Shakes

[Smurf]

Just wanted to check with everyone about the shakes.

I have just got some new leos and some of the females legs shake as they walk. They are all very healthy and at good weights is it just a lack of calcium or could it be something else?

Never had it with any of my leos b4 so wanted to check it out.
:confused:

[mark129er]

from what I have read it is a lack of D3, which allows them to process calcium, so they use their bones as a source of calcium, rather serious actually. This is my guess based on what you have said. If you describe your setup someone could provide you with suggestions.

[Neo]

are there any feeders that have natural d3 or can u only get it from powders and uv

[eyespy]

Supplements are probably your best bet. The only way that leos get vitamin D from prey sources directly is by eating the liver of an animal that makes its own. Once a gecko starts getting the shakes, though, that means there isn't enough calcium circulating in the bloodstream to support normal muscle function so the odds are high they won't be able to digest a pinkie thoroughly and extract enough vitamin D. Plus rodents make a different form, vitamin D2 so there has to be enough muscle activity possible to convert the vitamin into the D3 form a reptile can actually use.

Calcium shots are the best way to get things headed in the right direction, with or without D3 depending on bloodwork results. Sometimes the animal has plenty of D in the bloodstream already and it's merely a calcium/magnesium/zinc problem.

Shaking can also be caused by a lack of B vitamins, dehydration, virus or low blood sugar. Seeing a vet and having bloodwork done is always best when you see the shakes so you make sure you are treating the right thing.

[eyespy]

Oh, and how old are these leos? Metabolic bone disease takes weeks or months to progress to the point where shakes develop. Normal healthy geckos don't develop MBD symptoms until they are at least 3 months old because of the nutrient reserves they got from their eggshells.

If the geckos are younger than that, the odds are high the mother also has MBD issues and did not have enough nutrients to put into her eggs. She should be tested and treated as well.