When should my reptile see a veterinarian?

It can be difficult to gauge signs of illness in reptiles, often times signs may not be noted until pets are very sick. Early identification of illness may lead to better health outcomes, so it’s important to stay diligent and recognize signs of illness. If you are ever unsure if something is abnormal and your pet should be seen, it never hurts to call your veterinary hospital.

General non-emergency signs of illness (you should call your veterinarian):

• Stuck shed or eye caps that don’t come off after soaks (do NOT attempt to pull shed or eye caps off)
• Crusty or discolored skin
• Small wounds or burns
• Increased respiratory noises or bubbles or excessive oral mucus
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Decreased appetite lasting over a week in lizards and chelonians or over 1 month in snakes
• Changes in stool consistency and color
• Weight loss
• Behavior changes
• Discharge from any body part
• Decreased fecal production
• Irregular lumps/bumps
• Changes in gait
• Mites

Emergency signs of illness (call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately):

• Open-mouth breathing
• Non-responsive
• Large open wounds
• Shell fractures
• Limp limbs or limbs at irregular angles (possible fractures)

How do I pick a veterinarian?

This is an excellent question! Typically any veterinarian that sees exotic animals should see reptiles, but it’s never a bad idea to call and clarify. Alternatively, you can bring your reptile to exotic specialty hospitals or use the find a veterinarian tool on the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians website (arav.org). Although there are very few, there are specialists specifically in reptile and amphibian medicine and surgery- these are indicated by special credentials identifying them as diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) or American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).

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