Reptiles make fascinating pets, but they have unique health requirements that differ significantly from mammals. Proper reptile care requires understanding their specific environmental, nutritional, and veterinary needs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, many reptile health issues stem from improper husbandry.
This comprehensive guide covers essential reptile health care practices, common health issues, prevention strategies, and when to seek veterinary care. For more reptile care basics, check out our complete guide to reptile care.
Table of Contents
Proper Husbandry: The Foundation of Health
Most reptile health problems originate from improper husbandry. Creating and maintaining the correct environment is essential for preventing illness. The Reptiles Magazine husbandry guide provides excellent species-specific recommendations.
Temperature and Lighting Requirements
Temperature Gradient
Reptiles are ectothermic and require a proper thermal gradient to regulate their body temperature. A basking area should be 5-10°F warmer than the cool end.
Problems from Improper Temperature:
- Digestive issues and impaction
- Metabolic bone disease
- Respiratory infections
- Reduced immune function
UVB Lighting
Most reptiles require UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. UVB bulbs must be replaced every 6-12 months as they lose effectiveness.
Without Proper UVB:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Calcium deficiency
- Muscle weakness
- Deformed bones
Humidity Control
Proper humidity levels are species-specific. Tropical species require higher humidity (60-80%) while desert species need lower humidity (30-40%).
Humidity Issues:
- Respiratory infections (too high)
- Dehydration and shedding problems (too low)
- Scale rot (consistently wet substrate)
Proper Enclosure
Enclosures should be appropriately sized with proper ventilation, secure lids, and safe substrates. Provide hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and clean water.
Poor Enclosure Issues:
- Stress and anxiety
- Injury from escape attempts
- Respiratory issues from poor ventilation
- Impaction from unsafe substrates
Pro Tip
Invest in quality thermometers, hygrometers, and timers for lighting. Monitor conditions daily and adjust as needed. Seasonal changes in your home (heating in winter, air conditioning in summer) can significantly affect enclosure conditions. For proper equipment, check our reptile care products.
Nutritional Requirements and Common Deficiencies
Reptiles have diverse dietary needs based on their species. Understanding proper nutrition is crucial for preventing common health issues like metabolic bone disease and obesity.
Common Nutritional Issues
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium deficiency, improper calcium:phosphorus ratio, or lack of UVB light. Symptoms include soft or deformed bones, tremors, and difficulty moving.
- Vitamin A Deficiency: Common in turtles and lizards fed inadequate diets. Symptoms include swollen eyes, respiratory infections, and shedding problems.
- Obesity: Overfeeding, especially high-fat foods like waxworms or pinky mice. Leads to fatty liver disease, reproductive issues, and shortened lifespan.
- Dehydration: Many reptiles don't recognize standing water and require misting, soaking, or dripping water systems.
- Gout: Caused by protein excess or kidney issues. Leads to painful joint swelling from uric acid crystal deposits.
Important Warning
Never feed wild-caught insects to your reptiles. They may contain pesticides, parasites, or diseases. Always use commercially bred feeder insects or properly gut-loaded and supplemented insects. For safe feeding supplies, check our reptile feeding products.
Common Reptile Illnesses and Diseases
Reptiles are prone to specific illnesses, many of which are preventable with proper care. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Respiratory Infections
One of the most common reptile health issues, often caused by improper temperatures or humidity. Symptoms include wheezing, mucus in mouth or nostrils, open-mouth breathing, and lethargy. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed information on reptile respiratory diseases.
Parasitic Infections
Internal parasites (worms, protozoa) and external parasites (mites, ticks) are common in reptiles. Symptoms include weight loss despite good appetite, abnormal feces, rubbing against objects (mites), and general lethargy.
Scale Rot and Skin Infections
Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin, often caused by persistently damp, dirty substrate. Symptoms include discolored scales, blister-like lesions, and shedding problems.
Impaction
Blockage of the digestive tract, usually from ingestion of inappropriate substrate, overly large prey, or dehydration. Symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, and lack of defecation.
Stomatitis (Mouth Rot)
Infection of the mouth tissues, often secondary to injury, stress, or poor nutrition. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pus, or cheesy material in the mouth, and reluctance to eat.
Preventive Care and Regular Monitoring
Regular observation and maintenance can prevent most reptile health issues. Establish a daily, weekly, and monthly care routine.
Daily Monitoring
- Check temperature and humidity levels
- Observe behavior and appetite
- Ensure fresh water is available
- Check for feces and urates (note color and consistency)
- Look for signs of shedding or skin issues
Weekly Maintenance
- Thorough enclosure cleaning
- Substrate change or cleaning
- Disinfection of water and food bowls
- Weight monitoring (keep a log)
- Check equipment functionality
Monthly Deep Cleaning
- Complete enclosure breakdown and disinfection
- UVB bulb replacement (if needed)
- Comprehensive health check
- Update health records
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Reptiles often hide illness until it's advanced. Seek veterinary care from a reptile-experienced veterinarian if you notice any of these signs:
Immediate Emergencies
These require same-day veterinary attention:
- Bleeding or traumatic injury
- Prolapsed tissue
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures or paralysis
- Thermal burns
Urgent Care Needed
Schedule appointment within 24-48 hours:
- No eating for 2+ weeks
- Weight loss despite eating
- Swollen joints or limbs
- Abnormal feces for 3+ days
- Eye swelling or discharge
Monitor Closely
Schedule non-urgent vet visit if persists:
- Lethargy lasting several days
- Minor shedding problems
- Single missed meal
- Minor behavior changes
Veterinary Tip
Find a reptile-experienced veterinarian before you need one. Regular wellness exams (annually for adults, every 6 months for seniors) can catch issues early. Bring fresh fecal samples to appointments for parasite testing. For travel carriers and other vet visit supplies, check our reptile travel products.
Species-Specific Health Considerations
Bearded Dragons
Common issues: Metabolic bone disease, impaction, respiratory infections, adenovirus, egg binding in females. Special needs: Varied diet (70% veggies, 30% insects for adults), basking temps 95-110°F, UVB essential.
Leopard Geckos
Common issues: Eye problems from vitamin A deficiency, shedding issues (especially toes), metabolic bone disease, cryptosporidiosis. Special needs: No UVB required if properly supplemented, moist hide for shedding, insects-only diet.
Snakes
Common issues: Respiratory infections, scale rot, mites, inclusion body disease (IBD) in boas and pythons, regurgitation. Special needs: Proper thermal gradient, appropriate prey size, secure hiding spots.
Turtles and Tortoises
Common issues: Vitamin A deficiency, shell rot, respiratory infections, parasites, pyramiding in tortoises. Special needs: Species-specific diets, UVB essential, adequate space for exercise.
Emergency Warning Signs
Reptiles are masters at hiding illness. These signs indicate a potential emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention:
- Difficulty breathing: Open-mouth breathing, wheezing, mucus bubbles
- Neurological symptoms: Twitching, tremors, circling, seizures
- Prolapse: Any tissue protruding from vent, mouth, or cloaca
- Trauma: Bleeding wounds, fractures, burns
- Sudden paralysis: Inability to move limbs or tail
- Extreme lethargy: Unresponsive when handled
- Pale or dark mucous membranes: Gums, tongue color changes
Final Thought
Proper reptile health care requires commitment to proper husbandry, nutrition, and regular observation. Most health issues are preventable with correct care. By understanding your reptile's specific needs and monitoring them closely, you can ensure a long, healthy life for your scaly companion. For more resources, explore our complete blog or check out our reptile health and care products.
