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| PET GAZETTE | REPTILE
to replenish itself with naturally produced
D3. If we under provide UV we reduce the
amount of D3 that can be produced. If we
over provide UV we will burn the skin which
leads to further more complex problems. It is
therefore vital that all systems are measured
accurately with a suitable device. This being
the Solarmeter 6.5 UV Index meter. This is a
simple push button meter that will measure
the quantity of UV at any distance from the
lamp. This is the only meter that is now
suitable for use with captive herpetology.
In terms of light therapy, this can be
maintained in-situ within the vivarium
by providing the correct lamps and then
adjusting the decoration so that the animal
can be easily and safely exposed. For animals
with a high degree of disease or that lack
the ability to move to self-regulate properly,
we can install similar systems within smaller
enclosures in which the animal can be kept
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for three to four weeks. In this way the animal
can be easily exposed for longer periods
whilst resting and recuperating. This should
be undertaken in measured systems only and
with the advice and watchful eye of a vet as
stated in the MBD Recovery Programme. In
the latter we are safely exposing the animal
to light from a balanced source whilst it
recuperates. As soon as it is able to self-
regulate once again it should be moved to
a suitably sized enclosure in which it can
continue to improve and that will enhance its
physical and mental health.
To conclude, light therapy is ever ongoing
and is used to maintain high levels of
wellness. However, an adjusted version of this
concept can be employed for sick animals
in order to provide the energy contained
within light quickly and deeply in order to
energise them naturally. This will aid with all
recuperative process.
JOHN COURTENEY-SMITH
John Courteney-Smith’s new fact-packed
book was published in Spring 2018 and
is available in all good book shops,
online and through the reptile wholesale
network at a trade price. This will be a
series of four new titles based
on the ‘Elements’.
To listen to John’s free podcasts
visit www.chameleonbreeder.com/
podcast/ep-55-mbd-uvb-with-john-
courteney-smith/
October 2018