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Do you treat all types of reptiles?
Yes. Dr. Bjornebo is board-certified in reptile and amphibian practice. We see a wide variety of reptiles, including turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, geckos, iguanas, and more. We also treat legally owned venomous reptiles, under controlled and safe conditions of course.
How often should my reptile have a veterinary check-up?
We recommend annual wellness exams for most reptiles. Species prone to rapid changes in health, such as chameleons, may benefit from more frequent visits.
How should I transport my reptile to the clinic?
Place your reptile in a secure, escape-proof container with ventilation. If the weather is cool, provide a safe heat source, such as a wrapped heat pack, to maintain an appropriate temperature during travel.
What are the signs my reptile might be sick?
Watch for changes in appetite, weight, activity level, skin or shell condition, breathing patterns, or droppings. Reptiles often hide signs of illness, so even subtle changes can be important.
What is metabolic bone disease, and how do I prevent it?
Metabolic bone disease is caused by calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency, often due to poor diet or lack of UVB lighting. Prevention includes a proper diet, correct supplements, and adequate UVB exposure. For more specific information, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Why isn’t my reptile eating?
Common searches include: lizard not eating, bearded dragon not eating, leopard gecko not eating, snake not eating, tortoise not eating, turtle not eating.
Loss of appetite is a common sign of illness in reptiles, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and turtles. Causes include improper temperatures, parasites, mouth irritation or infection, respiratory disease, organ problems, or constipation and impaction. If your reptile has not eaten for more than a few days, or if a juvenile stops eating, we recommend scheduling a same-day exam.
Why is my reptile lethargic or not moving much?
Common searches include: lizard lethargic, bearded dragon sleeping all day, leopard gecko not moving, snake lethargic, tortoise lethargic, turtle not active.
Low energy can occur in reptiles, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and turtles, for many reasons. Causes include incorrect temperatures, dehydration, metabolic bone disease, infection, pain, or stress. If your reptile is suddenly much less active than usual, an evaluation is recommended. Schedule an appointment.
Why is my tortoise or turtle not waking up or sleeping constantly?
Common searches include: tortoise not waking up, turtle not waking up, tortoise sleeping all day, turtle sleeping all the time, tortoise not moving.
Extended sleep or difficulty waking can occur in tortoises and turtles for several reasons. It may reflect seasonal slowing, but it can also be related to dehydration, low temperatures, infection, or underlying illness. If your tortoise or turtle will not wake normally, will not eat, or develops eye swelling, we recommend scheduling an appointment.
Why is my reptile wheezing or breathing with its mouth open?
Common searches include: snake wheezing, lizard wheezing, bearded dragon mouth open breathing, tortoise breathing hard, turtle breathing with mouth open.
Breathing changes in reptiles, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and turtles, may indicate irritation of the airways, a respiratory infection, or an enclosure temperature or humidity problem. Any new breathing sound, increased effort, or open-mouth breathing should be evaluated by a veterinarian, and an appointment is recommended.Schedule an appointment.
Why are my reptile’s eyes swollen or kept closed?
Common searches include: tortoise swollen eyes, turtle swollen eyes, lizard eyes swollen, bearded dragon eyes closed, gecko eyes shut.
Eye swelling or keeping the eyes closed can occur in reptiles, including lizards, tortoises, and turtles, due to vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, infection, trauma, or debris under the eyelid. Because eye problems can progress, an exam is recommended to identify the cause and relieve discomfort. Schedule an appointment.
Why is my reptile not pooping?
Common searches include: lizard not pooping, bearded dragon not pooping, leopard gecko not pooping, snake not pooping, tortoise not pooping, turtle not pooping.
Reduced stool output in reptiles, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and turtles, can be related to dehydration, low temperatures, diet changes, constipation or impaction, or parasites. If your reptile has not passed stool for longer than usual, appears uncomfortable, or seems to strain, an evaluation is recommended. Schedule an appointment.
Why does my reptile’s tail, jaw, or shell feel soft?
Common searches include: bearded dragon soft jaw, lizard soft jaw, gecko soft bones, turtle shell soft, tortoise shell soft, reptile metabolic bone disease.
Softness in the jaw, tail base, limbs, or shell can indicate calcium imbalance and bone weakening in reptiles, including lizards and chelonians. One common cause is Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, often referred to as metabolic bone disease, which is influenced by calcium intake, UVB exposure, and overall husbandry. If you notice any softening of bone or shell, an exam is recommended soon. Schedule an appointment.
For more information on metabolic bone disease, click here: Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism ("Metabolic Bone Disease")
Why is my reptile losing weight?
Common searches include: lizard losing weight, bearded dragon losing weight, gecko losing weight, snake losing weight, tortoise losing weight, turtle losing weight.
Weight loss in reptiles, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and turtles, can be caused by parasites, infection, inadequate temperatures, diet problems, or internal disease. If you notice visible weight loss or a change in body condition, an evaluation is recommended. Schedule an appointment.
What causes respiratory infections in reptiles?
Improper temperature or humidity, poor ventilation, and exposure to pathogens can lead to respiratory illness. There are contagious causes as well. Prompt veterinary care is essential.
What temperature and humidity does my reptile need?
Each species has unique requirements for temperature gradients and humidity levels. We can help you create the correct environment based on your reptile’s needs. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Does my reptile need UVB lighting?
Most diurnal reptiles (active during the day) require UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3 and properly absorb calcium. Some nocturnal species may not require UVB but still benefit from natural daylight cycles. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
How often should I clean my reptile’s enclosure?
Spot-clean daily to remove waste, and perform a full cleaning with safe disinfectants every 2–4 weeks, depending on the species and enclosure size. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Can I keep different reptile species together?
We generally do not recommend housing different species together due to the risk of disease transmission, aggression, and mismatched environmental needs.
What should I feed my reptile?
Diet varies widely by species—some are strictly herbivores, others insectivores, carnivores, or omnivores. We can help design a diet plan specific to your reptile’s age, health, and species. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Do reptiles need supplements?
Yes, most reptiles require calcium and sometimes vitamin D3 supplementation to prevent metabolic bone disease. The type and frequency depend on diet and lighting. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
How often should my reptile eat?
Feeding schedules depend on species, age, and activity level. Some reptiles eat daily, while others may eat only once or twice a week. For more specific information for your pet's care needs, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Is it normal for my reptile to hide all day?
Many reptiles are naturally shy or nocturnal. However, excessive hiding in normally active species can indicate stress or illness.
Why is my reptile digging or scratching at the enclosure?
This may be normal nesting, exploratory, or escape behavior, but it can also be a sign that environmental needs are not being met.
Do reptiles bond with their owners?
While reptiles may not form social bonds like mammals, many can recognize regular caregivers and become more tolerant and calm with consistent, gentle handling.
How can I tell if my reptile is male or female?
Sexing methods vary by species. Some can be sexed visually, while others require probing, ultrasound, or endoscopy. For more specific information for your pet, visit our Client Education Resource Center.
Do reptiles lay eggs without a mate?
Yes, females of some species can lay infertile eggs even without a male present. Egg-laying reptiles need a proper nesting area to prevent health problems.
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