What is a common bacterial disease in reptiles?

What is the most common disease in reptiles?

Bacterial diseases are common in reptiles, with most infections caused by opportunistic commensals that infect malnourished, poorly maintained, and immunosuppressed hosts. A comprehensive approach is required to ensure the success of a therapeutic plan.

What is the bacterial flora of infirmed reptiles?

A study of the bacterial flora of infirmed reptiles revealed that approximately 50%, of all cultured specimens yielded anaerobic bacteria. For proper therapy, an antimicrobial with action against anaerobes is needed. Combination therapy is necessary in many situations. Bacteria are the most common cause of disease in reptiles.

What causes Sept septicemia in reptiles?

Septicemia, caused by bacteria in the blood, is a common cause of death in reptiles. The disease affects the whole body and may result from trauma, an abscess Abscesses Adequate housing, a good diet, and routine parasite control will help to minimize disease in pet reptiles, as with other animals.

What are the most common viruses that affect reptiles?

A DNA virus that may also cause anaemia if the virus attacks the reptile’s red blood cells. Herpesvirus – Common signs of this virus include weakness, loss of appetite, discharge from the nasal passage, swelling in the eyelids and regurgitation. This particular illness is an enveloped DNA virus that can lead to pneumonia and neurological problems.

How can I Help my Pet Reptile with bone disease?

It is a good idea to build a relationship with your local expert retailer, or to join a local group of enthusiasts. A common cause of ill-health in many reptiles is metabolic bone disorder, which develops as a result of the animal being fed an unsuitable diet.

Which bacteria are associated with pneumonia in reptiles?

Atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila, have also been associated with pneumonia in reptiles.

What is the role of antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of reptiles?

A study of the bacterial flora of infirmed reptiles revealed that approximately 50%, of all cultured specimens yielded anaerobic bacteria. For proper therapy, an antimicrobial with action against anaerobes is needed. Combination therapy is necessary in many situations.

What is the prevalence of anaerobic infections in reptiles?

A study of the bacterial flora of infirmed reptiles revealed that approximately 50%, of all cultured specimens yielded anaerobic bacteria. For proper therapy, an antimicrobial with action against anaerobes is needed.

What is the most common cause of morbidity in reptiles?

Infectious diseases, as a group, are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in captive reptiles (Jacobson, 2007).

What happens if a turtle has septicemia?

Treatment of septicemia is only performed if the veterinarian feels the condition is caught early enough. Severe septicemia can be fatal, and many turtles are euthanized due to the severity of the blood poisoning. Treatment may include:

Do bacteria cause disease in reptiles?

Of the various bacteria known to cause disease in reptiles, the mycoplasmas of chelonians and crocodilians, Chlamydophila, which has been identified in all major groups of reptiles (Jacobson, 2007b), and Devriesea agamarum of agamid lizards (Hellebuyck et al., 2009) stand out as a few of the more important bacterial pathogens.

What causes septicemia in reptiles?

There are many conditions that are infectious to reptiles. Different types of bacteria can be responsible for septicemia, such as pseudomonas and aeromonas, and parasites can be responsible as well.

What are the symptoms of respiratory infections in reptiles?

Typical symptoms of a respiratory infection include: In severe or untreated cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal condition called septicemia. Respiratory infections are very common when reptiles are kept in dirty environments or do not have access to proper temperature gradients and/or humidity levels.

What causes pneumonia in reptiles?

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.

What do you need to know about veterinary medicine for reptiles?

The veterinary clinician must have a thorough understanding of reptile physiology and biology prior to administering medications. Since all reptiles are ectotherms, and their metabolism is temperature dependent, they will often react unpredictably to the same drug in different settings.

How are antibiotics injected into reptiles?

The antibiotics are either injected intramuscularly, or less commonly, subcutaneously. The intravenous route is often limited by the availability of venous access. The size and species being treated will determine whether intravenous infusion is possible. Reptiles have an anatomical variation called the renal portal system.

Are there any pharmacokinetic studies on antibiotics in reptiles?

To date there have been very few pharmacokinetic studies published in reptiles, and with only limited numbers of antibiotics. To date there have been very few pharmacokinetic studies published in reptiles, and with only limited numbers of antibiotics. So far, all of the studies have been done in snakes, turtles and crocodilians.

Why are higher temperatures used to treat reptile pathogens?

When reptile pathogens are treated at higher temperatures the Mean Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) needed to achieve effective treatment significantly decreases. This allows for a lower dose of antibiotic to be given, another positive factor when dealing with potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

What is the optimal temperature zone for reptiles with respiratory infections?

Reptiles with respiratory infections should be maintained at the mid to upper end of their preferred optimal temperature zone. Increased temperatures are important not only to stimulate the immune system but also to help mobilize respiratory secretions.

What is the prevalence of salmonellae in reptiles?

Salmonellae were found in 29.7% of all reptiles investigated, in 55.6% of reptiles kept with regularly direct contact with zoo visitors, and in 26.2% of reptiles kept strictly in terraria. The isolation prevalence was 38.6%, 18.2% and 12.5% in snakes, lizards and chelonians, respectively.

What are nematodes in reptiles?

Nematodes are commonly found in the gastrointestinal system of all orders of reptiles. A single animal can be infected with one or more species ( Rataj et al., 2011 ). Strongyles, especially the hookworm Kalicephalus spp., are important nematode parasites in snakes. Filarids and Capillaria spp. are commonly diagnosed in reptiles.

What determines the number and genera of protozoa in amphibians and reptiles?

The numbers and genera of protozoa present in an amphibian or reptile are very often influenced by the individual animal differences in the physiological parameters that effect the intestinal tract. Such differences, i.e. hydration status, pH, and the passage of digesta can have a profound effect on the make up of the enteric protozoal community.

What are the effects of parasites on amphibians and reptiles?

Parasitized amphibians and reptiles often have poor growth rates, are unthrifty, commonly have reproductive problems, and are in general more susceptible to disease than those same animals not infested with parasites.

What is bacteria in the blood in turtles?

What is Bacteria in the Blood? Bacteria in the blood in turtles, otherwise known as septicemia, causes infections in turtles throughout their body. Bacteria enter the turtle by way of open wounds or infections and travel through the bloodstream. There are many conditions that are infectious to reptiles.

How does a turtle get septicemia?

Bacteria enter the turtle by way of open wounds or infections and travel through the bloodstream. There are many conditions that are infectious to reptiles. Different types of bacteria can be responsible for septicemia, such as pseudomonas and aeromonas, and parasites can be responsible as well.