An iguana exhibiting metabolic bone disease.
Bone density is very poor, and hard to distinguish from surrounding tissue.
The enlarged legs are caused by calcium deposition in the tissue surrounding the bones, as it is utilised by the body. Bones structure is also dissipated, weak, and has a fluffy appearance where the structure has been compromised by the extraction of calcium. The left femur shows less severe MBD or fibrous osteodystrophy than does the right. The cortices of the left femur are thinned and widened and bone appears osteopenic. The right femur shows poor bone density and definition with thickening of the diaphysis and severe osteopenia.