ABSTRACT: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a clinical sign of a disease called Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP). This is when there is not enough calcium in the diet and incorrect/insufficient UVB provision, or the calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio becomes imbalanced, causing the calcium levels in the blood to decrease resulting in hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium). This decrease is detected by the kidneys and the parathyroid gland is alerted to produce parathormone to rebalance the blood calcium levels by removing calcium from the bones to increase the level in the bloodstream.

Author

Georgia Bell SVN

As an avid reptile keeper; Georgia strives to promote and educate more advanced methods of keeping amongst the captive reptile community. Georgia’s rescue Staffordshire bull terriers are a huge part of her life and she is also keenly interested in canine behaviour, which she hopes to further her knowledge of during her career

Email: georgia.bell@parksidevets.com

Keywords: Nutrition; reptiles; metabolic bone disease

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 (10)• October 2021 pp 295-297

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