Rio, Cherry Head with MBD

Sonnenblume

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Joined
Jul 4, 2021
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28
Location (City and/or State)
South Carolina
Kind of just want to document Rio´s health in a journal kind of way and also see if anyone has input/suggestions in general.
We got Rio July 4th weekend. He is supposed to be 5 years old. He was not in great shape when we got him and the vet was worried he wouldn't make it.
7/27 - 202g
9/4 - 233g

is this too much weight in too short of a time frame?
Size wise, he is around 4 inches, doesnt seem to have grown in that area.

Humidity is between 60 and 70% in his cage.
Temps low end 80 and high end mid 90s, never goes below 80 in general.
UVB light
And he has an outdoor yard he spends time in when temperature outside is good.
Calcium supplement couple of times per week
Spring mix, zucchini, cucumber, mazuri, strawberry, mango, banana, yellow squash, arugula, dandilions
 

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ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER
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I see some pretty noticeable shell pyramiding.
Is MDB verified by blood work and or X rays?
The two conditions aren't related. And they have two different causes.
Pyramiding is caused by lack of correct humidity....which needs to be well over 75% 24/7.
I'm pretty sure your "cage" is totally the wrong type of enclosure from the little bit of information you provided.
MBD is caused by lack of UVB or wrong lighting. The fact that your RF goes outside means he's probably good in that department.
What type of enclosure? What are your lights and heat sources?
My guess is low humidity. Not helped even more by desicating lighting.
Just a guess at this point.
But we need to address it.
(I'm assuming you might not know this information. Please don't be offended if you do)
 
Last edited:

Sonnenblume

New Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2021
Messages
28
Location (City and/or State)
South Carolina
Hello,

its not a "cage cage" per se, pictures attached.
I have a MVB UVB light (reptisun) and a CHE.

The hottest area it says 96-100F (right under the MVB and CHE), coolest is 80F, humidity around 60%.
Although its that hot, he keeps going under the MVB and lay in the heat.
MBD was diagnosed by the vet, he has a soft shell, and hunch back; as well as weak back legs.
 

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