Tongue Worm Infection in Reptiles
Tongue Worms Reptiles are as susceptible to internal parasites infections as any other animal. Tongue worms are one type of parasite which can be seen in various reptile species. These
Stick Tail Disease in Leopard Geckos
By Adam Denish, DVM Leopard geckos have grown in popularity as a pet choice for people interested in reptiles. They are appropriately sized for handling, have beautiful markings, and are
Stargazing Syndrome in Reptiles
Stargazing describes an unusual body position that is seen in some reptiles, especially snakes, which suffer from a disease or injury that inhibits the normal function of the central nervous
Spirurid Worm Infection in Reptiles
Spirurid Worm Reptiles can become infected with an internal parasite directly or through a carrier (i.e., other animals). One such internal parasite, the Spirurid worm, infects multiple organs and systems
Skin and Shell Infection in Reptiles
Pet lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises are frequently diagnosed with infections of their skin and shells. If left untreated, these infections can cause permanent damage or spread into the animal’s
Skeletal Deformity in Amphibians
Metabolic Bone Disease in Amphibians Metabolic bone disease develops in amphibians as a result of deficiencies of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus. Vitamin D, specifically, is essential as it controls
Roundworms in Amphibians
Pseudocapillaroides xenopi Infection The roundworm Pseudocapillaroides xenopi is parasite from the Capillariidae family that causes skin complications such as sloughing and irritation in amphibians. The parasitic infection is not
Retrovirus Infection in Snakes
Inclusion Body Disease Of the many viral diseases that affect snakes, one of the most common and important is caused by the retrovirus that produces inclusion body disease (IBD), an
Respiratory Infections in Reptiles
Pneumonia Pneumonia and most other respiratory infections in reptiles are caused by bacteria. In some cases, however, viruses, fungal infections, or parasites may be to blame. Treatment varies depending on
Reptile Parasites & Worms in Reptiles
Roundworm, Hookworm, and Pinworm Infections in Reptiles Intestinal parasites can be a serious problem for all pet reptiles, as many reptiles captured from the wild often already have parasites. Captive-bred
Parasitic Infection in Reptiles
Flagellates Reptiles are as susceptible to infections as any other animal. Some are carrying parasites and display symptoms. Others do not show any symptoms. One such microscopic protozoan parasite which
Ouroboros – The Snake That Bites Its Own Tail
Image via iStock.com/theasis By Nick Keppler The tail-eating serpent is one of the oldest tales known to humans. According to ancient Egyptian legend, when the sun god Ra merged with
Oral Inflammation (Mouth Rot) in Reptiles
Infectious Stomatitis Sometimes referred to as mouth rot, infectious stomatitis is a very common disorder that can affect pet lizards, snakes, and turtles. When a reptile is under stress,
Obesity in Amphibians
Generally referred to as obesity, excess body weight is as much a problem in amphibians as it is in humans. This nutritional disorder puts a strain on and taxes many
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) & Disorders in Reptiles
Metabolic Bone Disease Reptiles that eat primarily insects or plants are at risk for developing metabolic bone disease, which is caused by an imbalance in the levels of calcium, phosphorous,
Internal Abscesses in Reptiles
Internal Abscesses in Reptiles An abscess is a pocket in the skin or membrane, usually filled with pus. It can happen anywhere in the reptile’s body, but those which are
Infectious Cloacitis in Reptiles
Swollen Vent In reptiles, the ends of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tract combine to form a common chamber and a single opening to the external environment. This structure is
Hypothermia in Reptiles
By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Reptiles are ectotherms — cold-blooded animals whose body temperature regulation depends on external sources, such as direct sunlight or a heater. Without
How to Tell if Your Lizard is Sick
By Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Lizards can make wonderful pets. They come in all shapes and sizes—from bearded dragons to geckos to iguanas and others—and can be fascinating
Herpesvirus Infection in Reptiles
Herpesvirus Infection Pet reptiles, especially turtles and tortoises, are affected by many different types of infection, some that can damage more than one body organ or system. One such viral
Herpes Causing Cancer in Amphibians
Lucke’s Tumor Lucke’s Tumor, named after the scientist who discovered it, is a renal adenocarcinoma (or cancer) affecting the northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) found in the wild in northeastern
Gastrointestinal Tract Infection in Reptiles
Cryptosporidiosis Protozoa cause many infectious diseases in reptiles, one of which is a very serious parasitic infection called Cryptosporidiosis. This protozoan infection increases the thickness of the intestinal and stomach
Fungal Diseases in Reptiles & Snakes
Fungi can cause various types of disease, often affecting multiple body organs or systems in the reptile. These infections can occur anywhere in its body, including the skin, respiratory tract,
Fungal Disease in Amphibians
Chytridiomycosis Chytridiomycosis is a serious infectious disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a zoosporic fungus related to water molds. The fungus feeds on keratin, a protein found in the outermost layers
External Parasites in Reptiles
Ticks, Mites, and Fly Larvae External parasites not only annoy pet reptiles, but they can also transmit disease and be very debilitating, even causing death in extreme cases. Preventing and/or
Egg Binding in Reptiles
Dystocia Female egg-laying reptiles can produce eggs even when a male is not present, so all females are at risk of being unable to pass an egg that has formed,
Ear Infections in Turtles and Tortoises
AURAL ABSCESSES Tortoises and turtles, especially box turtles and aquatic species, are at risk for developing middle ear infections. Untreated infections commonly lead to the development of solid pus in the
Cryptosporidiosis – “Crypto” – in Lizards
By Jennifer Coates, DVM Lizard owners need a lot of information to take care of their pets successfully. If you don’t know the latest about the potentially fatal disease called
Bacterial Infection in Amphibians
Mycobacteriosis Amphibians are susceptible to infection by many bacteria, of which several are atypical Mycobacteria. Mycobacteria are microscopic organisms present everywhere in nature. And while amphibians are naturally resistant to
Bacteria In The Blood in Reptiles
Septicemia Septicemia is a bacterial infection of the blood, and it is a commonly diagnosed disease in reptiles. The bacteria can spread to multiple organs throughout the body and cause
Amebiasis in Reptiles
Infection with Entamoeba Amebiasis is one of the most serious diseases in reptiles. Due to an infection with the protozoan microorganism Entamoeba invadens, amebiasis, if not treated in time, this
Adenovirus Infection in Reptiles
Many different types of viruses can cause disease in reptiles, but the adenovirus is of particular concern to owners of bearded dragons. Other reptiles, including some snake and lizard species,
Abnormal Skin Shedding in Reptiles
Disecdysis Abnormal skin shedding, or disecdysis, is one of the most common health problems affecting pet reptiles. Some species of snakes and lizards shed their entire skin in a single
Abnormal Beak and Skull Growth in Reptiles
Beak Overgrowth in Turtles and Tortoises Turtles and tortoises do not have teeth, but instead grab and chew their food using the sharp edges of their beaks. If an animal’s
‘Red-leg’ Syndrome in Amphibians
“Red-leg” syndrome is a widespread infection seen in frogs, toads, and salamanders. It is recognized by the redness on the underside of the amphibian’s legs and abdomen, and is generally
