Common Reptile Emergencies
 |  |
Seizures: Seizure, muscle tremors or weakness can indicate toxicities, metabolic bone disease, etc. The
reptile should be seen as soon as possible.
Burns: Many reptiles receive burns from heat rocks and heat lamps. Immediately apply cool water soaks
to the area. Gently clean the burn with germicide scrub and rinse with warm water. Apply silver
sulfadiazine cream to the area and call your veterinarian.
Respiratory Distress: Respiratory distress may be secondary to other serious problems. Reptiles with
open mouth breathing (snakes that are “yawning” frequently), discharge from the nostrils, or an increase
in moisture in the mouth should be seen as soon as possible.
Hypothermia: Reptiles outdoors during the spring and fall or allowed free roam in the house may be
subjected to cooler temperatures. Gradual warming of the reptile is recommended. Do not place a reptile
directly on a heat rock or heating pad. Place a towel over the heat source before placing the reptile on
top of it. The optimum temperature for most reptiles should be in the upper 80s Fahrenheit during the
day and the upper 70s at night.
Shell injuries: Turtles and tortoises with shell injuries should be seen as soon as possible. If the injury
occurred from a dog bite or hit by car, there may be internal injuries. Clean the area around the injury
with germicide scrub and rinse with warm water. Apply silver sulfadiazine cream and call your
veterinarian.
Lumps and Bumps: Any abnormal swelling should be seen by the veterinarian. Reptile abscesses form a
capsule that encloses caseous pus. Treatment may include surgical removal.
Broken Limbs/Digits: Often reptiles will get their toes caught on cages or carpet fibers. Metabolic bone
disease can also cause fractures of the limbs. Keep the limb or digit immobilized until seen by the
veterinarian.
Egg Bound: Reptiles can lay unfertile eggs. Symptoms may include depression, anorexia, muscle
tremors, or cloacal prolapse. Even if you think your iguana is a male – she may surprise you! Keep the
reptile warm (90-95 F, humidity 80-90%) and contact your veterinarian.
reptile should be seen as soon as possible.
Burns: Many reptiles receive burns from heat rocks and heat lamps. Immediately apply cool water soaks
to the area. Gently clean the burn with germicide scrub and rinse with warm water. Apply silver
sulfadiazine cream to the area and call your veterinarian.
Respiratory Distress: Respiratory distress may be secondary to other serious problems. Reptiles with
open mouth breathing (snakes that are “yawning” frequently), discharge from the nostrils, or an increase
in moisture in the mouth should be seen as soon as possible.
Hypothermia: Reptiles outdoors during the spring and fall or allowed free roam in the house may be
subjected to cooler temperatures. Gradual warming of the reptile is recommended. Do not place a reptile
directly on a heat rock or heating pad. Place a towel over the heat source before placing the reptile on
top of it. The optimum temperature for most reptiles should be in the upper 80s Fahrenheit during the
day and the upper 70s at night.
Shell injuries: Turtles and tortoises with shell injuries should be seen as soon as possible. If the injury
occurred from a dog bite or hit by car, there may be internal injuries. Clean the area around the injury
with germicide scrub and rinse with warm water. Apply silver sulfadiazine cream and call your
veterinarian.
Lumps and Bumps: Any abnormal swelling should be seen by the veterinarian. Reptile abscesses form a
capsule that encloses caseous pus. Treatment may include surgical removal.
Broken Limbs/Digits: Often reptiles will get their toes caught on cages or carpet fibers. Metabolic bone
disease can also cause fractures of the limbs. Keep the limb or digit immobilized until seen by the
veterinarian.
Egg Bound: Reptiles can lay unfertile eggs. Symptoms may include depression, anorexia, muscle
tremors, or cloacal prolapse. Even if you think your iguana is a male – she may surprise you! Keep the
reptile warm (90-95 F, humidity 80-90%) and contact your veterinarian.