Pet reptiles can be prone to a variety of health issues even if they are living indoors. The best way to prevent your pet from getting ill is to provide a stable environment that will be inhospitable to such pathogens. Keep your pet’s vivarium clean and odor-free, including the food and water bowls is of optimum importance. Maintaining the right temperature and humidity inside the enclosure can also help boost your pet’s immune system. Too much heat can cause burns that could become infected by bacteria. Enclosures that are too damp create favorable conditions for the growth, multiplication, and activity of bad bacteria. Washing your hands before and after handling your pet reptile can also prevent possibly passing on pathogens and illnesses to your pet and other pets.
There are 5 common viral infections that reptiles are more prone to. They include:
- Poxvirus infection -- Affected lizards and tortoises have skin lesions all over their bodies, most of which are concentrated on their heads.
- Iridovirus infection -- The virus attacks the red blood cells of reptiles which can lead to anemia. It can also damage the tissues of the spleen, kidneys, and liver.
- Herpesvirus infection -- Common symptoms include swelling of the eyelids, nasal discharges, loss of appetite, regurgitation of food, and weakness. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and problems of the nervous system.
- Flavivirus infection -- The virus can be acquired from ingestion of infected insects. Affected reptiles develop encephalitis, liver disease, inflammation in the mouth, and even death.
- Adenovirus infection -- Commonly affects king snakes and bearded dragons. Common symptoms include loss of appetite and consequent weight loss. Lesion on the liver and intestines. The liver enzymes are abnormally high.
Sudden changes in your pet’s behavior should be brought to the attention of your vet care Derby.
