Reptile Health: Warning Signs Every Owner Should Know

Your reptile can't tell you when they're feeling unwell, but they're constantly communicating through subtle changes in behaviour, appearance, and activity. As a reptile owner, learning to recognise these warning signs can mean the difference between catching a problem early and facing a serious health crisis.

Reptiles are masters at hiding illness – it's a survival instinct from the wild where showing weakness makes them vulnerable to predators. By the time symptoms are obvious, the problem may already be advanced. This comprehensive guide will help you spot the early warning signs and know when to seek veterinary care.

Understanding Reptile Health Basics

Why Early Detection Matters

Reptiles deteriorate quickly when ill:

• Hide symptoms until severely unwell
• Slower metabolism means slower recovery
• Many conditions progress rapidly
• Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes
• Prevention easier than treatment
• Some conditions irreversible if caught late

Know Your Reptile's Normal

Baseline knowledge is crucial:

• Normal activity patterns
• Typical appetite and feeding response
• Regular bowel movement schedule
• Usual body weight
• Normal skin colour and texture
• Typical behaviour and personality
• Regular shedding patterns

Daily Health Checks

Quick observations to make daily:

• Activity level and alertness
• Appetite and feeding behaviour
• Breathing pattern
• Body posture
• Faeces appearance
• Any visible changes

Critical Warning Signs: Seek Immediate Vet Care

Respiratory Distress

Emergency situation requiring immediate attention:

• Open-mouth breathing: Especially when not basking or thermoregulating
• Wheezing or clicking sounds: Audible breathing difficulties
• Mucus discharge: From nose or mouth
• Gasping: Struggling to breathe
• Stretching neck upward: Trying to get more air
• Lethargy with breathing issues: Combined symptoms serious

Possible causes: Respiratory infection, pneumonia, aspiration

Action: Emergency vet visit immediately

Seizures or Neurological Issues

Serious symptoms requiring urgent care:

• Uncontrolled twitching or convulsions
• Loss of coordination
• Circling or head tilting
• Inability to right themselves
• Star-gazing (looking upward constantly)
• Paralysis or weakness in limbs

Possible causes: Metabolic bone disease, toxins, infection, trauma

Action: Emergency vet immediately

Prolapse

Tissue protruding from cloaca:

• Intestinal tissue visible
• Hemipenes stuck out (males)
• Oviduct prolapse (females)
• Tissue may be swollen, discoloured

Possible causes: Straining, parasites, egg binding, dehydration

Action: Keep tissue moist with damp cloth, emergency vet immediately

Severe Trauma or Bleeding

Obvious injuries need immediate care:

• Active bleeding
• Visible wounds or lacerations
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Bite wounds from cage mates
• Tail or limb injuries

Action: Apply gentle pressure to bleeding, emergency vet

Serious Warning Signs: Vet Visit Within 24 Hours

Loss of Appetite

Duration and context matter:

• Concerning if: No food for 1-2 weeks (adults), 3-5 days (juveniles)
• More concerning with: Weight loss, lethargy, other symptoms
• Consider: Brumation, breeding season, shedding (temporary)
• Watch for: Complete refusal vs reduced appetite

Possible causes: Illness, stress, incorrect temperatures, parasites, impaction

Action: Vet visit if prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms

Lethargy and Weakness

Unusual inactivity or weakness:

• Not moving to basking spot
• Lying flat, unable to lift body
• Weak grip or inability to climb
• Sleeping more than usual
• Not responding to stimuli
• Difficulty moving or walking

Possible causes: Infection, metabolic issues, organ failure, severe stress

Action: Check temperatures first, then vet if continues

Abnormal Faeces

Digestive system indicators:

• Diarrhoea: Watery, unformed stools
• Blood in faeces: Red or black (digested blood)
• Mucus: Excessive mucus coating
• Undigested food: Whole insects or food pieces
• Foul odour: Worse than normal
• No faeces: Constipation or impaction

Possible causes: Parasites, infection, impaction, incorrect temperatures

Action: Bring fresh faecal sample to vet

Swelling or Lumps

Abnormal growths or swelling:

• Lumps under skin
• Swollen limbs or joints
• Bloated abdomen
• Swollen jaw or face
• Asymmetrical appearance

Possible causes: Abscess, tumour, metabolic bone disease, egg binding, organ issues

Action: Vet examination and possible imaging

Eye Problems

Vision and eye health issues:

• Sunken eyes (dehydration)
• Swollen or bulging eyes
• Discharge or crusting
• Cloudiness
• Unable to open eyes
• Eyes closed during day

Possible causes: Infection, injury, vitamin A deficiency, dehydration

Action: Vet examination

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

Understanding MBD

One of the most common reptile health issues:

• Cause: Calcium deficiency, inadequate UVB, improper diet
• Affects: Bone development and strength
• Most common in: Juveniles, egg-laying females
• Preventable: With proper husbandry
• Reversible: If caught early

Early Warning Signs

Catch it before it progresses:

• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy
• Tremors or twitching
• Difficulty walking
• Reluctance to move
• Soft jaw (rubber jaw)

Advanced Symptoms

Serious progression:

• Visible bone deformities
• Swollen limbs
• Curved spine
• Inability to lift body
• Fractures from minimal trauma
• Seizures

Action: Immediate vet care, improve UVB and calcium supplementation

Respiratory Infections

Common in Reptiles

Often caused by husbandry issues:

• Causes: Incorrect temperatures, high humidity (or too low), stress, poor ventilation
• Prevention: Proper temperature gradients, appropriate humidity
• Treatment: Antibiotics, improved husbandry

Early Symptoms

Catch it early:

• Increased mucus production
• Bubbles around nostrils
• Slight wheezing
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy

Progressive Symptoms

As infection worsens:

• Open-mouth breathing
• Audible breathing sounds
• Mucus discharge
• Gasping
• Refusing food completely
• Severe lethargy

Action: Vet visit for antibiotics, correct husbandry immediately

Parasites

Internal Parasites

Common in reptiles:

• Types: Worms, protozoa, coccidia
• Symptoms: Weight loss despite eating, diarrhoea, lethargy, poor growth
• Diagnosis: Faecal examination by vet
• Treatment: Antiparasitic medication
• Prevention: Quarantine new animals, regular faecal checks

External Parasites

Visible on skin:

• Mites: Tiny dots, often around eyes, in skin folds
• Ticks: Larger, embedded in skin
• Symptoms: Restlessness, soaking frequently, visible parasites
• Treatment: Specific antiparasitic treatment, enclosure deep clean

Impaction

Digestive Blockage

Serious and potentially fatal:

• Causes: Substrate ingestion, prey too large, dehydration, low temperatures
• Most common in: Juveniles, animals on loose substrate
• Prevention: Appropriate substrate, correct prey size, proper hydration

Warning Signs

Symptoms of impaction:

• No bowel movements for extended period
• Straining to defecate
• Bloated abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Dragging back legs (severe cases)
• Visible lump in abdomen

Action: Warm baths, gentle massage, vet if no improvement within 24 hours

Shedding Problems

Normal Shedding

What's typical:

• Dull colour before shed
• Cloudy eyes (snakes)
• Reduced appetite
• Increased hiding
• Complete shed in one or few pieces

Abnormal Shedding

Problems to watch for:

• Incomplete shed: Patches of old skin remaining
• Stuck shed on toes: Can cut off circulation
• Retained eye caps: Cloudy appearance persists
• Frequent incomplete sheds: Indicates husbandry issues

Causes of Shedding Problems

Usually husbandry-related:

• Low humidity
• Dehydration
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Skin infections
• Parasites
• Lack of rough surfaces

Action: Increase humidity, provide humid hide, warm baths, improve husbandry

Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis)

Bacterial Infection

Affects mouth and gums:

• Causes: Injury, stress, poor husbandry, weakened immune system
• Serious if untreated: Can spread to bone
• Treatment: Antibiotics, improved care

Symptoms

What to look for:

• Red, swollen gums
• Thick mucus or pus in mouth
• Difficulty eating
• Rubbing mouth on objects
• Swelling around jaw
• Foul odour from mouth
• Loss of appetite

Action: Vet visit for antibiotics and treatment plan

Egg Binding (Dystocia)

Female Reproductive Issue

Inability to lay eggs:

• Causes: Calcium deficiency, dehydration, stress, no laying site, malformed eggs
• Risk factors: First-time layers, poor nutrition, inadequate UVB
• Emergency: Can be life-threatening

Warning Signs

Symptoms of egg binding:

• Visible eggs but not laying
• Straining
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Swollen abdomen
• Digging behaviour without laying

Action: Warm baths, ensure proper laying site, vet if no progress within 24-48 hours

Dehydration

Often Overlooked

Can cause serious problems:

• Causes: Inadequate water, low humidity, illness, high temperatures
• Affects: Organ function, shedding, digestion
• Prevention: Fresh water always available, appropriate humidity

Signs of Dehydration

What to watch for:

• Sunken eyes
• Wrinkled, loose skin
• Lethargy
• Loss of skin elasticity (skin tent test)
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Concentrated urates (dark, solid)
• Shedding problems

Action: Offer water, warm baths, increase humidity, vet if severe

Species-Specific Health Issues

Bearded Dragons

Common problems:

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
• Impaction
• Respiratory infections
• Adenovirus
• Yellow fungus disease

Leopard Geckos

Watch for:

• Impaction
• Metabolic bone disease
• Stuck shed on toes
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Egg binding (females)

Ball Pythons

Common issues:

• Respiratory infections
• Inclusion body disease (IBD)
• Mites
• Retained eye caps
• Feeding strikes

Corn Snakes

Generally hardy but watch for:

• Respiratory infections
• Mites
• Retained shed
• Mouth rot

Crested Geckos

Potential problems:

• Metabolic bone disease
• Floppy tail syndrome
• Stuck shed
• Calcium deficiency

When to See a Vet

Emergency Situations

Go immediately:

• Respiratory distress
• Seizures
• Prolapse
• Severe trauma or bleeding
• Inability to move
• Suspected poisoning

Urgent Care (Within 24 Hours)

Don't delay:

• Prolonged loss of appetite
• Severe lethargy
• Abnormal faeces with other symptoms
• Eye problems
• Swelling or lumps
• Signs of MBD
• Mouth rot
• Egg binding

Schedule Appointment

See vet soon:

• Incomplete sheds repeatedly
• Gradual weight loss
• Behaviour changes
• Suspected parasites
• Minor injuries
• Annual wellness check

Finding a Reptile Vet

Not All Vets Treat Reptiles

Find a specialist:

• Search for exotic or reptile specialist
• Ask other reptile keepers for recommendations
• Check vet's qualifications and experience
• Locate before emergencies
• Keep contact details accessible
• Know location of nearest emergency exotic vet

What to Bring to Vet

Prepare for appointment:

• Your reptile in secure carrier
• Heat source for transport
• Recent faecal sample (if relevant)
• List of symptoms and timeline
• Husbandry details (temperatures, diet, etc.)
• Photos of setup
• Previous medical records

Prevention: The Best Medicine

Proper Husbandry Prevents Most Issues

Get the basics right:

• Correct temperatures: Species-appropriate gradients
• Appropriate UVB: For species that need it
• Proper humidity: Species-specific levels
• Balanced diet: Appropriate food and supplements
• Clean environment: Regular cleaning and maintenance
• Appropriate housing: Correct size and setup
• Stress reduction: Proper hides, minimal handling initially

Regular Monitoring

Stay vigilant:

• Daily visual health checks
• Weekly weight monitoring
• Monthly thorough examinations
• Annual vet wellness checks
• Keep health records
• Photograph any concerns

Quarantine New Reptiles

Prevent disease spread:

• Separate new reptiles for 60-90 days
• Monitor for health issues
• Faecal examination by vet
• Separate equipment and supplies
• Wash hands between handling

Home Health Monitoring

Weekly Weight Checks

Track trends:

• Use digital scale
• Weigh at same time weekly
• Record weights
• Watch for gradual changes
• Sudden weight loss concerning

Body Condition Scoring

Visual assessment:

• Underweight: Visible bones, sunken appearance
• Ideal: Smooth body contours, healthy appearance
• Overweight: Fat deposits, rounded appearance
• Obese: Difficulty moving, excessive fat

Keeping Health Records

Document everything:

• Feeding dates and amounts
• Shedding dates
• Weight measurements
• Behaviour changes
• Health issues and treatments
• Vet visits and diagnoses

Common Mistakes That Cause Health Issues

Husbandry Errors

Preventable problems:

• Wrong temperatures: Causes digestive issues, respiratory infections
• No UVB: Leads to MBD
• Incorrect humidity: Shedding problems, respiratory issues
• Poor diet: Nutritional deficiencies
• No supplements: Calcium and vitamin deficiencies
• Inappropriate substrate: Impaction risk

Ignoring Early Signs

Don't wait and see:

• Small problems become big problems
• Early intervention crucial
• Reptiles hide illness well
• By the time it's obvious, it's serious
• Trust your instincts

Your Reptile's Health Guardian

As a reptile owner, you are your pet's first line of defence against illness. Your daily observations, attention to detail, and quick response to warning signs can literally save your reptile's life. While this guide covers many common health issues, remember that every reptile is an individual, and any significant change in behaviour or appearance warrants attention.

The key to keeping your reptile healthy is threefold: provide excellent husbandry, monitor daily for changes, and don't hesitate to seek veterinary care when something seems wrong. Many reptile health issues are directly related to husbandry problems, so getting temperatures, lighting, humidity, and diet right prevents the majority of health problems.

Build a relationship with a reptile-experienced vet before emergencies arise. Annual wellness checks can catch problems early and give you peace of mind that your husbandry is on track. Don't wait until your reptile is seriously ill to find veterinary care – by then, treatment may be more difficult and expensive.

Trust your instincts. If something seems off, even if you can't pinpoint exactly what, it's worth investigating. You know your reptile's normal behaviour and appearance better than anyone. That nagging feeling that something isn't quite right is often your subconscious picking up on subtle changes.

With vigilance, proper care, and prompt attention to health concerns, your reptile can live a long, healthy life. Stay observant, stay informed, and never hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

Wishing your scaly friends health and happiness from all of us at Petziverse!