bone density is ok now, but she'll suffer the after effects for the rest of her life.
Hope this helps....

[iggypop1969]

Thank you so much...I'm writing an article about mbd and there are alot of unanswered questions that I have...this definately helps, thank you...

[prism_wolf]

If you haven't been already...there are some excellent sources for you to glean from for your article and general FYI:

www.iguanaden.com/health/mbd.htm
www.anapsid.org/mbd.html
www.geocities.com/~pawsplus/carmen.html
www.greenigsociety.org/mbd.htm