A fresh look at metabolic bone diseases in reptiles and amphibians.
Metabolic bone diseases (MBDs) are a common presenting complaint in reptiles and amphibians to veterinarians; however, understanding of the causes and diagnostic and treatment options is often extrapolated from human or other mammalian medicine models. Although the roles of UV-B, calcium, phosphorus, and cholecalciferol are better understood in some MBDs, there remain many X factors that are not. Likewise, quantitative diagnosis of MBDs has been difficult not only in terms of staging a disease but also regarding whether or not a condition is present. Treatment options also present challenges in corrective husbandry and diet modifications, medication/modality selection, and dosing/regimen parameters.
Klaphake
Eric
E
Animal Medical Center, 216 North 8th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA. dreklaphake@msn.com
D000663:Amphibians; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012104:Reptiles