Reptile Wellness Recommendations


Why Wellness Care Matters

Regular wellness care is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your reptile healthy and thriving. Reptiles are skilled at hiding signs of illness, which means problems are often advanced by the time they become obvious.


Routine veterinary visits allow us to:

  • Catch problems early when they are easier to treat

  • Establish baseline health data so we can compare results if your pet becomes ill

  • Review husbandry(diet, lighting, heat, humidity) to make sure your reptile’s environment is ideal


Recommended Wellness Care for All Reptiles

  • Comprehensive wellness exam every 12 months

    • Includes a full physical exam and husbandry review

  • Fecal examination every 12 months

    • Screens for intestinal parasites (we recommend every 6 months for high-risk animals)

    • Owners can drop off a fresh fecal sample even if an exam is not scheduled

  • Bloodwork (CBC and chemistry panel)

    • Performed if your pet is large enough to safely collect a sample

    • Helps identify hidden organ problems and systemic infections early


Special Considerations for Brumating or Hibernating Species

If your reptile brumates (goes into seasonal dormancy), we recommend:

  • Pre-brumation exam– the most important! Ensures your reptile is healthy before slowing its metabolism

  • Post-brumation exam– checks for any weight loss or health concerns after the dormant period


Species-Specific Wellness Testing

Some reptiles benefit from additional testing, especially if boarding or living in multi-reptile households:

  • Bearded Dragons:

    • Atadenovirus PCR testing is recommended for boarding or if there are health concerns

    • This virus can affect the immune system and liver function

  • Leopard Geckos:

    • Cryptosporidium PCR testing is recommended for boarding or suspected gastrointestinal issues

    • Detects Cryptosporidium varanii, a parasite that can cause chronic weight loss and diarrhea


What to Expect at a Wellness Exam

During your reptile’s wellness appointment, we will:

  • Perform a full physical exam from nose to tail

  • Review husbandry, including diet, supplements, lighting, heating, humidity, and substrate

  • Discuss any behavior changes, shedding issues, or appetite concerns

  • Collect samples for fecal testing and/or bloodwork if appropriate

  • Make personalized recommendations for diet, enrichment, and care


Take-Home Message

Regular veterinary care is the best way to help your reptile live a long, healthy life. By scheduling yearly wellness exams(or every 6 months for high-risk species), you can catch health problems early and ensure your pet’s habitat is supporting optimal health.


Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
📞 480-530-0370
🌐 www.treeoflifeexotics.vet
Book your reptile’s wellness exam today and give them the best chance for a healthy, happy life.

Would you like me to create a species-specific infographic set(e.g., one for bearded dragons, one for leopard geckos, one general reptile wellness graphic) to display in-clinic or post online as reminders for owners?

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