Vet Q&A-Reptile

My leopard gecko keeps getting poop stuck on it's butt. What should I do?

Usually that could depend on the diet, the type of substrate and temperature in the environment. I would suggest to double check and write to us again all these details on the forum so we can provide a very specific answer. Remove the feces gently and keep his back end clean, to prevent any possible infection and sores.

My bearded dragon is haveing some blood in his poo what can be causing this

This can be due to intestinal parasites or possibly dehydration which can make defecation difficult. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Soak Rusty in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage for 15-20 minutes daily. This can help rehydrate him.

I recently purchased a baby green iguana and it's been moving around, being friendly and eating but I've had her for roughly a week and she hasn't pooped yet and I'm fairly concerned thanks

Make sure enclosure temps are appropriate. Juveniles need warmer temps than adults and temperature affects digestion in reptiles. You can also soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Gently massage her abdomen to stimulate defecation.

I just noticed on my desert spiny swift lizard that his tail is oddly missing scales, this had to have happened within the past 36 hours because I haven't gotten the chance to take a good look at him. Does this type of lizard shed? If he doesn't, what should I do?

They do shed their skin occasionally, usually in pieces. This may be what you are seeing. If looks more dull these past couple days, it could be the beginning of a shed cycle. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. Soak or mist him daily to aid shedding. If he doesn't shed, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Other possible explanations would be infection or injury. These would need a physical exam to confirm.

Titan has not been sexed yet, but has been eating. Titan has not shed yet and we have had the snake for approximately 2 months now. This happens before defecation, stools have been normal since the last time this has happened. Titan has regurgitated the fur and bones of the mice from last week but has not defecated yet. We did feed Titan two mice last week as opposed to the one mouse in the prior weeks. We are feeding Titan 1 (pinky) mouse a week, until last week when we tried 2.

This is a cloacal prolapse that you are seeing. The cloaca is the common tube where all the feces, urine and reproductive tracts meet and is just inside the opening there. This can happen in a few different cases such as stones in the urine or stool, or egg binding if Titan was mature a female. If you have not seen Titan shed and he/she has not been defecating regularly, then I would be suspicious of dehydration. If Titan came from the wild, then parasites would also be a suspicion. The humidity should be good in your area, but I would ensure the humidity is at least 60%. If you don't have a hygrometer, then this can be purchased from the pet store. The best this you can do is take Titan to a reptile vet for an exam. There may be something going on that you would not be able to correct at home. For now, I would soak Titan in warm water for 15-30 minutes a day. I've put a link to a video that shows how to soak a snake. Make sure Titan also has an area in the enclosure where he/she can soak as wanted. To ensure everything else is being done right I've also included a link to great information about python care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmgYm-GghM8 http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html I hope that helps and Titan gets better soon.

My dog goes outside and plays everyday we have slot of land he came yesterday was fine put him in his cage bed was in washer now holding his leg up and it's swollen near joint on back leg any advice what could be wrong he can but won't put pressure he's a baby I have looked for snake bites this happened before to his leg his toenail got caught and he sprained his leg it's nothing bad I haven't noticed anything like snake bite etc.. he laid in his cage looked stiff when let out

He may have injured himself while out and it became apparent after coming inside. He may have also injured himself in the crate. Ideally, an exam with your veterinarian would be best. X-rays of the affected limb could be done if indicated to rule out fractures or ligament damage. Pain management can be used if necessary. In the meantime, restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination. Avoid or prevent any running, jumping or rough play until he sees the doctor and/or recovers.

So I have a red iguana male how is overall healthy but in the past week I've noticed a wound on his jaw with a large swollen area further back on the jaw I have the wound under control but the swollen area is due to what I strongly believe to be mouth rot i need to know is what antibiotics do I need to get for him and can I avoid getting a vet bill

Antibiotics are dispensed by prescription only. This would require an exam with your veterinarian. This would be strongly recommended to determine the best antibiotic and dose to use for any potential infection. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to resistant bacteria and may complicate any underlying conditions. It is likely an abscess but tumor and MBD should also be ruled out.

Question is too long to fit in this text box, please see attached photo! Regarding a leopard gecko & trouble eating

Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. If it is too cold, reptiles will not eat or properly digest meals. The crickets pictured may be a bit too big for her. Feed prey no larger than the space between her eyes. You can go down in size, just feed more of them. Gut load crickets for 24 hours prior to feeding and dust regularly with calcium and multivitamin supplements to maximize nutritional value. Give her a few days to acclimate to her new surroundings. Soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to prevent or treat mild dehydration. If her appetite does not improve, have her examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. This link will provide more information regarding care: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html You can find an experienced herp vet here: http://www.anapsid.org/vets/califs.html

Hi, my turtle aged 11 years is having a constipation from last few days and I am giving him milk of magnesia and vitamin supplement so it pooped for 2 times but again it stopped and he is having pain he opens his mouth while in water and make bubbling sound. please help

He may have a respiratory infection. This is a serious illness if left untreated. Have Babliu examined by your veterinarian or a vet experineced in treating reptiles for confirmation. Treatment is usually antibiotics. In the meantime, increase the temperature in the tank by 5 to 10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Make sure he continues to eat.