It starts with a photo. A cub cradled in someone’s lap, eyes full of curiosity, paws oversized, framed in smiles. But what’s missing from the picture is what happens next.
That same cub—pulled from its mother far too soon—may never walk properly. This wild cat may live with pain for the rest of its life, caused by a condition named Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), one of the most common and preventable illnesses we see in rescued big cats.
At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR), we’re no strangers to MBD. Many of the animals who arrive here—especially those rescued from unregulated roadside zoos, cub-petting operations, or illegal breeding facilities—show signs of it. Bowed legs; fractured bones; chronic joint pain – all deformities caused not by accident, but by years of poor nutrition, rapid growth, and neglect.
This isn’t just about bad diets. It’s about broken systems.
Metabolic Bone Disease Defined
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a painful, often irreversible condition caused by nutritional deficiency during key growth stages of an animal. It occurs when an animal doesn’t receive the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D—nutrients critical for healthy bone development.
In young, rapidly growing big cats, this imbalance has devastating consequences. Their bones aren’t able to form properly. Their legs can begin to bow. Their joints become swollen. They can even develop scoliosis of the spine. Walking then becomes painful. And in extreme cases, walking can even become dangerous due to the occurrence of fractures and misstepping.
But what makes MBD especially heartbreaking is this: it’s preventable.
In roadside zoos, cub-petting operations, and illegal breeding setups, animals are often fed cheap, nutritionally incomplete diets that deprive them of the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Even worse, cubs are frequently separated from their mothers far too early, missing out on the vital nutrition and immune protection found only in maternal milk.
After being denied the vital nutrients and immunity provided by their mothers, cubs are often placed on display and handled for photo sessions with paying patrons—while their bones grow soft, underdeveloped, and dangerously fragile.
The result? Cubs who may appear “fine” at first but begin to deteriorate within weeks or months—left to suffer silently while their bones bend under the weight of their own bodies.
Why is MBD Common in Rescues
Many of the facilities TCWR is called to for rescue aren’t built for animal care—they’re built for profit. Roadside zoos, illegal breeders, and cub-petting operations thrive on fast turnover, minimal investment, and appearance over welfare.
To save money, these facilities often feed cubs just enough to keep them alive—but not enough to support healthy growth and development. In some cases, food is deliberately restricted to keep animals small and underweight, prolonging their use in photo opportunities and maximizing profit. And because these operations rarely have qualified veterinary oversight, no one catches the slow onset of MBD… until the cub starts limping—or can no longer walk at all.
The Lifelong Impact of MBD
By the time most affected animals arrive at TCWR, the damage is done. Their bones are deformed, and their joints bear the strain of years without proper support. While we can provide a nutritious diet, supplements, and pain relief, metabolic bone disease (MBD) leaves a permanent mark.
Animals with MBD often live with chronic pain. Some walk with a limp or develop early-onset arthritis. Others suffer spinal deformities that affect balance and mobility. Although treatment can stabilize their condition, the goal is no longer reversal—it’s to give them the best quality of life moving forward.
That’s why animals like Samson, one of our most recent rescues from California, receive custom-designed habitats with soft terrain, resting platforms at appropriate heights, and enrichment that encourages safe movement without strain. These animals are closely monitored by our veterinary team and caregivers who are trained to recognize even the subtlest signs of discomfort or fatigue.
When a new animal exhibits any signs of MBD, the diagnostic process begins immediately. Our veterinary team conducts a comprehensive intake exam—often under sedation—joint evaluation, and x-rays to assess bone density and identify any deformities. Bloodwork helps confirm imbalances in calcium and phosphorus, which can be indicators of the disease.
Once diagnosed, the treatment plan becomes a lifelong promise. At TCWR, that includes:
- Specialized nutrition to maintain strength and reduce further deterioration
- Daily medications to manage inflammation and chronic pain
- Modified habitats to support mobility and reduce strain on joints
- Gentle enrichment routines that encourage safe movement without stress
- Ongoing monitoring to adjust care as the animal’s needs evolve
The costs—both emotional and financial—are high. But so is the reward. Because for every animal who walks freely on soft grass for the first time, who stretches out in the sun, or who plays without pain, there’s a moment of dignity reclaimed—something they were denied for far too long.
MBD is preventable. That’s what makes it so tragic—and so urgent!
No animal should suffer lifelong pain because someone didn’t bother to feed them properly. No cub should limp through life because their value ended when the photo op did. And yet, we see it again and again.
At TCWR, we can’t erase the past—but we can protect the future. We can give animals like Samson a life of safety, dignity, and comfort. We can speak out against the industries that profit from neglect. And with your help, we can continue to say “yes” to rescues that come with complex, lifelong needs.