Bearded dragon fell, swollen leg. MBD? Does he need vet & medicine?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon
My bearded dragon fell and his front right leg is swollen and looks red and we believe he has recently developed MBD should we take him to a vet and is there medicine we can get for MBD other than adjustments to his diet and UAVB lighting
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 11th, 2018
MBD is possible but infections could be possible as well (causing arthritis). A check up would be ideal as the two differentials need to discriminated by a physical examination first before giving appropriate treatment. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 16th, 2017
It sounds like it could be due to MBD which is caused due to lack of calcium, unfortunately this condition might be permanent, the only treatment is calcium supplement and calcium injection but it will probably not repair the damage that is already done.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My bearded dragon has had a swollen arm for about 2 days now. He drags it behind himself, and won't walk on it, but he can move it. He couldn't have fallen from too high, less than 10inches. His lighting was not set up right (thanks to my husband) fo
It could be a fracture complicated by MBD but an exam and xrays is what Reptar needs to get a definitive diagnosis. It shouldn't cost "thousands". With proper care and some environmental and diet changes, he can recover from MBD. Left untreated, he may suffer permanent damage or even loss of the limb. An experienced herp vet will have the knowledge and experience to give Reptar the best chance at a full recovery.
Follow the links to search for a local herp vet.
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/calif.shtml
http://www.anapsid.org/vets/findingvet.html
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I rescued a bearded dragon on Craigslist and he was deprived of appropriate food, heat, and calcium and his left leg is really big (looks swollen) and he cannot walk on it. He has a bad limp and won't move much. He is about 2 years old and he is hous
It sounds like it could be due to MBD which is caused due to lack of calcium, unfortunately this condition might be permanent, the only treatment is calcium supplement and calcium injection but it will probably not repair the damage that is already done.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello my bearded dragon has a swollen leg and it’s very stiff but I don’t know what to do the photos below are comparing the two front legs
The swollen leg may be due to injury, infection or nutritional deficiency. Ideally, Rainn should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. This may require x-rays and lab work. Review his diet and environment with your veterinarian. The basics required include a 10 gallon tank (at minimum), UVB lighting, a heat lamp focused on a basking spot, 2 hides (one on the coolside, one on the warm side and a shallow water bowl. The heat lamp should provide a temperature gradient across the enclosure. Substrate can be reptile carpet, slate, paper towels or wood chips. A balanced diet of appropriately sized prey (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, Phoenix worms, etc) and fresh greens and vegetables should be offered daily. Vitamin supplements and calcium supplementation should also be provided. You can review dragon care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My bearded dragons two front legs are swallon and one back leg i took her to the vet and still no change
Hello, sorry to hear about Spice. It sounds like she may be having metabolic bine disease from some dietary deficiencies. Other causes may be due to rough flooring or substrate in its cage. Your veterinarian may have recommended some changes in her diet, however metabolic bone disease may carry a poor prognosis as it is challenging to correct this disease if it is too advanced. It will take quite some time also, to see improvement. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My beardie was diagnosed with mbd but recently has been growing a hump on his back and has been folding his legs like this. Since he was diagnosed I've gotten better uvb lights , dust all his food with calcium , and even take him outside for sunlight
Have your herp veterinarian examine Nelson to rule out abscess (infection) or tumor. Make sure the UVB light source is not blocked by glass or plastic. Either blocks the beneficial rays. Position cage furniture so Nelson can bask 6-8 inches from the UVB source. Gut load prey for 24 hours before offering to Nelson to maximize nutritional value. Not all vitamin and mineral supplements are created equally. Herptivite and Reptile Calcium Powder with D3, both by Rep-Cal, are highly recommended. If he's using his hind limbs and can get around normally, there is likely no cause for concern. Beardies are known to strike crazy and humorous poses. Laying that way may be comfortable for him. If he is having difficulty moving around, it can be addressed by your vet during the exam.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
New Pet
Bearded dragon swollen toe(s), redish. I take feeders out after feeding time. I have no idea what happened. Have been giving him betadine baths for 2 weeks now and it hasnt gotten any better or worse. (He hasnt had nails (or short nails on the toes
Check for any bits of retained shed that could be compromising blood flow to the digits. He should also be examined by your vet or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose MBD. Unfortunately, many rescues suffer from varying degrees of MBD due to poor care prior to rescue. Try a diluted chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution and keep him on paper towels (change daily) until he sees the vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My bearded dragon has a lump on the base of his tail but not showing any signs of MDB.
If he is getting adequate UVB lighting, a balanced diet and proper vitamin/mineral supplementation, then it may not be MBD. It could be trauma or infection. Either way, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian to make the diagnosis. He may need treatment regardless of the underlying cause. Antibiotics may help infection, vitamin and mineral supplementation may help reverse MBD.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My bearded dragon is behaving strangely. Her right forearm and hand look puffy. She's walking with what looks similar to a limp. She's been acting normal up until yesterday evening. Now she's not eating much and won't move much. She hasn't fallen. He
A big concern regarding the swelling and lameness would be metabolic bone disease (MBD). Ideally, Beans should be examined by your herp veterinarian to diagnose injury or illness. In the meantime, review the diet, vitamin/mineral supplementation and UVB lighting. Confirm the bulb is not obstructed by glass or plexiglass and replace if older than 6 months old. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize3 nutritional value. Use quality supplements such as Rep-Cal HerptiVite and Calcium w/Vit D3.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My gecko has a bump on its leg and he can't move it looks like it swollen and i don't know what to do, I've been letting him stay on top of his rock and keeping the lamp on him, he won't move eat drink or poop,
He should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. He may be suffering from MBD (metabolic bone disease). This is happens when not enough calcium is provided and can lead to broken bones or abnormal bone formation. He may need an injection of calcium as well as proper D3/calcium supplementation. Be sure to gut load prey for 24 hours prior to feeding Lazarus to maximize nutritional value. Check the temperature as well. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. You can soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor hydration. It will also warm him up if he is cold.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My bearded dragon has a lump on his lower back and has been having troubles moving his back legs. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I can do?
Thanks for reaching out about Mushu and including pictures. You should be concerned and a veterinary visit is recommended. The lump on the back appears to involve the spine. The rear legs appear swollen and front legs held awkwardly. First thoughts are around metabolic bone disease, which arises from calcium deficiency, whether lack in diet, lack of absorption or lack of ultraviolet radiation. A veterinary visit can help with diagnosis and prognosis, provide injections of calcium and vitamin D3, and oral calcium supplements. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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