How to Tell If Your Reptile is Sick: Subtle Signs You Might Miss
The lionshare of reptile illnesses stem from poor or inadequate husbandry. Establishing and maintaining a pet reptile’s housing, heat, humidity, and diet are all key factors in responsible reptile care. Our team is happy to help owners provide the right variety of foods, in the right environment, to promote robust reptile health.
Hiding the Signs
Reptiles are highly stoic in regards to their appearance and behavior. Even if they are stressed or feeling the effects of illness, they may look and act the same as when they were at a healthy baseline. That said, there are some telltale signs of illness in reptiles that are in stark contrast with optimal well-being.
Early Intervention
We understand the instinct to wait and see if symptoms get better with time. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become obvious to owners, illness may be quite advanced.
Knowing, and watching for, the general signs of reptile illness can lead to early intervention and effective treatment. Waiting can lead to more suffering and additional challenges in treatment. Please call us to let us know what’s going on with your reptile; we’ll be glad to get an exam scheduled as soon as possible.
Sick Reptile Symptoms
A healthy reptile is alert to what’s happening around them and is actively engaging with their environment (prey, people, etc.). If you notice any signs of lethargy, weakness, droopiness, or mobility changes, it’s time to investigate why.
Additionally, any changes to their eating, drinking, and bathroom habits should be addressed. While some reptiles will temporarily lose an interest in meals right before shedding their skin, if it goes beyond a full day it’s worth having them checked out. If you see that your reptile isn’t wanting to eat live prey, they should be removed from the tank.
Along the same lines, keep an eye on waste products to gauge your reptile’s overall health. Watch for any changes to appearance, consistency, color and odor. Dehydration can lead to fewer bowel movements.
Other Reptile Illness Indicators
Other concerning symptoms of illness in reptiles include:
- Discharge from or sunken eyes
- Swelling, scabs, or skin discoloration
- Thinning tail
- Partial or inadequate shedding
- Aggression, tremor, or seizures
Many common conditions can be fixed with husbandry. We can assess your pet’s health at a wellness exam, discuss their behavior and lifestyle, and test their blood for any obvious markers of disease.
Our staff at Vital Vet Animal Hospital is always happy to assist you with questions or concerns about your reptile’s health. Please call us at (757) 956-1110.