Even though no vaccinations are required for reptiles, an annual health check can help ensure that your pet is well-nourished and free from diseases and parasites.

The first veterinary visit establishes a record of the animal in a healthy condition. This information can be highly valuable should medical problems develop later.

Signs of Illness in Reptiles

A sick reptile should be housed at a temperature near the upper limit preferred by its species to improve immune system function.

Reptiles are unable to produce a true fever, but when infected with bacterial agents, they move to warmer areas in their environment to create a “behavioral fever.”

Higher metabolic rates in reptiles with no appetite may require assisted feeding or an increased rate of feeding. However, before changing feeding frequency or beginning assisted feeding with liquid food via tube or syringe, consult your veterinarian. Improper feeding can cause elevated blood levels of uric acid—the white, chalky material found in reptiles’ droppings that is produced in the liver from protein digestion. Excess uric acid can deposit in the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

Additionally, reptiles must be properly hydrated before receiving antibiotics, or kidney damage may occur. Your veterinarian can administer fluids by injection or orally to ensure your reptile is adequately hydrated.

Giving Medication to Reptiles

Antibiotics are usually administered by injection in reptiles. However, they may sometimes be given orally in extremely small animals, such as true chameleons and smaller geckos, that lack adequate muscle mass for injections.

Intravenous injections may be used in larger reptiles or when working around the head and mouth would be dangerous.

Your veterinarian will determine whether antibiotics are necessary for a sick reptile and the most appropriate method of administration.

Shedding (Ecdysis) in Reptiles

Ecdysis is the process by which reptiles shed their outer skin in response to growth or wear.

In snakes and some lizards, the process results in shedding the entire outer layer of skin as a single piece.

Once a reptile’s skin and eyes become opaque, the humidity should be slightly increased to support the shedding process and reduce the risk of retained shed skin.

Lightly misting the enclosure at least once a day and providing a hide box containing moist sphagnum moss or a soaking container can help increase environmental humidity and promote healthy shedding.