Veterinary Care: New Reptile Visit

Many reptile owners are surprised to learn that all pets, including their reptiles, need an initial physical examination by a reptile veterinarian and at least an annual check-up. Many reptile veterinarians recommend checkups at least twice yearly, to allow for early detection and treatment of potentially life-threatening diseases.

Regular veterinary care is necessary to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. The most important visit is the very first one. It is recommended to have a health check within two weeks of acquiring your pet reptile. During this visit, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination and conduct diagnostic tests, to assess your pet’s health status and look for signs of disease. 

The visit will include a thorough discussion of proper feeding, housing, and care of your new pet. It is highly recommended that you bring a fresh fecal sample in a plastic baggie or wrapped in tin foil so your veterinarian can check for intestinal parasites.

It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your veterinarian and the hospital staff. Make sure your pet’s veterinarian is qualified and experienced in the treatment of reptiles. Reptile medicine has become a specialized part of veterinary medicine, and many general dog/cat practitioners are not comfortable or knowledgeable in reptile medicine. 

Ask about the qualifications of your veterinarian who, at the minimum, should be a member in good standing of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). If they are not comfortable seeing your pet, ask them to refer you to someone with more experience.

What happens during a reptile checkup?

While veterinarians follow their own individual protocols for new reptile examinations, there are certain examinations that all veterinarians will conduct to ensure the health of your new reptile. Some reptile veterinarians recommend sedation with an injectable sedative or short-acting gas anesthesia, depending upon the species of reptile involved, the testing performed, and/or the temperament of your pet. Aggressive snakes and lizards, as well as very large tortoises, often require sedation for the veterinarian to examine the oral cavity or obtain blood samples.

If your pet is easily stressed, it may be easier and safer to perform diagnostic procedures under sedation, as sedated pets are less stressed. Stress is known to be a factor when some sick reptiles die during handling.

Physical Examination: Every visit starts with a thorough physical examination. During this exam, the doctor records your pet’s weight, general appearance, and mobility. Your veterinarian will review any information you may have received when you acquired your new reptile and will discuss the pet’s nutritional needs and general care. Then the veterinarian will palpate (feel) various parts of the pet’s body. Any abnormalities may indicate the need for specialized testing.

Blood Testing: A reptile checkup includes routine blood testing, just like a human checkup. Blood testing can include a complete blood count (examining the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and serum biochemical profile (which assesses internal organ function and electrolytes).

Fecal Analysis: Microscopic examination of the feces allows for detection of intestinal parasites, such as coccidia, protozoa, and/or intestinal worms.

Microbiological Testing: Fecal swabs, skin scrapings, or other samples may be tested to detect the presence of abnormal bacteria and yeasts, using special stains (Gram stains). Depending on findings from the Gram stains, additional tests may be recommended, such as a culture and sensitivity test.

Skin Scraping: Your veterinarian may take a scraping of the skin to check for mites that burrow under the scales.

Radiological Testing: X-rays (radiographs) allow the veterinarian to examine your pet’s body for abnormalities in the size, shape, and position of body organs. They also screen for masses, such as tumors, granulomas, or enlarged organs. X-rays show abnormal fluid accumulation and provide a great visual assessment of bone and joint structure.