Jilla, this is a Catch22. I think we need to explore the diet more carefully and the possibility of injury. The reason is because if it’s MBD he needs the calcium. If it’s a spinal injury he needs the prednisone. Prednisone will block the absorption of calcium so would be contraindicated if it is indeed MDB. That’s the reason we need to be careful which direction we go.
When did you stop syringe feeding? You said they used a bowl. Did this little guy continue to take formula from a bowl? How many nuts and seeds did they eat per day? When did they start getting nuts? Have you seen any other symptoms before the leg dragging that would indicate MBD? Any seizures? Any white tears? Clumsiness? Sleeping more or less active?
Are they in a low cage or a tall cage? Do you think he fell? Have you seen any falls, even minor ones?
Babies on formula don’t/shouldn’t get MBD BUT I have seen babies with severe MBD when they were weaned early and given nuts in abundance. In that case, yes, they can get MBD.
The proper diagnosis is important because the treatments are different. I would hate to add prednisone if this is MBD because it could make the MBD worse. If it’s not MBD, the prednisone could reduce spinal inflammation and possibly restore mobility. So it’s a dilemma.