do you know what the signs of vitamin D overdose are in leos? I’ve never really considered that I could be dusting too much but I don’t know what to look for
Vitamin D overdose is quite rare in leopard geckos – perhaps non-existent. However, it’s not uncommon in chameleons, iguanas, and some other reptiles. I am most familiar with it in chams.
These animals typically had both UVB basking light and supplementation, or no UVB and high dose/frequent supplementation. It has not been seen, as far as I know, in chameleons who are only given adequate UVB basking opportunities with natural sunlight; their bodies will produce just enough from UVB exposure, and no more, and they seem to have the ability to self-regulate how much they need.Â
One additional problem seems to be that the signs of hypervitaminosis D are actually fairly similar to MBD when it first starts out, and in response to the symptoms the owners then stepped up the supplementation, compounding the problem.
As a result of how common vitamin D toxicity seems to be in chams, many people have cut back on supplementation for chameleons, providing UVB, and only use D3 supplements once per week, twice per month, or once per month.Â
Vitamin D toxicity is possible because the vitamin is fat soluble, so excess builds up in the body, rather than being eliminated through waste like water-soluble vitamins.Â
As long as you are not providing higher output UVB light (5.0+) and also dose D supplements, I wouldn’t worry! MBD and inadequate supplementation are much more common, and a real risk.Â
I would personally avoid Rep-Cal brand Calcium with D3. It has ridiculously high D3 levels (400,000 IU/kg!!), and that much is absolutely not necessary. For comparison, I use ZooMed ReptiCalcium which has 22,907 IU/kg.
I also would never put calcium WITH D3 in a dish in the enclosure; some geckos really going to town eating calcium, and that could theoretically lead to an overdose (along with other problems!).
I personally use a supplement with D3 once per week.
Observable signs of Vitamin D overdose:
* Sluggishness, weakness (general and in limbs)* Loss of appetite* Constipation or other digestive problems.* Edema (fluid retention)* Dehydration, excessive drinking* Excessive uratesThe symptoms reflect kidney damage.
Clinically, blood levels show excess calcium (hypercalcaemia), high serum calcitriol, and calcium starts building up in the organs.
In advanced cases, calcification of organs and soft tissue can be felt when palpated.Â
In chameleons it often shows as crusty mineral buildup around the nostrils and edema in the neck (gular edema); however, I do not know if these things would happen in a leopard gecko.Â
In general, it’s something to be aware of, but don’t worry about it too much in leopard geckos.Â
