What do I do if my pet gets sick?

It is often not easy to tell when reptiles or frogs are sick, especially in the early stages.   They may not display symptoms until the illness or infection has advanced, so don't wait!  Seek advice from a vet experienced in these animals if you think there is a problem.

Any consistent change from normal behaviour can be an early indication of illness or disease. Some things to watch out for include: constipation, decreased appetite or activity, weight loss, vomiting, sores, swellings, inability to use a limb or move freely, wheezing, bubbles from the nose, runny eyes, external parasites or skin discolouration.

This tegu was fed a calcium-deficient diet causing softened facial bones.
(Tegus are not allowed to be kept as pets in WA).

These symptoms may be caused by parasites, lack of calcium and/or UV, cold viruses, lack of heat, overheating, etc.  Many problems are caused by poor husbandry (cleaning) or not meeting the nutritional and environmental conditions required for the species you have as a pet.

Mucus discharge from the glottis of a python, a sign of tracheitis (inflammation of the windpipe) or pneumonia.

Prevention is better than cure and good husbandry is the best way to prevent illness and disease. Know what your pet needs – housing size, food requirements, humidity levels, preferred body temperatures, nocturnal/diurnal lighting, hiding places, preferred substrates and so on.  It is also important to avoid stress from excessive or inappropriate handling such as snakes in pre-slough (the scales over their eyes shed too, and they cannot see well when in pre-slough, which makes them nervous).

Necrotic ulcerations of the carapace resulting from opportunistic bacterial infection in a map turtle. (This species cannot be kept as a pet in WA).

Until a veterinarian can see your pet, keep them warm and dark to reduce stress.

Try to find a vet that has had experience with reptiles and amphibians.  As WA has only been able to keep reptiles as pets for just three years, this may be difficult.  You may need to ring around.  If you live south of the river (Perth) we recommend Dr Bruce Moore of Warnbro Vet Clinic on Safety Bay Road.  You can find his details under Links on our Home Page.

For more information on illnesses and diseases in reptiles, there are a wide range of books (that include causes and treatments) that can be helpful even to beginner herps.  Click here to see the books stocked by Reptile Trader.

Photos from The Biology, Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles Volume III; The Health Care of Reptiles by Lowell Ackerman, DVM.