Common Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are some of the more common problems we see in reptiles. Below is a list of the ones we see most often and why we see them.
Thermal Burns
We do not recommend hot rocks for this exact reason - thermal burns are common in reptiles that do not have adequate environmental temperature control. They will continue to sit on rocks that are incredibly hot if a heat source from above is not available, and overall the reptile still "thinks" it is too cold. A heat source needs to be available both over and under the tank, but never a hot rock and there always needs to be a place to escape the heat if the reptile needs to.
Bite Wounds
Never feed live prey to carnivorous reptiles. It will inevitably lead to trauma to your reptile. We see so many bite wounds from mice or rats that were not eaten right away by snakes. This can cause serious skin damage as well as skin infections.
Shedding Problems/Retained Eyecaps
Incomplete shedding, retained eyecaps, and prolonged times between shedding are all symptoms of an underlying problem, not the problem itself. This is usually due to a temperature or humidity problem or an underlying metabolic issue. Do not attempt to remove eyecaps yourself. If they do not easily come off after soaking the reptile in warm water and allowing a shed box or warm wet washcloth to rub against, then seek veterinary attention. It is all to easy to remove the entire eye in addition to just the eyecap!
Abscesses
These can occur from trauma such as a puncture or cut, bite wound from prey, or secondary to a thermal burn or systemic infection. Reptiles produce very thick, firm pus that has to be removed surgically. Since these abscesses can cause sepsis (systemic bacterial infection) immediate veterinary attention is warranted. After removing the abscess, your reptile will be placed on antibiotics.
Dry Gangrene
This typically occurs in the tail or toes of iguanas and other lizards that have had trauma to that area. Toe gangrene can also result from carpet fibers or retained shed wrapping around the toes and cutting off circulation. This results in decreased blood flow and as the blood vessels and nerves die, the surrounding tissue dies and becomes soft. Tail or toe amputation is usually required at this point to prevent spreading infection.
Shell Rot in Turtles and Tortoises
This is a potentially life-threatening bacterial or fungal infection in the shell. Beneath the outer shell layer is living bone, and infections can take root and basically eat away the shell. The infection may progress to the point where the chest or abdomen is infected, causing death. These infections need to be treated aggressively and early.
Thermal Burns
We do not recommend hot rocks for this exact reason - thermal burns are common in reptiles that do not have adequate environmental temperature control. They will continue to sit on rocks that are incredibly hot if a heat source from above is not available, and overall the reptile still "thinks" it is too cold. A heat source needs to be available both over and under the tank, but never a hot rock and there always needs to be a place to escape the heat if the reptile needs to.
Bite Wounds
Never feed live prey to carnivorous reptiles. It will inevitably lead to trauma to your reptile. We see so many bite wounds from mice or rats that were not eaten right away by snakes. This can cause serious skin damage as well as skin infections.
Shedding Problems/Retained Eyecaps
Incomplete shedding, retained eyecaps, and prolonged times between shedding are all symptoms of an underlying problem, not the problem itself. This is usually due to a temperature or humidity problem or an underlying metabolic issue. Do not attempt to remove eyecaps yourself. If they do not easily come off after soaking the reptile in warm water and allowing a shed box or warm wet washcloth to rub against, then seek veterinary attention. It is all to easy to remove the entire eye in addition to just the eyecap!
Abscesses
These can occur from trauma such as a puncture or cut, bite wound from prey, or secondary to a thermal burn or systemic infection. Reptiles produce very thick, firm pus that has to be removed surgically. Since these abscesses can cause sepsis (systemic bacterial infection) immediate veterinary attention is warranted. After removing the abscess, your reptile will be placed on antibiotics.
Dry Gangrene
This typically occurs in the tail or toes of iguanas and other lizards that have had trauma to that area. Toe gangrene can also result from carpet fibers or retained shed wrapping around the toes and cutting off circulation. This results in decreased blood flow and as the blood vessels and nerves die, the surrounding tissue dies and becomes soft. Tail or toe amputation is usually required at this point to prevent spreading infection.
Shell Rot in Turtles and Tortoises
This is a potentially life-threatening bacterial or fungal infection in the shell. Beneath the outer shell layer is living bone, and infections can take root and basically eat away the shell. The infection may progress to the point where the chest or abdomen is infected, causing death. These infections need to be treated aggressively and early.