Reptiles

the Common Garter snake

can be found among leaves, under logs, and under rocks. Young garter snakes feed on earthworms, mealworms, and other insects; larger garter snakes feed on rodents, fish, and frogs. Most species of garter snakes are easily recognized by their vivid stripes running the length of their body on a dark background. Some species have a checkerboard pattern (checkered garter snake), whereas others may be solid black.

the australian blue-tongued skink

native to eastern and northern Australia. Its habitat ranges from the rainforests to dry for- est and scrubland areas. It has a large, broad, blue tongue that it extends when threatened. They have been bred in captivity and can produce up to 25 live young. Skinks become very tame in captivity and are considered excellent pets. They feed on snails, earthworms, and insects that they find among the ground cover and rotten vegetation. In captivity, they feed on baby mice, lean raw meat, and high-quality soaked dry cat food, along with small amounts of greens and vegetables

What would be a good length for a turtles aquarium?

A land turtle needs a vivarium that is at least six times, in length and width, the length of the turtle's shell. If the turtle's shell is six inches long, the vivarium should be approximately 36 inches long by 36 inches wide.

brille

A transparent, permanent layer over a snakes eye.

carapace

shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)

ovoviviparous

the eggs hatch within the body of the female, with the live young emerging from the female's body

the Family Gavialidae

the family Gavialidae contains two genus groups and two species: the false gharial, Tomistoma schlegelii, and the true gharial, Gavialis gangeticus. Gharials have very long, narrow snouts that are used for catching fish, which is their main diet. Gharials are seldom exported and are not considered part of the pet trade.

What are the 3 types of scutes?

the marginal scutes are located around the outer edge of the shell, the central scutes are located down the center, and the costal scutes are located between the marginal and central scutes.

ectotherms

they cannot generate their own body temperature and take on the temperature of their environment.

Cloacal prolapse

Digestive, reproductive, excretory disorder Occurs secondary to straining Diarrhea, egg laying, bladder stones Treatment differs depending on which organ is prolapsed & duration or prolapse prior to seeking treatment

Ventral dermal necrosis

Dirty enclosures Infection underneath their stomach scales

Reptile Behavior0

Diurnal reptiles Active during the day Like to bask in sunlight Should be left on for a time appropriate to the species Important to know the temperature requirements of each species Temperature is important to normal behavior

Reptiles

Dry, scaly skin Proper care requires an understanding & recognition of their unique characteristics Many endangered species Includes Tortoises Turtles Crocodiles & Alligators Snakes Lizards

Reproductive System Diseases of Reptiles

Dystocia Egg bound Cloacal prolapse of oviduct Ectopic eggs Neoplasia

Feeding Reptiles

Eat virtually everything dependent upon the species Reptile species that is herbivorous will eat mostly plants May eat other foodstuffs to obtain a balance of nutrients Nutritional requirements are not well understood Best to offer a variety of foods to obtain balance Captive reptiles are prone to nutrient deficiencies Supplement diet with a vitamin & mineral powder

Reptile Anatomy & Physiology

Ectothermic Derive warmth from an external source Sun themselves & sit on heated rocks in the wild Heat lamps, warmed water in captivity Unique skin Scales Keratinized ridges Shell

oviparous

they lay eggs that hatch after leaving the body of the female

Nervous System Diseases of Reptiles

Typically secondary to systemic, metabolic, nutritional disease or trauma Low blood calcium MBD Cerebral or spinal trauma Poor prognosis

Housing Reptiles

Vary in size from 1 G lizards to 100 kg crocodiles & snakes One size of caging cannot be used for all reptiles Lizards can jump & move fast Turtles can climb Snakes are escape artists Temperature requirements vary Humidity requirements vary Desert like conditions to rainforest conditions that require misters Do not place cages near air ducts & vents; constant flow of air may dry out animals

Intestinal parasites

Very common Treatment depends on the parasite, but involves appropriate antiparasitics Some parasites are zoonotic

Zoonotic Diseases of Reptiles

Very few 2 ways to pass zoonotic diseases Direct contact with infected animal Indirect contact with infected feces, urine, secretions, fomites Easily avoided with basic hygiene practices Don't bath reptiles in food preparation or human bathing areas Wash hands after handling

Traumatic shell injuries

Wild turtles Prognosis is poor if the spinal column is damaged May require appropriate medications

vivarium

a cage in which the environment is duplicated as closely as possible to the original environment of the species being held in it.

crepuscular

active at dawn and dusk

diurnal

active during the day and night

lamellae.

adhesive pads that give the gecko the ability to climb up almost any surface, including the glass walls of an aquarium

How many atrias or ventricles does a reptile have?

two atria and one ventricle.

As hibernation nears, what changes should take effect?

you should reduce the amount of food and gradually reduce the temperature in the vivarium.

A word about reptiles and amphibians

These are wild animals - once again! Most people absolutely should not own amphibians and reptiles Some get HUGE and very dangerous Some live longer than you will! IT's extremely difficult to meet all of their needs in captivity Most shelters are not well equipped to maintain these animals, so many of you will not be dealing with them Because there are so many different species, their ideal diet, temperature, enrichment, humidity and housing is HIGHLY variable! Their medical issues are highly variable also

How many species of reptiles are there?

6,500 species

How many chambers do lizards, snakes, and turtles hearts have?

A 3 chambered heart. Their heart has an incomplete septum that allows some mixing of the oxygenated blood (red) and the deoxygenated blood (blue) which aids in diving and staying submerged under water. The space between the left and right aorta is called the Foramen of Panizza.

Traumatic injury

Bite wounds, thermal burns Bites can happen from cage mates & prey Commonly require surgical removal of damaged tissue Secondary bacterial & fungal infections are common due to the length of time reptiles take to heal Months Will result in scar formation Possible disfigurement Proper nutrition is vital to wound healing

Vesicular dermatitis

Blister disease Snakes kept in dirty, very humid enclosures Fluid filled blisters all over the body These open & become infected, leading to septicemia and death

Housing Reptiles00

Cage bedding Synthetic grass, butchers paper Change frequently Burrowing reptiles require sand or soil 5 - 10 cm deep Reptiles defecate 2 - 3 days after eating Clean cages following defecation Disturbances closer to feeding can cause animals to refuse feed or regurgitate Frequent cage changes may affect the animals well being

Caimans

Caimans are found from Central America southward to the central parts of South America. Caimans are heavily protected by an armored underside made up of overlapping, bony plates. The largest member of the caiman family is the black caiman, Melanosuchus niger, which can reach lengths of 15 feet. The common caiman, Caiman crocodilus, and the large-snouted caiman, C. latirostris, are found in tropical marsh areas of South America. They are tropical animals and must have temperatures of 78 to 85°F. They are carnivorous and, in the wild, feed on earthworms, snails, minnows, frogs, and small animals. In captivity, they feed on small pieces of meat sprinkled with vitamins and bone meal to provide adequate nutrition.

Other Zoonotic Diseases of Reptiles

Campylobacter Causes diarrhea & gastroenteritis in people Klebsiella Causes diarrhea & genitourinary infections in people Enterobacter Causes diarrhea & genitourinary infections in people Yersinia Causes gastroenteritis & acute abdominal pain in people Pseudomonas Causes cutaneous, respiratory, digestive disorders in people Mycobacterium Causes cutaneous & subcutaneous nodules in people Coxiella Causes Q-fever in people

Metabolic Bone Disease0

Care in handling & nutritional support are required for rehabilitation Calcium supplements, vitamin D3 supplements Exposure to unfiltered sunlight Dehydration is common, must be treated Fracture management is conservative & involves immobilization

Reptile Anatomy & Physiology00

Cloaca Opening where the GI tract, reproductive tract, urinary tract come together Single excretory product Urine & fecal material Live in many different extremes of environment Hot & dry, rainforest Critical to know where an animal comes from to understand how to properly care for it ALWAYS do appropriate research

Rostral abrasions

Common Most common cause is facial impact on the glass walls of aquariums Pacing while rubbing the nose on the walls of the cage is seen as well Animals not adjusted to captivity Recovery is long & animals are prone to reinjury Treatment aimed at altering the environment is most important Visual barriers should be added Antibiotic ointment can be used as well

Anorexia

Common Not a disease, symptom of disease Often related to improper husbandry

GI obstructions & GI impactions

Common Tend to present days or weeks after onset Usually palpable & visualized on radiographs Treatment begins with enemas & laxatives; severe cases need surgery

Feeding Reptiles05

Container of water placed at an accessible level Not all reptiles will drink water Some will soak Lizards will lap water from wetted cage surfaces Daily misting is beneficial to many species; allowing water to evaporate

Feeding Reptiles04

Force feeding reptiles is a last resort Handle animal as gently as possible Gently pry the mouth open push food to the back of the mouth Difficult to sustain a reptile by force feeding it Force feeding discourages natural feeding behavior

Reptile Sexing & Reproduction

Generally difficult to tell the difference between males & females Some may have size differences Turtles have different markings on their shells All reptiles hatch from an egg Some are laid Some are hatched within the body & incubated "Live Young"

Housing Reptiles0

Glass aquariums are appropriate for many species Sanitizable Top must be well covered with wire or screen & securely fastened Access to hiding places is important Tree limbs, rocks, leaf litter, logs, artificial plants, water bath vessels Simulated natural environment; encourages normal hiding behavior Cage accessories can contribute to disease Need regular washing

Metabolic Bone Disease

Gradual onset Common! Variable clinical signs Generalized or hind leg weakness or paralysis, failure to grow, pliable mandible, anorexia, soft or swollen abdomen, swollen or thickened long bones, fractures, tremors, pupil dilation & constriction, inability to grasp & climb, loss of balance, swollen joints, crest deformities Related to inadequate exposure to UV light & improper diet Can have a poor prognosis

How are alligators and crocodiles different?

In alligators and caimans, the fourth tooth of the lower jaw fits into sockets in the upper jaw, and when the mouth is closed, the tooth is not visible. In crocodiles, the fourth tooth is visible when the mouth is closed.

Where do reptiles hibernate in the wild?

In the wild, reptiles seek out dens or tunnels; burrow under rocks, logs, and leaves; or burrow into the soil to find a suitable place to hibernate. If they are to survive, they must be below the frost line.

Feeding Reptiles00

Lizards Insectivores Must warm themselves to be active enough to capture live prey Few herbivores Leafy greens & soft fruits No lettuce, zero nutrition

Classification—Crocodiles, alligators, and Gharials

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family — Animalia — Chordata — Reptilia — Crocodilia (crocodiles, alligators, and gharials) — 3 families exist

Classification—iguanas and Lizards

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family — Animalia — Chordata — Reptilia — Squamata (iguanas and lizards) — 16 families, 3,750 species

Classification—turtles, tortoises, and terrapins

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Suborder Suborder Family — Animalia — Chordata — Reptilia — Testudines or Chelonia (turtles, tortoises, and terrapins) — (1) Pleurodira (side-necked turtles) — (2) Cryptodira (hidden-necked turtles and tortoises) — 12 families

Classification—snakes, pythons, and boas

Kingdom — Phylum — Class — Order — Family — Animalia Chordata Reptilia Serpentes (snakes, pythons, and boas) 11 families, 2,400 species

Reptile Handling0

Large lizards can be held by grasping them behind the head with one hand, pinning the legs against the body Using the other hand, pin the hind legs to the tail with the other hand Small lizards can be grasped in the hand Short periods of time only, may restrict breathing NEVER grasp a lizard by the tail Potential for injury to, or dropping off of the tail

Reptile Behavior

Limited capacity to adapt Success in captivity depends on the ability of the keeper to create an acceptable simulation of their natural habitat Maintain individual cages Keep animals of similar species in the same vicinity Limits cross contamination of diseases or parasites

Reptile Enrichment

Little is known Underestimated

Diseases of Reptiles

Many common reptile diseases cross species Some are species specific Often, disorders are husbandry related Do not always need medication Often supportive care & changes to husbandry are adequate Caloric intake should be increased in cases of traumatic injury to speed healing & strengthen immune response

Can you breed reptiles in captivity?

Many reptiles must go into hibernation for breeding, so if you don't allow for hibernation then you can't breed. The temperature change stimulates ovulation and production of sperm.

Pneumonia

Most common true respiratory disease of reptiles Bacteria, fungi, parasites Develops with improper husbandry Generally presents in the later stages of disease Most prominent clinical sign - trouble breathing Posture is altered, neck extended & mouth open Treatment involves appropriate medications Nebulizer treatments Recovery is prolonged Prognosis is poor

Salmonella

Most talked about and common zoonotic disease associated with reptiles Reptiles carry the organism in their GI tract & periodically shed it Estimated 93,000 cases of reptile associated human salmonellosis per year Owners & potential adopters need to be aware of safety risks and prevention strategies

Reptile Handling

Move confidently & quickly Hesitant & jerky movement will result in a bite Reminds them of the movement of prey Most will become accustomed to handling over time Most can be scooped up and moved as needed

the mud and musk turtles

Mud turtles have flattened shells and are able to completely retract their head, tail, and webbed feet into their shells. Musk turtles get their name from the strong, musky-smelling liquid they produce from glands between their upper and lower shells. Their lower shell does not hinge like that of the mud turtles. The Family kinosternidae.

Reptile Anatomy & Physiology 0

Periodically shed their skin Frequent shedding indicates a healthy, growing reptile Lizards, turtles, crocodiles Shed in many pieces Snakes Shed in one piece Sickness or inadequate humidity may cause a change in normal shed cycle or way of shedding; for example, a snake may shed in pieces instead of a full skin Add a bowl of water or rough rock for rubbing on if humidity is the problem

Contact dermatitis

Pesticides, cleaners, harsh compounds

Dermatitis

Primary or secondary infections Bacterial or fungal Typically the result of improper husbandry Hygiene & humidity primary causes More common in terrestrial species Bacterial & fungal culture are indicated for proper treatment Treatment includes appropriate antibiotics or antifungals Correction of improper husbandry is critical for treatment & prevention of recurrence

Gout

Result of excessive protein metabolism Causes increased uric acid production Poor prognosis Extremely painful

Tail dropping

Results in a broken tail As long as there is not severe bleeding, generally don't require medical intervention May require appropriate medications Environment needs to remain clean during healing

the Family acrochordidae

The Wart Snake Wart snakes are aquatic and found in streams, canals, and rivers in Asia and Australia; they feed primarily on fish. Wart snakes can reach a length of six feet.

Dysecdesis

Shedding problems More a clinical signs of disease or improper husbandry Low humidity, improper nutrition Ectoparasites Thyroid problems Complications involve necrosis of toes & tails

Inclusion body disease

Snakes Starts with regurgitation & vomiting, progresses to head tremors & loss of righting reflex

Vomiting & Regurgitation

Snakes Stress, such as being disturbed after a meal Feeding prey that are too large Too high or too low temperature Infectious diseases Parasites, bacterial infections

Feeding Reptiles0

Snakes Strictly carnivorous Obtain vegetable matter from the gut of its prey Prey is swallowed whole regardless of size Articulated jaw & skull expand greatly Preference to live food Some will eat killed prey if started at a young age Environment & food will need to be warmed sufficiently to ensure proper digestion Live rodents should not be left with the reptile, can attack & cause injury

Paramoxyvirus

Snakes Transmitted through respiratory tract secretions Clinical signs are severe respiratory and/or neurologic disease Head tremors, "star gazing", convulsions No treatment Grave prognosis

Spinal osteopathy

Snakes Unknown cause Not observed in wild snakes Clinical signs include swelling around the back, pain response on palpation, tremors, hyperflexion In early stages, the snake can still function Late stages will progress to the point where the snake can no longer move, constrict, swallow prey

Signs of Pain, Distress, Illness in Reptiles

Stress can be easily caused Any deviation from the animals natural environment Improper temperature & humidity Improper lighting Damp or unsanitary conditions Lack of a hiding place Overcrowding Excess handling Animal that is eating normally is generally not stressed or ill

Infectious stomatitis

Swollen, ulcerated mucous membranes in the mouth Severe cases will aspirate bacteria and cause pneumonia Multiple underlying causes Treatment is based upon degree of progression

the Common tegu

Tegus are heavy-bodied lizards that are native to South America, where they are found from the tropical rainforest to fairly dry, arid habitats. Tegus are terrestrial and dig tunnels; they are diurnal and return to their tunnels at night. They are dark brown to black with numerous white patches and markings over the entire body, limbs, and tail. They feed on snails, mice, small birds, fish, and eggs.

What should the temperature be for captivity breeding?

Temperature for the hibernating reptile should be between 39 and 50°F, depending on the species. The length of the hibernation period varies from four to 12 weeks, again depending on the species and its original environment.

What are the orders of reptiles?

Testudines (called Chelonia in some references), which are made up of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins; Serpentes, which includes snakes, pythons, and boas; Squamata, which includes iguanas and lizards; and Crocodilia, which includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.

major FamiLies—tUrtLes,tortoises, anD terrapin

The family Chelidae consists of the long, side-necked turtles of South America, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. These turtles have very long necks, and only a few can withdraw them into their shells; those that can withdraw their necks do it in a sideways manner so that the head and neck are on the side of the shell when retracted.

the Family Uropeltidae

The family Uropeltidae is made up of eight genus groups containing 44 dif- ferent species. They are commonly referred to as shieldtail snakes. These snakes have an enlarged, thick tail with spines on the upper surface. They have brightly colored red, orange, or yellow markings, and they feed primarily on earthworms.

scutes

The hard scales covering a turtle's shell.

plastron

The ventral (bottom) part of a turtle's shell

How do you bring an animal out of hibernation?

To bring the animal out of hibernation, you can simply reverse the procedure, gradually increasing the temperature until normal temperatures are reached. Most reptiles coming out of hibernation do not eat for a few days.

Do reptile hatch their eggs inside or outside of their body?

Tortoises, crocodiles, and many lizards and snakes are oviparous.

Vitamin A deficiency

Turtles Feeding a diet deficient in vitamin A Clinical signs include swollen, red eyes; nasal discharge, trouble breathing, ear abscesses Treatment involves appropriate supplementation & diet change

Shell Rot

Turtles Infections of the shell resulting in loss of scutes Can have a dry appearance or involve hemorrhagic discharge between scutes Treatment involves appropriate medications Turtles MUST be allowed to dry out after application of meds & to prevent recurrence

Feeding Reptiles000

Turtles Normal environment determines food source Aquatic, amphibious, terrestrial Terrestrial Some omnivorous Some herbivorous Aquatic & Amphibious Freshwater Carnivorous; meat, fish, small animals Small amounts of green leafy vegetables for some Feed in water that is deep enough to allow them to submerge while swallowing Allow several hours for eating prior to cleaning the tank

Overgrown beak

Turtles Only in captivity Due to inadequate diet Overgrowth must be trimmed away Diet must be corrected to prevent recurrence

Vitamin A Toxicity

Turtles Oversupplementation of vitamin A Clinical signs include dry, flaky skin; sloughing of the skin; secondary bacterial infection Treatment is to STOP supplementation

Turtles Relatively common, unknown cause Related to improper husbandry & nutrition Treatment is surgical

Turtles Relatively common, unknown cause Related to improper husbandry & nutrition Treatment is surgical

Reptile Handling00

Turtles should be grasped by their shell Snapping turtles & long neck turtles have long, flexible necks Can inflict severe bite wounds Carry these species by the tail Gloves are recommended

The Eastern Fence Lizard

found along the east coast of the United States from New Jersey and across the southern United States. It is commonly referred to as a fence lizard because it can be found on fences basking in the sun, or as a pine woods spiny lizard because it can sometimes be found in pine woods habitats. Fence lizards have sharp claws that enable them to climb almost any rough surface. They can move very quickly. Males have bright blue-green markings on their stomachs and throats. Fence liz- ards feed primarily on insects

the american alligator

found along the east coast of the United States from North Carolina south and across the Gulf of Mexico to Texas. They are black and reach a length of about 14 feet. Small alligators feed on insects, snails, and small aquatic life. Adults feed on larger fish, small mammals, turtles, and birds.

the bearded Dragon

found in Australia and Papua New Guinea. This lizard inhabits the grassland area and is usually found around tree stumps and among rocks. The scales on its neck are elongated into spines that can be raised when the lizard is threatened. Its primary diet is insects, but it will eat vegetative material. This lizard is brown with lighter spots along the sides. Light bands encircle the tail, the throat and stomach area is light brown, and a light-brown stripe extends from the eye backward. The bearded dragon reaches a length of 18 to 22 inches

the tokay Gecko

found in the rainforests of Southern Asia, India, and Papua New Guinea. The body is a grayish-blue with small orange spots. They have large yellow eyes with slit pupils and feed on insects and small rodents. Tokay geckos have powerful jaws and will bite

the Gold Dust madagascar Day Gecko

found on the island of Madagascar and several surrounding islands. It is diurnal. It reaches a length of about five inches, and its eyes are large, round, and black and do not have slits like those of the nocturnal geckos. feeds on insects, spiders, and fruit nectar; water is usually licked from plants. It is light yellow-green with a dusting of yellow spots. It has small blue blotches above the eyes and two orange stripes, one running across the nose and one between the eyes

Kuhl's Flying Gecko

has large, webbed feet and a flap of skin along each side of the body. These two adaptations allow the gecko to "glide" from branch to branch. This gecko is native to Southeast Asia. It is brownish-gray with darker blotches and markings, and it grows to a length of about six inches. It is nocturnal, has slit pupils, and feeds on insects; water is obtained from leaves.

the Family Chamaeleonidae

he family Chamaeleonidae consists of the true chameleons. Most are found in Africa and Madagascar, with a few found in Europe and Asia. Chameleons have the ability to change color. The outer layer of skin doesn't contain any pigmented cells. Specialized pigmented cells called chromatophores lie in layers under the outer layer. The first layers of pigmented cells are red and yellow. Under the red and yellow layers are layers of blue and white pigment. Changes in light, temperature, and the emotional state of the chameleon cause the cells to enlarge or shrink, allowing various colors of light to enter or be reflected. This causes the changes in color. A chemical called melanin in the cells causes the cells to darken. . They can shoot their tongue out in a flash to catch insects. Chameleons also have excellent eyesight. Their eyes can move independently of each other and can focus on different objects at the same time if necessary. Most are arboreal with opposing toes that allow them to grasp branches and limbs; most have prehensile tails.

the Family varanidae

hey are commonly referred to as monitor lizards; most are found in Australia and Southeast Asia. Monitor lizards vary greatly in size from the 8 inch short-tailed pygmy monitored. All monitors have long necks, powerful limbs, strong claws, and powerful tails, and all are egg layers. Most monitors are large animals and can be dangerous; therefore, they are not recommended as pets.