My Bella girl has some pyramiding on her back...it's not "smooth"......I keep reading about Metebolic disease but I'm confused with it all............help
Metebolic confusion
- Thread starter LadyV
- Start date
- Status
Can we see some pictures?
Will post ASAP
Blasted phone wouldn't send through the other...dunno why
Blasted phone wouldn't send through the other...dunno why
I think you can rest assured that Bella isn't suffering from MBD.
Isn't she just a darling!!?? I was worried because little shell isn't smooth
It just gives her character! Makes her special! 
She looks happy.
Thank you....she was a dirty girl....she's been playing hte dirt, having a good ol' time in it
Metabolic Bone Disease or Disorder is not really a disease. It is a catch-all term for a bunch of things that can affect a tortoises, reptiles, and other animals- even humans. The most common form of MBD in tortoises is Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP), which causes soft shells, sunken or depressed shells, soft jaws, etc. Your girl does not have this.
Pyramiding is poorly understood right now. Some researchers feel it is due, at least in part, to poor bone density during key growth periods. If true, this would make it a form of MBD. Please note- it is poor bone density, not soft bones, like NSHP. Other researchers feel it is due to poor humidity or hydration, etc. Both agree that once it happens, we really cannot reverse it, just prevent further problems.
Pyramiding does point out that SOMETHING was less than perfect, but as long as the underlying shell is well-shaped and strong, it does not seem to present any real concerns to the animal. In other words- you can have a bumpy but very happy animal!
Pyramiding is poorly understood right now. Some researchers feel it is due, at least in part, to poor bone density during key growth periods. If true, this would make it a form of MBD. Please note- it is poor bone density, not soft bones, like NSHP. Other researchers feel it is due to poor humidity or hydration, etc. Both agree that once it happens, we really cannot reverse it, just prevent further problems.
Pyramiding does point out that SOMETHING was less than perfect, but as long as the underlying shell is well-shaped and strong, it does not seem to present any real concerns to the animal. In other words- you can have a bumpy but very happy animal!
- Status
Similar threads
