MBD? Please Help. Swollen joints.

[braytonia]

I recently picked up my first Leopard Gecko a week ago and today I noticed two of his joints (one font and one rear) seem to have a "ball" where they join together... Im trying to do everything to keep him happy and healthy and I feel his tank is set up just right. He's very active and alert during the night and is eating very well. I am wondering if he has a bone disease or MBD...? Or if this is normal in Leopard Geckos? Other than that he seems perfectly healthy from what I can see... Am I just over reacting due to its my first Leopard Gecko or could there really be something wrong with him?? Please help, any info is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Here is a picture of him- Now his right front is pressed up against the glass which makes it look funky but also his left rear joint looks swollen... Although this has NO affect on his movement, he's walking and climbing just fine.



Any ideas!?

 

[M_surinamensis]

At least one swollen digit too, front left foot.

MBD can manifest with swollen joints as a symptom.

Unfortunately, so can several other conditions; injury, infection, damage to connective tissue or lubricating fluid in the joints, calcium deposits and structural deformities with any number of underlying causes.

It's sort of wildly irresponsible for anyone to say anything one way or the other in a definite manner when they're looking at a photo online and reading a subjective description from the owner. The only really worthwhile advice that you can be given is to keep a close eye on it so that you can note the progression and development of any other symptoms, double check the husbandry to the degree that you can in order to eliminate environmental factors (not a lot you can do when it's newly obtained on that front except make sure it's all good from this point forward) and consult a veterinarian who can perform a firsthand examination of the animal before presenting a diagnosis or suggesting a course of treatment.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I agree. Swollen joints could mean MBD, or even gout... but only a vet can determine what's going on. May I ask what your supplementation regime is? What color are the gecko's urates? An improper Calciumhosphorous ratio may cause these problems.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Like I told you in your other thread- you need a vet to give you a solid diagnosis and course of treatment.

 

[braytonia]

I agree. Swollen joints could mean MBD, or even gout... but only a vet can determine what's going on. May I ask what your supplementation regime is? What color are the gecko's urates? An improper Calciumhosphorous ratio may cause these problems.

I just got him Monday, I have no added supplements. I was going to pick up some Calcium powder right now. Any suggestions on that. As as far as his urates do you mean his poop? Because his poop looks normal- Black with some white in it.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

If you've had this gecko for less than a week, it's hard to say what kind of supplementation is was receiving. To be honest, I'd probably return the gecko to wherever you got it and insist it goes to a vet. Regardless, your gecko needs calcium.

Urates are the white part of the gecko's poop.

 

[braytonia]

What color should the urates be?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

White.

 

[braytonia]

They are white with a hint of yellow. Normal?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Yes, this is normal. If the urates are consistently very yellow and crystallized, it could indicate a problem.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Yes, this is normal. If the urates are consistently very yellow and crystallized, it could indicate a problem.

What kind of problem? the bad calcium/phosphorus ratio or a disease?


Also if the swollen joints is caused by MBD is this MBD in the bones of the arms and legs or in the joints... or both? And if the bones harden will the swelling in the joints ever go away?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Since the urates are secreted by the kidneys, when they are highly crystallized and/or very yellow or brown, it could mean that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Uric acid crystals can build up and deposit in the joints (tophi), which is a condition called gout. Supplements high in phosphorous, dehydration, and improper diet can contribute to this.

I am not a vet, I've just been working with geckos for nearly 16 years. This information is only for reference and education, and not a diagnosis. Only a veterinarian can determine this.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Thank you so much for the information, this is something I did not know about!

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Thanks for posting that link, Marcia! Very informative and easy to understand article.