Home › Animalia › Animal health › Animal diseases › Metabolic bone disease
Metabolic bone disease
Metabolic bone disease is a skeletal disorder that mainly affects young meerkats in captivity. \nIt appears when the diet does not provide enough calcium, or too much phosphorus in relation to calcium, or not enough vitamin D. \nThe body re...
What is it?
Metabolic bone disease is a skeletal disorder that mainly affects young meerkats in captivity. \nIt appears when the diet does not provide enough calcium, or too much phosphorus in relation to calcium, or not enough vitamin D. \nThe body reacts by drawing calcium from the bones to maintain a normal level in the blood. \nThe bones then become fragile, deformed and can fracture easily. \nThis disease is well known in many small carnivores and exotic animals who are fed an unbalanced diet, particularly with a diet consisting mainly of raw meat.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The first signs are often discreet: the animal moves less, seems stiff or hesitates to jump and climb, activities that are natural for meerkats. \nWe may observe a limp that changes limbs, a modified gait, a back that seems arched or legs that gradually become deformed (curvature of the long bones). \nThe animal may be painful when handled, less lively, with a reduced appetite. \nIn advanced cases, fractures may occur during ordinary movements, or the animal may no longer want to move at all. \nIn growing young people, a delay in skeletal development is common.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause is a prolonged dietary imbalance: insufficient calcium intake, excess phosphorus (as in a meat-only diet without bones or supplements), or lack of vitamin D necessary for calcium absorption. \nA lack of exposure to suitable light can worsen vitamin D deficiency in certain species. \nIn response to this imbalance, the parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that removes calcium from the bones to maintain it in the blood, which gradually weakens the skeleton.
Young, growing meerkats are most vulnerable because their calcium requirements are high. \nA diet consisting mainly of raw meat, unsupplemented insects or homemade rations without veterinary or nutritionist supervision greatly increases the risk. \nA lack of exposure to natural light or suitable UV lighting in captivity is an aggravating factor. \nMeerkats kept as pets or in structures with uncontrolled feeding are particularly at risk.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian first relies on the animal's detailed dietary history and clinical examination, looking for bone pain, deformation or abnormal gait. \nX-rays make it possible to visualize loss of bone density, deformities or possible fractures. \nBlood tests can be carried out to evaluate the levels of calcium, phosphorus and sometimes parathyroid hormone, although these values may temporarily remain within the normal range despite an already established illness.
Treatment
Management is based above all on the gradual correction of the diet, under veterinary supervision, with appropriate supplementation in calcium and vitamin D. \nStrict rest is generally recommended to limit the risk of fractures during the phase of bone fragility. \nPainkillers may be prescribed to relieve the animal. \nIn the event of a fracture or severe deformation, surgical or orthopedic treatment may be considered in the opinion of the veterinarian.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is based on a complete and balanced diet, adapted to the specific needs of the species, ideally established with a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals or a nutritionist. \nMeat-based rations must be supplemented with calcium and vitamin D, or combined with whole prey (with bones) which naturally provide these elements. \nAccess to suitable light, including UV lighting if necessary in captivity, contributes to good calcium metabolism. \nRegular veterinary monitoring, especially during growth, allows an imbalance to be detected early.
Possible complications
Without correction, the disease can lead to spontaneous fractures, permanent bone deformities and an inability to move normally. \nNeurological complications can appear if fractures affect the spine, with a risk of nerve compression. \nA too sudden correction of the calcium imbalance can also pose risks, hence the importance of progressive veterinary monitoring.
When to see a veterinarian
The animal limps or changes support between its legs repeatedly.
He is hesitant or refuses to jump, climb or move as usual.
A deformity of the legs or back is visible.
The animal seems painful to handle or less lively than usual.
A fracture is suspected after a harmless movement.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. \nDetected early, before the appearance of deformations or fractures, the disease generally responds well to progressive dietary correction and the skeleton can regain better solidity. \nAt an advanced stage, with significant deformities or multiple fractures, the after-effects can be permanent and lastingly affect the mobility of the animal.
Frequently asked questions
Can the meerkat completely cure this disease?
If it is detected early and the diet is corrected quickly under veterinary supervision, the bone can strengthen again. On the other hand, if deformations or fractures are already present, certain after-effects may remain permanent.
Is a diet based on kibble for cats or dogs enough for a meerkat?
No, the nutritional needs of the meerkat are specific and are not covered by a diet designed for other species. Veterinary advice specialized in exotic animals is necessary to establish a suitable ration.
Can we give calcium as a supplement without veterinary advice?
It is not recommended to supplement alone, because an excess or imbalance between calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D can also be harmful. Supplementation must be supervised by a professional.
Does this disease only affect young meerkats?
Growing young people are most at risk because of their high calcium needs, but a prolonged dietary imbalance can also weaken an adult's skeleton.
References
AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association
WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 August 2026
AT A GLANCE
Need a veterinarian?
Find a practitioner near you on TunisieVet, with their specialities, hours and contact details.
Find a veterinarianAffected species
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
To discover
Related diseases and linked Animalia content.