What is reptile impaction?

How do I know if my reptile has a blockage?

The first symptom that you may notice is that your reptile’s fecal matter may contain loose substrate. For example, their feces may be covered in sand, but you know that they did not kick sand onto it because there are no holes in the substrate. So, if a blockage has occurred, the following symptoms might be noticed depending on severity:

Can I put live rodents in my reptile’s cage?

Placing a live rodent in your reptile’s cage/tank has the potential to physically harm your pet. Your reptile is not in its natural habitat and therefore isn’t actively hunting or camouflaging himself. With live feed, you are leaving your pet open to scratches and bites from his prey.

Do feeder rodents and reptiles have Salmonella?

Feeder rodents, reptiles, and amphibians might have Salmonella germs on their bodies even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can also get on the inside and outside of their cages, aquariums, and terrariums. You should consider anything that feeder rodents, reptiles, and amphibians touch as possibly contaminated with Salmonella.

What does a healthy reptile skin look like?

The skin of a healthy animal looks right for its species. For most reptiles, this means well rounded and filled out, with few or any the lateral folds associated with dehydration. The color is full and clear.

Is the biggest reptile the healthiest?

Choosing a healthy reptile isn’t necessarily as easy one thinks – the biggest out of the bunch is not always the healthiest. While it is true that reptiles will often hide signs of illness/disease, there are still a few things that you can look for to help decrease the chances of getting in over your head with a new pet.

How do you assess stress and illness in reptiles?

Assessing stress and illness in reptiles means looking at the animal itself as well as its immediate environment (enclosure and equipment) and the macroenvironment (the room in which the enclosure resides). Check the overall appearance of the reptiles:

What are the signs of RTI in reptiles?

No other signs of RTI occur in these instances, so they are easily told apart from an RTI.. Some reptiles may exhibit signs of respiratory infection as a signal to you that they have been handled enough or want (or need) to be put down.

How does drought affect desert reptiles?

Drought impacts desert reptiles because there is less free water for them and their prey. Prey numbers typically decline during drought, and many reptiles rely on their diets to obtain water if they cannot drink free water; they may die from dessication if they cannot eat enough.

Is it safe to eat lizards?

They are generally safe to eat when cooked properly. The types of lizards that people most commonly eat are the green iguana, black iguana, gecko, green anole, brown anole, and skinks. In general, lizards are safe to eat if cooked thoroughly.

When should you not feed live prey?

Feeding live prey should only ever be considered when a reptile will not accept pre-killed prey and is expected to die from starvation if not offered live prey. Is feeding live prey legal?

Is live feeding bad for your pet reptile?

They have claws and teeth, and they will fight for their lives. If you are concerned about the health of your animal, live feeding is a mistake, regardless of your consideration for the well-being of the feeder animals. I’ve personally seen reptiles that were beaten up by their prey. It’s terrible to look at those wounds.

Can you get salmonella from feeder rodents?

You can also get Salmonella germs from touching contaminated surfaces or items used to store, thaw, and prepare feeder rodents, such as countertops, microwave ovens, refrigerators and freezers, kitchen utensils, glasses, and bowls. Freezing does not kill Salmonella, so both frozen and live feeder rodents can be contaminated.

What are feedfeeder rodents?

Feeder rodents are mice and rats-both frozen and live-used to feed some reptiles, such as certain snakes and lizards, as well as some amphibians, such as “pacman” frogs.

What should I look out for when buying a reptile?

Skin: You will definitely want to avoid a reptile with any sort of open sores or blisters – infections can set in very quickly. The skin should also be tight with no obvious signs of bagginess – loose skin often indicates that a reptile has not eaten for quite some time.

What does a healthy skin look like on a snake?

Skin: Generally, snakes should be smooth, without wrinkled scales or retained skin. Check your snake after each shed. There should be no evidence of retained eyecaps, raised or blistered scales, or red, sore appearing areas. The underside should appear healthy, not red and inflamed or moist.

What are the signs of a healthy reptile?

Attitude: A healthy reptile is typically frisky and alert. A reptile that relaxes too quickly or fails to respond may be sick (although that is not always the case).

How do amphibians live a double life?

Amphibians live “double lives” — one in water with gills and the other on land by growing lungs as they age. They are vertebrates and cold blooded (ectothermic). Early amphibians, a crucial link from fish to terrestrial reptiles, were the first animals to leave the sea and venture onto the land.

What can you not put in a reptile cage?

Substrate made from coniferous trees, including pine, cedar (the worst), spruce, larch and others must not be used in a reptile cage. That’s because they contain oils that are dangerous for reptiles, and will over time cause respiratory problems and even skin lesions. Gravel or rocks, is not a good substrate for a reptile.

What are the symptoms of respiratory tract infection in a reptile?

Respiratory Tract Infection in Reptiles. Symptoms and Diagnosis Symptoms include listlessness, weight loss due to decreased appetite, swollen or bloated body, gaping, open mouth breathing, often with audible exhalations when in an advanced state. Wheezing may be heard, or clicking noises when breathing.

How do you know when a reptile is ready to be put down?

Some reptiles may exhibit signs of respiratory infection as a signal to you that they have been handled enough or want (or need) to be put down. My female Burmese python would start dripping saliva from her mouth in copious amounts when she’d decided she had had enough out and handling time at education events.

How do reptiles absorb water?

Reptiles absorb water through the food they eat and through their skin when they soak or are misted. Sunken eyes, sticky mucus in the mouth, and retained, non-shedding skin all can be signs of dehydration.

Is it possible to assess the welfare of reptiles?

Therefore, assessment of reptile welfare may be difficult. In comparison to mammals, methods of welfare assessment in reptiles are under-investigated. In this paper we review the literature on welfare assessment techniques in reptiles.

How does a drought affect a prey’s diet?

Prey numbers typically decline during drought, and many reptiles rely on their diets to obtain water if they cannot drink free water; they may die from dessication if they cannot eat enough.