Reptile Illness Behaviours & Symptoms to Look Out For

Hopefully you won’t have to deal with any of these possible illnesses, but you can never be sure. As always if you’re unsure it’s always best to take your reptile to a veterinarian, and if you can one that specialises in reptile care. Unfortunately most reptile illness is noticed too late, as in the wild they try not to show it until it overcomes them as it could make them appear weak to predators. As soon as you spot any of the warning signs below we recommend taking action straight away and having a veterinarian take a proper look at them.

Reptile Illness Prevention

• Check the temperature of the enclosure, it may be too hot or too cold, check the appropriate temperature for your species of reptile.
• Check that your reptile is getting enough calcium, if not they could develop MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) …try using reptile calcium supplements and using proper heating.

Danger Signs of Reptile Illness

• Looking deformed or twisted.
• Having seizures.
• Dragging it’s legs.
• External parasites.
• Patches of shed skin stuck to them for long periods of time.
• Nasal discharge.
• Oozing from the eyes or mouth.
• Wheezing or trouble breathing.
• Bubbly discharge from the mouth.
• Change in eating habits, an increase, decrease or just stopping.
• No energy.
• Gasping.
• Orange spheres in their stools.
• Increased or decreased waste production, changes in stool appearance.
• Scratching themselves repeatedly on their enclosures.
• Lumps or swelling.
• Bites from prey.
• Stops going to the bathroom.
• Partially paralyzed.
• Neck and head permanently pulled up.
• Flipped onto back and unable to right itself.
• Regurgitation.
• Excessive water soaking.
• Blisters, scabs, bruises, inflammation or redness.

Normal Reptile Behaviour

These are behaviors that at first may seem irregular or strange, but can in fact be very normal for your reptile.

• Losing their tail – some species of reptile have a defense mechanism in which they can detach their tail at will to help get away from predators. To prevent this happening never pull excessively on your reptile’s tail, handle them gently.
• Lounging around staying still – as reptiles are cold blooded they bask in the sunshine to build up body heat, so don’t be worried if your reptile is basking for long periods of time and being very still.
• Head bobbing – Usually a mating ritual, self defense or even affection!

If your reptile shows any of these symptoms then contact your local vet immediately and ask for further advice and instructions.  The reptile should ideally be seen as soon as possible to rule out any reptile illness or start treatment as soon as possible.]]>