Monitoring of Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Two Komodo Dragons, Varanus komodoensis: A Case Study
J Herpe Med Surg 12[2]:4-9 Summer'02 Case Study 18 Refs

Like many basking lizard species, the Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis, is believed to require exposure to ultraviolet light of the appropriate wavelength to allow for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption and homeostasis. Serum or plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) concentration is considered the most useful assessment of overall vitamin D status in humans and animals. This case study describes the trends in plasma 25-OH-D in two captive Komodo dragons housed both indoors and outdoors in Louisville, KY over a 2.5-yr period. Data suggest that ultraviolet light exposure is critical to allow Komodo dragons to reach plasma 25-OH-D levels comparable to those levels reported in both wild dragons, and captive dragons offered daily sun exposure. Additionally, it appears that in temperate climates, approximately 150 d of sun exposure combined with moderate amounts of dietary vitamin D3 may be adequate for Komodo dragons to develop and maintain appropriate circulating levels of 25-OH-D throughout the year. [Abstract]