EX29 - Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles & Amphibians: Not Just Fractures, but the Underlying Cause of Dystocia, Cardiac Dysfunction, Neurologic Abnormalities, & Constipation
Nutritional hyperparathyroidism, metabolic bone disease, hypocalcemia, rickets are all similar for reptiles. The risk factors for these and clinical signs will be discussed. The physiological significance of calcium for normal heart function, gastrointestinal function, and reproductive function for reptile species will be covered.
Learning Objectives:
Describe how UVB light, appropriate heat, and appropriate hydration are required for calcium absorption by reptile species.
Identify clinical signs of hypocalcemia in reptile species.
Identify what diagnostics (e.g. diagnostic imaging, plasma iCa) are needed to make a diagnosis of hypocalcemia in reptiles.
Describe how hypocalcemia contributes to dystocia, cardiac dysfunction, neurologic abnormalities, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in reptile species.
Develop short-term and long-term treatment plans for reptiles with metabolic bone disease
