My chameleon has suspected MBD. How can I treat it without a vet?

Usually the treatment is based on dietary improvements, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and greater access to full-spectrum ultraviolet light. More severe cases require calcium and vitamin D injections, oral supplements, fluid therapy, and nutritional support.

Hello, I’m glad you are taking steps to correct the MBD. Oral calcium is important as well as vitamin A and hydration. I like Repashy vitamin A dust on crickets every 2 weeks and calcium powder dust with every other feeding. Make sure the humidity stays above 50-60%. This is very hard inside in the winter so it will be a constant battle. Gut load and dust all insects fed, if you have a drip or misting system, ensure that is working well. The UVB light should be changed every 6 months. MBD lizards are at higher risk of infections and fractures so keep a close eye on his appetite and activity. Pad branches and lower branches if he seems unsteady. Most of all, be patient. Reptiles take a long time to get sick and take just as long to recover. It can take several months for him to bounce back, and any distortion or trauma to his bones may always be noticeable. If you’d like to discuss this more, don’t hesitate to request a consult. Take care!

An immediate check up at your local veterinarian would be essential to make sure right supplementation of calcium is given to cure MBD. Diagnosis requires often a radiographic study to make sure MBD is affecting him. Generally speaking full-spectrum UVB-producing bulbs should be used within the terrarium and calcium and vitamin D supplements can be given through plant material or insects. I would suggest anyway to have him checked before start any supplement (as toxicity from overdosage of Ca and VitD are quite common as well!). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

As you probably know MBD is a metabolic disease due to lack of Calcium. Treatment must be done properly at your local vets, while prevention (or cure of mild forms of MBD) can be achieved by following these recommendations: Gut load live food prior to feeding making them more nutritious, dust live food with Nutrobal, Calcium, and/or Calcium D3, use correct UVB light, avoid excessive phosphorous in a diet (most fruits are high in P and low in Ca).

Survey the area around the cage for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, strong drafts or high traffic. Reduce or eliminate any if found. Confirm proper temperature. If it is too hot up high, he will move to cooler temps. Be sure to gut load prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Dust with a calcium supplement as well as a multivitamin regularly. If the behavior persists, consider an exam with your vet or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat illness or injury. You can review chameleon care a the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Panther-Chameleon/

I'm sorry but if you don't get Luna to a reptile veterinarian ASAP the chance of her surviving is close to zero. You will not be able to give the proper care or medications at home. There is no way for us to diagnose a vitamin deficiency just by looking at this photo. There are any number of things that could be going on with her. Based on your zip code, your best option is to go to Lansing to the veterinary college. They will not turn you away - they are always accepting new patients. ( https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/about ) The best I can recommend to you for home care is Emeraid Intensive Care Herbivore. You will have to mix it and syringe feed her. You can find YouTube videos on how to syringe feed. ( https://lafeber.com/vet/lafeber-products/emeraid-herbivore-100gr/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about the chameleon and including pictures. The first photo with the swayed back is very suspect of MBD/calcium deficiency. Diet and husbandry need to be review and correct, and a veterinary visit should be scheduled ASAP. Typically concerns are poor calcium in the diet, lac of UV light, poor temperature, etc. This is an emergency. Good luck.