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Reptiles & Amphibians
Build species-appropriate habitats and understand heat, lighting, water quality, feeding, biosecurity and warning signs in reptiles and amphibians.
Browse 31 species-specific guides ↓
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Useful first steps for reptiles & amphibians.
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Reptiles & Amphibians health guides
Choose the topic that matches your question, then bring species-specific concerns to a veterinarian familiar with your animal.
Wellness & Prevention
Nutrition
Symptoms & Diseases
Cryptosporidiosis in ReptilesReptile cryptosporidiosis is infection by microscopic parasites affecting the stomach or intestine. It can cause chronic illness and is important in collection biosecurity.Read article →Inclusion Body Disease in Boas and PythonsInclusion body disease in boas and pythons is associated with reptarenavirus infection. Infection may exist before obvious illness, and neurological disease can be severe.Read article →Adenovirus Infection in Bearded DragonsAdenovirus infection can cause serious illness in bearded dragons, particularly juveniles. Infection can affect growth, digestion and the nervous system; some carriers have few signs.Read article →Gout in ReptilesGout is deposition of urate crystals in reptile tissues or joints. It can result from inadequate elimination of uric acid and may indicate significant kidney disease.Read article →Thermal Burns in ReptilesThermal burns occur when a reptile contacts an overheated surface or receives excessive radiant heat. Skin injury can be deeper than it initially appears and may worsen over time.Read article →Cloacal Prolapse in ReptilesA cloacal prolapse is protrusion of tissue from a reptile's vent. The tissue may be intestine, reproductive tissue or another structure, and the treatment depends on what is involved.Read article →Egg-Yolk Coelomitis in ReptilesEgg-yolk coelomitis is inflammation in the reptile's body cavity caused by reproductive material outside its normal pathway. Infection can also occur, creating a serious internal illness.Read article →Abscesses in ReptilesReptile abscesses are localized collections of infection, often containing thick solid material rather than liquid pus. A surface lump can extend deeper than expected.Read article →Red-Leg Syndrome in AmphibiansRed-leg syndrome is a descriptive name for reddened skin and systemic illness in amphibians, often associated with bacterial infection. Redness alone does not identify the organism or prove the diagnosis.Read article →Ranavirus Infection in AmphibiansRanaviruses can cause severe disease in amphibians and may also infect certain fish or reptiles. Outbreaks can affect many animals and threaten wild populations.Read article →Dehydration in AmphibiansDehydration is loss of body water. Amphibians exchange water through their skin, so unsuitable humidity, substrate or water access can cause serious changes in hydration and salt balance.Read article →Ammonia Toxicity in AmphibiansAmmonia toxicity occurs when waste-related ammonia in an amphibian's water injures skin and other tissues. Toxicity depends on water conditions and species sensitivity; apparently clear water can still be unsafe.Read article →Metabolic Bone Disease in ReptilesWeak bones and muscles often reflect an imbalance among calcium, vitamin D, ultraviolet-B exposure and species-specific nutrition.Read article →Respiratory Disease in ReptilesMucus, open-mouth breathing or unusual posture may reflect infection, poor temperature or another respiratory problem.Read article →Abnormal Shedding in ReptilesRetained shed is usually a sign to investigate humidity, hydration, nutrition, skin disease or other husbandry problems.Read article →Stomatitis (“Mouth Rot”) in ReptilesRedness, plaques or discharge in a reptile's mouth can indicate painful infection and underlying husbandry or systemic disease.Read article →Skin Disease and Chytridiomycosis in AmphibiansBecause amphibians breathe and regulate fluids through delicate skin, discoloration, abnormal shedding or lethargy can signal serious environmental or infectious disease.Read article →Shell Disease in Turtles and TortoisesPits, soft areas, discoloration or odor can reflect trauma, infection, burns or husbandry-related shell disease.Read article →Internal Parasites in ReptilesReptiles may carry parasites without obvious signs, while heavy burdens can contribute to weight loss, diarrhea or poor growth.Read article →Egg Retention and Dystocia in ReptilesFemale reptiles can retain eggs or have difficulty laying even without contact with a male, and delayed treatment can become life-threatening.Read article →Metabolic Bone Disease in AmphibiansCalcium, vitamin and lighting imbalance can weaken amphibian bones and muscles and interfere with feeding and movement.Read article →
Procedures & Therapies
Reptile and amphibian hospital careWhy enclosure conditions, careful handling, and species-specific recovery instructions are part of medical treatment.Read article →Humane euthanasia and end-of-life careMaking comfort-focused decisions, preparing for a professional euthanasia appointment, and arranging species-appropriate aftercare.Read article →Therapeutic nutrition across speciesUsing food as part of a medical plan while respecting species, life stage, disease, and the limits of diet labels.Read article →
Emergencies
Snake CareHabitat, feeding, shedding & emergenciesRead article →Amphibian WellnessWater, habitat, biosecurity & emergenciesRead article →Trauma, Wounds and Burns in Reptiles and AmphibiansSpecies-specific first-response guidance for injured reptiles and amphibians, including safe handling, temperature, moisture and veterinary wound care.Read article →
Care recommendations are never one-species-fits-all.
This library provides educational information—not diagnosis, prescriptions or emergency triage. Husbandry, age, individual health, local conditions and medical history all influence the right plan. Contact a veterinarian familiar with the species whenever an animal seems ill or a question feels urgent.
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