Taricha torosa and metabolic bone disease?

[vanessa]

Is it possible for newts to have MBD? If so, is there anything I can do? Would a UVB light and calcium supplement help at all? I'm really scared I'm going to have to euthanize her. She's very difficult to get to eat and has a lot of troubles climbing on land. Any comments are appreciated.

 

[paris]

yes it is, my book recommends supplimental calcium and D3, x rays are needed to confirm that it is MBD and they say that treatment will be needed for 6 weeks or longer, they are unsure of the UV effect but suggest UVB in the 280-310 nm range.(it says to avoid lights that produce a lot of UVA for sure). calcium can be gotten in a liquid form that she can sit in , its called calcium gluconate (2.3% solution). one thing to look for that indicates MBD is jaw deformaties-is she suffering there?

 

[jennifer]

There are many possible reasons why a newt might be having trouble eating and climbing. How long have you had her? The supplements wouldn't hurt of course, but MBD is pretty rare in caudates. I don't know anyone who bothers with any extra UV lighting for them.