@article{4460,
  keywords = {calcium, calcidiol, reptile, supplement, UV-lighting},
  author = {N Hetényi and Z Lang and T Sátorhelyi and I Hullár},
  title = {Effects of different vitamin D sources on blood biochemistry of bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) and Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni)},
  abstract = {Metabolic bone disease associated with inadequate calcium (Ca) and vitamin D supply is still considered very important disease factors of reptiles in captivity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of oral cholecalciferol supplementation vs. UVB exposure in bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) and Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni). The 5-year-old tortoises and bearded dragons were randomly divided into UV (12 h/day; 33.5±5.5 µW/cm2 in bearded dragons; 15.5±2.6 µW/cm2 in Hermann’s tortoises) and non-UV [dietary supplement containing 32,600 IU cholecalciferol/kg dry matter (nbearded dragons = 5/group, ntortoises = 6/group)] treatment groups. Blood samples were taken 4 times at 12-week intervals. UV and non-UV treatments are equally adequate for maintaining physiological circulating calcium and calcidiol concentrations in adult bearded dragons. Neither the total Ca (2.8±0.3 vs. 2.9±0.4 mmol/l; p=0.284) nor the calcidiol concentrations (264.8±74.5 vs. 253.5±75.3 nmol/l; p=0.8218) differed significantly. Total Ca concentrations were normal in tortoises, but calcidiol was lower than reference values in both groups (often below the detection limit, <5 nmol/l). Total Ca concentrations showed no significant difference (2.8±0.4 vs. 2.5±0.2 mmol/l, p=0.062). Alkaline phosphatase concentrations of the tortoises were much higher (748±157 IU/l) than reference values. Both treatments are equally adequate for adult bearded dragons to achieve physiological blood levels of calcium and calcidiol. Further investigations (e.g.: histology or DEXA) are required to test the adequacy of treatment in the tortoises. Based on the calcidiol levels neither this level of UVB exposure nor this amount of dietary supplement can be recommended for tortoises.},
  year = {2020},
  journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift},
  volume = {133},
  month = {03/2020},
  publisher = {Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG},
  address = {Hannover},
  issn = {0005-9366},
  doi = {10.2376/0005-9366-19024},
  language = {Englisch},
}