Many companion reptiles require UV-B light for vitamin D synthesis and calcium metabolism. Inadequate lighting causes preventable diseases that cause chronic suffering in millions of pet reptiles.
Metabolic bone disease is a painful, progressive condition that causes months or years of suffering before it becomes obvious to owners. Affected reptiles experience bone pain, muscle weakness, and eventually fractures or neurological damage. The tragedy is that MBD is almost entirely preventable with proper UV-B lighting and supplementation. The pet industry has a responsibility to ensure that buyers receive clear, accurate guidance on lighting requirements before purchase. Veterinary outreach and improved labeling standards can prevent enormous amounts of avoidable reptile suffering.