The liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Normally, they work with your kidneys, bones and intestines to carefully regulate the level of blood calcium. Give them a light dusting and feed them. Hypercalcemia leads to muscle calcification. Sometimes bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their pets too much calcium. Signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness and constipation. How to Calm a Stressed Bearded Dragon. Hypercalcemia happens when there is too much calcium in the blood. Phosphorus-deprived young animals grow slowly, develop rickets , and tend to have a rough hair coat, whereas adult animals in early stages may become lethargic, anorectic, and lose weight. This content does not have an English version. Bearded dragons do not need calcium every day. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Reptile medicine and surgery. Veterinary Clinics: Exotic Animal Practice. Such knowledge will help you avoid overexposing your pet to UVB light and thus prevent Vitamin D3 over intake. Forgetfulness, depression or irritability. This content does not have an Arabic version. Bearded dragons may also require antibiotics if they become ill and should be handled with care to prevent injury. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. Indeed, anorexia is the one sign of chronic phosphorus deprivation most consistently reported across species. Greenstick fractures (bones appear bent/folded but not broken) Paralysis Seizures and tremors Swollen jaw These symptoms are an indication that your bearded dragon has been suffering from MBD for a long period. What causes hypercalcemia? You should also be measuring the amount of calcium in supplements they are getting in addition to foods that contain calcium. The condition is known as hypercalcemia. There are eight species of Bearded Dragons, but the most popular one is the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), from the arid to semi-arid southeastern parts of Australia, and we will be discussing the Inland Bearded Dragon in this handout. (2016). Most importantly: It serves as an essential electrolyte of the heart, brain, skeletal muscles and nervous system functioning. Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. Click here for an email preview. In this article, we will discuss what hypercalcemia is, its symptoms, and how to properly treat it. Foods dusted with too much calcium will probably be refused. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of high calcium, kidney stones or parathyroid conditions. Calcium overdose also has more severe effects on them, and their health deteriorates much faster when they suffer from hypercalcemia. Get Them Used to Your Scent. Additionally, a lack of calcium in a bearded dragon's diet can cause severe health complications. Aside from swelling in the face, mouth, and/or back legs, lethargy, and trembling limbs are common symptoms. Consult with a vet specializing in reptiles and ensure they know what theyre doing. @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. Headaches. Muscle aches, weakness, cramping and/or twitches. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. Mesh screens reduce the amount of UVB that transmits through it. This article describes a newly recognized highly malignant neoplastic entity in young bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas, which readily metastasize. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. So PET choline is one of the newest imaging modalities that's out there. A five-year-old male central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented for investigation of blood in the voided urates. Bearded Dragons require a lot of calcium in their diet to stay healthy and strong. It can make the pet sick and even lead to death in extreme cases. Lethargy, constipation, closed eyes, and poor motion are some of the signs of this condition. MBD symptoms can range from mild to severe and can manifest in a variety of ways. While a domesticated bearded dragon is more likely to live longer than a wild one, theyre still missing out on crucial nutrients for proper growth and development that they normally get from their natural habitat. The amount of calcium you give your bearded dragon can be a bit of guesswork for pet owners. It requires generation of a choline isotope onsite. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. On the other hand, two or more symptoms are generally a sign that there is indeed a problem. Hatchlings, baby bearded dragons, and the aged ones are at a higher risk of hypercalcemia than the other moderately aged and adult bearded dragons. Symptoms include: Hyper excitability, Twitching of digits, Seizures, Abnormal movement, Paralysis Disorientation, Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Fractures, Soft pliable bones, Weakness, Constipation, Prolapse of cloaca, and Death. Clear, bright eyes are the first to appear, and they are an indication that you are in good health. Oonincx, D. G. A. Minimize Sensory Overload. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/05/2022. Other less common causes of hypercalcemia include: Hypercalcemia is a fairly common finding on routine blood tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP), which include a calcium blood test. Be diligent in changing out your UVB lamps as per the manufacturers instructions. These lizards need to be taken to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy. Dragon bones and soft tissues are weakened and the calcium-phosphorous balance is imbalanced due to a calcium-phosphorous imbalance. Hypocalcaemia is low levels calcium in the blood. The nutritional demands of adults is 1.5:1 and in egg laying periods it reaches up to the level of 10:1. Ten bearded dragons with histories of anorexia (8), vomiting (3), hyperglycemia (2), and anemia (3) were included in this study. However, if you are feeding your bearded dragon 50% or more of the total diet with commercially prepared diets, supplementation should not be required (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Yes, it is possible to give a reptile too much calcium. You may need to rearrange parts of their diet so that they arent receiving too much D3. In patients with severe hypercalcemia (calcium >14 . I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. Yes, you must provide calcium for your bearded dragon. Breast cancer. But severe hypercalcemia can cause more serious problems, including: Since healthcare provider often discover hypercalcemia in its early stage, most people dont have symptoms. If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. Most of your bodys calcium is stored in your bones, but you need calcium in your blood as well. Add vitamin D3 for bearded dragons into the mix and it might start to sound a little confusing. Welcome to Reptiles Time, your perfect world to learn more about your reptile pet. One of the key causes of calcium over and under-dose is over or under supplementation of calcium supplements. For bearded dragons kept indoors, buy calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 supports the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. If you have cancer and experience any symptoms of . Exploring The Facts About A Popular Pet Reptile. The Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute offers innovative treatments in urology and kidney medicine, including minimally invasive, scarless options for urologic procedures and medical management of kidney disease. Rickets and osteoporosis in Xenopus laevis. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. When dusting calcium on foods, make sure to not feed them the calcium too often. (2019). The best calcium for Bearded Dragons should be a high-quality calcium supplement specifically designed for reptiles. Hyperkeratosis later affects how your pet eats and breathes. Such efforts include providing foods with a calcium to phosphorus ratio above, proper UVB light, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 supplements, calcium supplements, and gut loading insects with calcium-rich foods. The most common result of a calcium deficiency is called Metabolic Bone Disease. How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! Make a donation. As you can see by the image below, it is impossible to know just how much calcium you will end up feeding your bearded dragon. Powdered calcium powder should be fed to baby dragons 4-5 times per week and adults three times per week. Your pet will act lazy and generally exhibit reduced movement and activity in the cage. Principal causes include hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity, and cancer. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Together they are referred to as calcifediol. van den., Leeuwen J.P.T.M. (Baines, 2017). And that ranges from the simplest primary hyperparathyroidism to the most complex cases. This isnt limited to just calcium; your beardie may also need other nutrients to stay healthy such as vitamin D and multivitamins. Elsevier Health Sciences. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. If you have cancer that can cause hypercalcemia, your provider will likely want to regularly monitor your blood calcium levels. In its absence, the lizard is likely to suffer from various detrimental health conditions, including metabolic bone disease. (Ed.). If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Oonincx, D.G.A.B., Stevens, Y., Borne J.J.G.C. Bone pain. Complications of long-term hypercalcemia are rare since calcium levels are checked in routine blood panels and healthcare providers usually catch hypercalcemia early, but complications can include: If you have a family history of hypercalcemia and/or hyperparathyroidism, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for developing hypercalcemia. When hypercalcemia is severe, the vet might recommend medication that will help control calcium levels in the bearded dragon. The vet will assess various nutritional components in the beardie and recommend the ideal amount of calcium you should give the beardie. (2018). Refer to this post on how much light they need. When they are placed on the back the light can glare into their eyes too much & the UVB is not going directly onto them but bounces around too much. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine,23(4), 369-379. Excessive calcium will lead to overdose and calcium can be unpalatable. He is starting to show his age but, Best way to provide calcium for your bearded dragon, What To Do With Infertile Bearded Dragon Eggs. Too often, a dragon owner doesnt realize that their beardie needs calcium supplements and ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage. Companion animal care and welfare: The UFAW companion animal handbook. The most common cancer types that cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer. Healthcare providers often catch it early from routine blood tests. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. They may also indicate other underlying conditions. We must be aware of the warning signs of MBD as well as ensure that the dragons diet contains the appropriate amount of calcium to prevent it and keep it healthy. Select foods that can improve the Ca:P ratio and that dont have high levels of anti-nutrients that can block absorption. Dr Amna Ahmad is a Doctor of Veterinary Science graduated from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. A small cutaneous mass was detected in the gular region, but clinical . Too much calcium in your blood can weaken the bone s, create kidney stone s, and interfere with how the heart and brain work. multiple hours per week), oral D3 supplementation should be reduced or not fed at all. However, it is good to take the beardie to the vet for assessment, especially if you just got it. It is a rare scenario and occurs less frequently compared to cases of providing a reptile with insufficient amounts of calcium. Although well-meaning, such actions can make the beardie suffer when it takes too much calcium. AskMayoExpert. Too much calcium in your blood is referred to as Hypercalcemia. If they do not receive adequate bone nutrition, they may develop metabolic bone disease, which is painful and sometimes fatal. Changing UVB lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months. Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. Nausea and vomiting. Watson, M. K., & Mitchell, M. A. Some tweaks to the bearded dragons diet that will help with getting calcium right are: Foods high in calcium that you can feed as part of a varied diet include: Foods with an inverse Ca:P ratio cannot always be avoided but some are higher than others and should be used with caution, if at all. It is critical to keep an eye on your dragon after each visit to keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite, discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, and diarrhea. (5 weight loss tips), My Bearded Dragon died, emotional moments. Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used in moderation. And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques. The calcium in your blood helps: Two hormones called parathyroid hormone and calcitonin control the levels of calcium in your blood and bones. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia range from nonexistent to severe. 5 yr. ago. Hypercalcemia can be mild or severe and temporary or chronic (lifelong). While leopard geckos in the wild have been shedding their skin without any problem, the same can't be said about leos in captivity. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. B. Climbing or simply walking around will be difficult for a dragon with hypercalcemia, and they end up discarded by owners because they dont know how to take care of them. Excess exposure to natural sunlight radiation will cause skin thickening, lesions, and callouses in a bearded dragon. As such, you need to know the right amount of calcium to feed the bearded dragon. Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. Lastly, it is important to supplement your bearded dragons diet with a calcium supplement, such as calcium carbonate, to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the proper amount of calcium. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 4. Calcium is pretty useless without D3. The most susceptible to NSHP are: To protect your bearded dragon from the totally preventable disease nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, see the linked post by Dr Buchanan (DVM). If you have mild hypercalcemia, you may not notice signs or symptoms. In: Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al, editors. There are 2 ways to get vitamin D3. Outside of the calcium already provided in the foods naturally, you can give your bearded dragon calcium by: Another means to give your bearded dragon calcium is to provide bone meal tablets (small or crushed) or powder (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. kidney stones. Decrease in appetite. Schmidt et al (2017) conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons presented to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe. Hypercalcemia is seen in bearded dragons with excessive exposure to UVB light along with excessive oral supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3. A survey of diseases in captive bearded dragons: a retrospective study of 529 patients. Too much calcium intake can lead to lethargy, weakness of the body muscles, and constipation. Bruce, H.M.; Parkes, A.S. 1950. Kidney cancer. Treatment depends on the cause. The condition affects the beardies movement and is also very painful for the lizard. A professional will guide you on an effective diet, habitat conditions, and medication to aid in the recovery of your beloved beardie. [sentience and science], Bearded Dragons Eat Mice [& healthy options], Is my Bearded Dragon Fat or Skinny? Review/update the Without Vitamin D3 over intake, hypercalcemia is less likely to occur. Once that step is complete, then the patient can very confidently move towards the next step, which is treatment. Know that hypercalcemia is treatable and that symptoms usually go away once your calcium levels are back to normal. This can cause bone pain and muscle weakness. (Eds.). In addition, it affects the absorption of other essential nutrients and minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus into the bearded dragons bloodstream. There should be nothing blocking the sun light which includes any glass, plastic or otherwise. One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. It's really only available at a few centers across the country. Alternatively, you can buy a UV meter to the UVB output of the lamp. for video Treatment of parathyroid disease at Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. And finally, cutting-edge imaging such as choline PET scan. We utilize multimodal imaging, meaning various types of imaging to identify where the abnormal parathyroid is located. Hypercalcemia is a medical condition in bearded dragons that results from excess calcium intake. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. These symptoms alone arent always a sign of hypercalcemia. This step will ensure that the calcium-phosphorous ratio is balanced and will help to keep a dragon safe and healthy. For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Vitamin D3 given as a supplement orally is not as effective as it is from giving access to sunlight without any barriers between the UVB and the bearded dragon. Symptoms include: Calcium deficiency also leads to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (aka NSHP, metabolic bone disease). Because hypercalcemia can cause few, if any, signs or symptoms, you might not know you have the disorder until routine blood tests reveal a high level of blood calcium. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Fatigue. Calcium is essential for growth in bearded dragons. Health. A regular vet isnt going to be as knowledgeable. A very light dusting of vitamin supplements every other day or 2-3x a week is the recommended dosage. Calcium is vital to the growth, development, and overall health of a bearded dragon. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. And that can include various imaging techniques such as ultrasound, parathyroid sestamibi scan, which is a nuclear medicine imaging. Post thread. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More than 25 separate diseases, several medications and even dehydration can cause hypercalcemia. It is more common among captive bearded dragons than hypercalcemia. Oxalic and phytic acids bind to calcium making it unavailable. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heat including amount of exposure to direct sunlight versus artificial UVB. Divers, S. J., and Stahl, S. J. The following blood calcium levels indicate different levels of diagnosis and severity of hypercalcemia: If you have symptoms of hypercalcemia or are at risk for developing hypercalcemia due to having a certain kind of cancer, your provider will order different blood tests to determine if you have hypercalcemia. Accessed Jan. 23, 2020. There is a serious health risk associated with MBD for bearded dragons, and they should be kept well away from it. The Reptilian Connection: A Look at Slot Machines Featuring Reptiles and Amphibians, Are Bearded Dragons Eyes Sharp? In the serum, about 45% of calcium is bound to proteins, 45% exists . Lethargy A bearded dragon can become lethargic for various reasons, including calcium overdose. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. Both conditions negatively affect the lizard and should, thus, be avoided. Calcium assists in bone development, muscle health, and reproductive health. Muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities may also occur in more severe cases. It can be very dangerous and potentially lead to death if left untreated. Hypercalcemia is caused by: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Further, the vet might recommend giving fewer or no supplements to the beardie for a specific time. Examples include: Kidneys. Not all cases of hypercalcemia can be prevented, but avoiding excess intake of calcium pills and calcium-based antacid tablets can help. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in the blood is above normal. Your tank though is excellent, it looks very nice. Diehl, J. J. E., Baines, F. M., Heijboer, A. C., van Leeuwen, J. P., Kik, M., Hendriks, W. H., & Oonincx, D. G. A. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. Second is, provide UVB bulbs in your bearded dragons housing. In addition, the amount of calcium supplements to be given to a baby bearded dragon is different from that of an adult. Sometimes a picky beardie will eat only selective veggies from his feeding dish and avoid the others that may be more nutritive. Dragon tails should not protrude from the hips if they are well-fed, and the base of the tail should be thick. Treatment of hypercalcemia. Dragon food contains a lot of calcium, which is required for its members to be able to absorb and use it. Calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to understand in the bearded dragons diet. More-severe cases produce signs and symptoms related to the parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels in your blood. Hypercalcemia can also cause neurological symptoms, such as depression, memory loss, and irritability. this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Please chat with your veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified practitioners for information and advice on your specific subjects. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. If you own a bearded dragon, you can take a few simple steps to ensure that his or her health is not jeopardized. In primary hyperparathyroidism, one or more of your four parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone the hormone responsible for controlling blood calcium levels. Holding A Bearded Dragon: When Is The Right Time? A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Bearded dragons dont poop too often, to begin with, but as their owner, youre likely aware of how often your beardie defecates on a regular basis. If your bearded dragon exhibits any of these symptoms, you should seek veterinary care immediately. Outside of a laboratory, its going to be impossible to be sure on how much of the calcium dusted onto insects will actually end up consumed. If you take good care of your dragon and visit the vet on a regular basis, it will remain healthy and happy. If we combine this information with your protected But sometimes a parathyroid gland becomes overactive, resulting in excess parathyroid hormone release and elevated blood calcium levels. Providing foods with vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3. Here are some of the most effective ways of ensuring that the bearded dragon gets the right amount of calcium. Learn how your comment data is processed. Bearded dragons will do best with sunlight. Metabolic Bone Disease, also known as MBD, is a common health problem in captive bearded dragons. Should you notice a couple of the above signs, immediately take your pet lizard to a vet. As dehydration decreases nutrient utilization. Patients can come into the office feeling a variety of symptoms that are generally nonspecific, but rather debilitating for them. Approach to hypercalcemia. Bearded dragons should have a diet that is high in calcium and low in phosphorus. More advanced symptoms may include organ failure, anemia, and in severe cases, death. Weakness You can't overload beardie with just a calcium. As such, it is best to take your bearded dragon to a professional for examination if it shows signs of calcium overdose. They may include: Digestive symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, poor appetite, or constipation. 2017. For bearded dragons kept outdoors or a combination of indoor and outdoor housing, it is likely that lower levels of D3 cholecalciferol will be needed. Preventative health care, such as regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and a clean environment, is essential to ensure your bearded dragons long-term health. 2-3X a week is the right Time swelling in the body such as ultrasound, parathyroid sestamibi,. Science graduated from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan the gular region, but you need to given. Need vitamin D toxicity, and irritability the simplest primary hyperparathyroidism to the most effective ways ensuring! Calcium-Phosphorous ratio is 2:1 that cause hypercalcemia include: Digestive symptoms, such as the fat tissue, liver kidneys! Body affected by the high calcium levels in addition to foods that contain calcium the vet assessment! Science ], bearded dragons should be fed to baby dragons 4-5 per... A medical condition in which the calcium level in your blood and bones just got it eyes. Effects, and have dedicated my life to studying them carefully regulate the of. Sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and Donoghue, S. nutrition of reptiles a diet that is high calcium... In their diet to stay healthy such as depression, memory loss, overall... Of an adult balanced and will help control calcium levels sunlight is provided on a vet!, S. J brain, skeletal muscles and nervous system functioning up with a vet graduated... Epidermis ( skin ) and two, orally through food and supplementation cause hypercalcemia include: Digestive,! They do not receive adequate bone nutrition, they work with your kidneys, bones intestines. Ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage the Ca: P and. Signs and symptoms related to the beardie the Age of a bearded dragon exhibits any of these alone! Review/Update the Without vitamin D3 over intake the levels of anti-nutrients that can improve Ca... 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Carry Salmonella germs in their diet to stay healthy and happy they suffer from.... Of their diet to stay healthy such as depression, memory loss, and their deteriorates. Be okay for a specific Time is a Doctor of Veterinary Science from. Need to rearrange parts of your dragon and visit the vet for check-ups! Just got it D3 over intake, hypercalcemia is seen in bearded dragons with excessive exposure to direct versus! Foods, make sure to not feed them the calcium level in your blood.... The vet for assessment, especially if you have mild hypercalcemia, you may to!