As a rule, reptiles and amphibians are remarkably free from disease. However, newly acquired specimen should, whatever their source. be isolated for a period of at least 2 weeks (preferably more). During this period, rigid precautions must be taken to avoid any risk of cross-infection since the newcomer may be suffering from an infectious disease. If any disease is suspected, veterinary advice should be sought as soon as possible.
Do-it-yourself veterinary treatment is strongly discouraged, and for this reason, only the most common and easily dealt-with problems are described, with emphasis on prevention and recognition rather than cure. Similarly, prophilactic treatment (preventive medication) is not recommended, except where this can be carried out easily and without risk of any side effects. Examples are the use of vitamin and mineral supplements on food, in drinking water or directly into the mouth, and the administering of worming substance, for instance piperazine citrate, for those species, such as tortoises, which are often found to be infested with roundworms (nematodes).
Controlling Diseases
The control of an outbreak of infectious disease may be difficult. However, certain elementary measures can be taken:
1. Isolate infected animals immediately, but resist the temptation to start shuffling other animals around in order to remove the most valuable from the vicinity. This may only help to spread the infection.
2. Never transfer water bowls, furniture, uneaten food from one contaminated cage to another.
<== Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata)
Photo credit: James Bettaso, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
3. Service the infected cage last -- feeding, watering and clening should be carried out after all other jobs in the animal room are done.
4. Wash your hands and use a disinfectant "dip" for all tools and equipment after cleaning every cage in the room. formalin, 70% alcohol or domestic bleach are satisfactory disinfectants for this purpose. Remember to rinse the equipment in clean water after using.
5. Disinfect every cage every time it is cleaned out. For reptiles, a solution of 3-5% sodium hypochlorite, or a quarternary ammonium compound, for example Cetrimide (diluted as indicated), or, in emergencies, a strong solution of ordinary washing soda (sodium carbonate), may be used. Phenols, and Coal-tar derivatives )e.g. "Dettol" and "pine" disinfectants), are toxic to reptiles and should not be used. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemicals, although a weak solution of bleach (1-3%) will not be harmful, provided the vivaria are thoroughly rinsed afterwards.
remove soiled bedding and dead animals from the room immediately by placing them straight into a polythene bag which can be tied at the top and disposed of. Do not leave such materials lying around in a refuse bin in the animal room.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASES
The great majority of diseases affecting captive reptiles and amphibians are caused by incorrect husbandry. Temperature, humidity and spatial requirements must be met within certain limits or the animal(s) will become sick and eventually die. Animals suffering from poor management may show loss of appetite and subsequent emaciation, lethargy, poor color, dull skin, sunken eyes, surface wounds and sores, and in some cases extreme nervousness. With these, the cure consists of adjusting conditions until a more favorable environment is created.
<== Ensatina Salamander
Photo credit: USGS
NUTRITIONAL DISEASES
The next most common problem is that of incorrect or inadequate nutrition. This is more likely to affect some species than others, especially where dietary requirements are unusual or poorly known. Assuming that ample food is available, nutritional disease consists primarily of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, the most important of which are the following.
Calcium : Phosphorus Imbalance is most common in turtles and lizards. Thismay be recognized by soft shells (in turtles) or bones, and resulting deformities. It is caused by offering food which is low in usable calcium (mainly meat, plant material and mealworms), and can be avoided by using a better diet, e.g. whole animals in place of meat, crickets in place of mealworms, etc, and by adding calcium to the food in the form of a mineral and vitamin supplement, ground cuttlefish shell, or as a chemical such as calcium lactate. In each case, the food is lightly dusted immediately before being offered.
Avitaminosis A is marked by swollen eyelids and loss of appetite (mainly in turtles). it is avoided by regularly placing a drop or two of cod-liver oil on a favored food items and by including liver, green vegetables and fish for diet. Badly affected animals may require injections of vitamin A by a veterinarian.
Avitaminisis B may take several forms, depending on which of the B-complex substances is lacking. B1 (thiamine) deficiency affects the nervous system in snakes which are fed exclusively on fish giving rise to convulsions and, eventually, death. The culprit is an enzyme in the fish which digests the thiamine, thus depriving the snake of it. If the dead fish is warmed up for about 5 minutes, immediately before eating, the enzyme is destroyed and the problem eliminated. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency causes paralysis of the hind leges in certain lizards (particularly iguanas, agamids and similar families). It can be best avoided by the use of a multi-vitamin supplement.