This is one case from a series of reports compiled as part of an investigation into photo-kerato-conjunctivitis, possibly occurring as a result of excessive low-wavelength UVB radiation under certain brands of fluorescent UVB lamp. Please do not view this one case without reference to the whole report of which it is a part.

Case History : DM2 (Italy) - Bearded dragon juveniles (Pogona vitticeps)

Case examined by Michele Buono DVM (Turin, Italy)

Three juvenile bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were presented to the veterinary clinic for anorexia, reluctance to move and some body deformity, in May 2007. The animals were kept in a glass terrarium of 80cm by 40cm by 40cm (31.5in by 16in by 16in.) with no source of UVB light.

At the clinical examination the animals showed severe MBD. Therapy was begun with subcutaneous administration of calcium borogluconate with dextrose (ATI) at a dosage of 100mg/kg and continued with oral calcediol (25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, 1.5mg/10ml) (Didrogyl, Bruno farmaceutici SpA) at a dosage of 200IU/kg every week; a source of UVB light was recommended.

A new ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 Compact Lamp was installed inside the terrarium at a distance of 20cm (8in) from the basking spot and switched on for 12 hours a day. Within 3 days all three dragons developed photo-kerato-conjunctivitis.

The problem was resolved with no therapy except removal of the compact lamp. The owners were advised to replace the compact lamp with a linear fluorescent UVB tube, such as a ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 tube. Treatment for the MBD is ongoing and some improvement has now been seen.