Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[felix93]

oops, miss the "7" in between have and chameleons.

[redbelly]

Great chameleons,loving that little jack
That panther is a little stunna also
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I feed your eyes with chameleon pics!!!!

[kinyonga]

You have some nice chameleons there!

Regarding Megan...what do you do for her to help with her calcium levels?

There is a liquid calcium (calcium gluconate) that is sold in pharmacies that is supposed to be absorbed more readily than the powders. I have used it with some rescues that I have had and it seems to help more than just using the powders.

Also...if you took her to a vet, the vet could give her shots of calcium until the blood calcium levels were high enough to give her a shot of calcitonin which would rapidly draw the calcium back into the bones. It needs to be done by a vet because if the blood calcium levels are not high enough when the calcitonin is given, it can cause the blood calcium levels to drop too low and the chameleon to go into shock.

This site talks about MBD.....
http://adcham.com/html/veterinary/mbd-fractures-kramer.html

Good luck with Megan! When MBD is caught and corrected in time, chameleons can live almost a normal life span.

[zarozinia]

kinyonga
Thats an excellent and informative link. Thanks for posting it.
I've often wondered if Calcitonin would be suitable for lizards too -now I know. I used to work as a nurse specialising in rheumatology, so have a special interest in this side of reptile care. Do they use a one off dose or repeated doses as you do with people? I know in the states a nasal spray is used instead of sub cut injections, much more convenient.

Something that I've never heard anyone mention in the list of preventative measures is exercise, to increase bone density, if it works for us surely it would benefit lizards too. This is one reason I prefer larger vivariums (and use of live insects for cresties so they are encouraged to move around more, promoting strong healthy bones)
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Cheers Angi
Proud to be a Geordie!
My Images - http://anginelson.deviantart.com/

[kinyonga]

zarozinia...in my limited experience with calcitonin used with lizards, they only gave one shot. One shot seemed to work very well! I'm sorry I can't tell you the dose...I left that up to the vet!

I have also "treated" MBD in some rescues that I had over the years with a liquid calcium (calcium sandoz or calcium gluconate)....and although the results were slower, in mild cases it works too.

I'm sure that the space to exercise would be good for any chameleon. I have heard of others who have recommended it. Movement is also part of the reason I don't cup feed...I like them to have to chase down the insects.

[kinyonga]

Oops! Meant to ask what calcitonin does regarding rheumatology?

[zarozinia]

Hi there
It is used in much the same, often for people with vertebrae fractures, usually given in 10 doses, a daily dose for 7 days, then alternate days for a further 3 doses, but an anti emetic ( anti sickness) medication is always given a good 30 minutes prior as it can cause severe nausea.
_________________
Cheers Angi
Proud to be a Geordie!
My Images - http://anginelson.deviantart.com/

[kinyonga]

Thanks zarozinia!