Diseases in reptiles
Reptiles easily get infected by several types of diseases due to change in weather, unhygienic food, dust, dirty water or unhygienic place. It is significant for one to provide proper care to their reptile in order to maintain their beauty and majesty. Reptile owners should have the basic knowledge about the diseases often found in reptiles. At times Vet live far away or are unable to answer to a call immediately, so owners should try to handle a sick reptile on their own. Some of the common diseases that are found in reptiles are mentioned below
Diseases in reptiles:
1. Chelonia: It is mostly found in terrapins, box tortoises and tortoises. These reptiles require higher humidity and higher temperatures, a carnivorous diet and ample amount of water to stay healthy.
2. Septicemia: The skin of the reptiles is moist. Reptiles often suffer from septicaemia due to the presence of mucus membranes.
3. Viral reptile disease: Mediterranean region tortoises usually suffer from Rhinitis or running nose. Reptile suffering from this ailment usually show thick watery discharge along with diarrhea. This disease cannot be treated as it further deteriorates into anemia and jaundice which further results in renal failure causing death. Thus viral disease is a deadly for mediterranean region tortoises.
4. Bacterial infections in snakes. - This disease is more common in snakes which are kept in captivity. And the main reason for it is poor and unhygienic living conditions this disease is associated with sores in the inner or the ventral scales of the snake. They are caused if the terrarium where they are kept is too damp. Larvae start lodging themselves in the damp skin and eventually penetrate the skin.
5. Bacterial reptile diseases: This disease leads to thick abscess filled with pus. The treatment of bacterial diseases is difficult. This disease cause abscesses in the ear blocking the tympanic membrane and the Eustachian tube. When the infected reptile goes for hibernation stomatitis causes mouth rot.
6. Burns- When the snakes want to have their own body temperature they creep to surfaces which are warm without realizing the intensity of the temperature especially if they are resting on ceramic heaters. This can lead to burns which may become irreparable and may even cause the death of the reptile.
7. Dysecdysis: The snake usually shed off the entire skin starting from the dorsum. Reptile usually rubs itself against some rough surface to start shedding its skin.
It is essential for one to monitor his reptile activities daily in order to prevent it from several diseases. Owner can prevent these diseases by providing healthy food, water and environment to his pet reptile. It is advisable to take your pet to veterinary once in every three months for general; check up.