Posts tagged Reptile Health
New Test for Cryptosporidiosis, an Incurable Disease of Snakes and Lizards
Nov 15th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A decade or so ago, Cryptosporidiosis became recognized as a major concern in captive snake and lizard collections. Caused by a one-celled parasite known as Cryptosporidium varanii, the disease remains incurable to this day. At the Bronx Zoo, where I worked at the time, tests showed that many snakes already in our collection, along with wild and pet reptiles, might be harboring Cryptosporidium. But diagnosis was difficult and errors were common, resulting in the institution of expensive and time-consuming isolation protocols for new and sick animals. So I was happy to learn of a newly devised test that ensures early, accurate diagnosis of Cryptosporidium…it will surely prove useful to pet keepers and zoos alike.
Crypto and the Pet Trade
A number of factors render Cryptosporidiosis as a major concern, including the popularity of reptile pets and the fact that the parasite can be transferred to people. While not often of major concern to healthy adults, Crypto, as it came to be known, is a danger to immune-compromised individuals (please see article below). A recent survey of 672 pets revealed that 1 in 6 of the Corn Snakes and 1 in 12 of the Leopard Geckos tested harbored Crypto in one form or another. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes)
Loading ...Hot Weather Herp Tips – Summer’s Effect on Reptiles and Amphibians
Jul 14th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Most herp enthusiasts know that amphibians are usually quite sensitive to warm temperatures. However, reptiles, even those native to tropical and desert habitats, may be severely impacted as well. Following are some general guidelines to keep in mind at the height of summer – please write in for more detailed information about the animals in your collection.
General Considerations
Even within the hottest of natural habitats, herps find ways to escape temperature extremes. Millions of years of evolution have brought us a great many surprises in this regard – Australia’s Water Holding Frog, for example, thrives where most unprotected creatures, even reptiles, would cook in short order. So while desert adapted animals may be better suited to withstand heat, do not assume that they will be fine without special attention. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Fungal Infections (Mycotic Disease) in Reptiles – Part 2
Dec 7th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The dangers posed by fungal infections are well-known to amphibian and fish keepers. A number of fungi also attack reptiles, but many have proven difficult to detect and treat. In Part 1 of this article I discussed how stress predisposes reptiles to attack and fungal infections in desert-adapted reptiles.
Rainforest Reptiles
Reptiles adapted to rainforests and other humid environments are not immune to fungal attack, despite the fact that fungi are common in their natural habitats. Problems were first noted in Green Tree Pythons housed in enclosures that allowed for little air circulation. Subsequently, we learned that these snakes must have humidity as well as air circulation if they are to remain free of respiratory infections. I have found the same to hold true for Green Tree Boas, among others. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Fungal Infections (Mycotic Disease) in Reptiles – Part 1
Nov 11th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As most hobbyists know, fungal infections are among the most common health problems to inflict captive amphibians and fishes. However, few realize that many species of fungus also attack lizards, turtles, snakes and other reptiles. Perhaps because, with the exception of skin fungi, infections are difficult to detect, treatment options are limited. However, some of the lessons we’ve learned in working with amphibians are helpful. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Reptile and Amphibian Shelters – Choosing the Best Location
Aug 6th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. While the importance of providing a shelter for pet herps is well-known, the question of where to place the shelter is often not given adequate consideration. In both zoo exhibits and home terrariums, I have noticed that animals sometimes refuse to enter perfectly suitable shelters. Studies carried out at the University of Sydney have recently shed some light on the factors that influence shelter choice in lizards.
Safety vs. Warmth
Writing in the journal Behavioral Ecology (21:72-77), researchers report that Velvet Geckos (Oedura leseurii) avoided shelters that carried the scent of their predators (in this case, Broad-Headed and Small-Eyed Snakes). The geckos refused to enter the shelters despite the fact that they represented the only warm areas within the enclosures, choosing instead to hide in cold shelters. When the cold shelters were also scented, the geckos remained in the open. The experiment was repeated in the geckos’ natural habitat, with the same results.
Practical Applications for Pet Owners
While this behavior might seem to “make sense” to us, I think it is important to bear in mind that hiding from predators and thermo-regulating are key aspects of reptile and amphibian survival. Remaining in the open is very stressful for most species, and may lead to illness and death. Similarly, the failure to maintain the correct body temperature is a direct threat to their survival.
Other Considerations
While we do not (hopefully!) house our pets with their predators, other factors may be at work. For example, I have found that many animals will remain in a shelter even if the temperature within is too hot or too cold – safety trumping thermo-regulation in these cases.
Also, dominant tank-mates may prevent others from using shelters or basking sites, or cause them to remain within shelters for extended periods (thereby affecting feeding and basking behavior). This can occur even in the absence of actual aggression – the mere presence of a dominant animal is often enough to influence the behavior of other animals.
Where highly territorial, visually-oriented animals are concerned, a dominant individual can cause stress just by being within the view of another animal, even if housed in a different terrarium. I have observed this to occur among both chameleons and monitor lizards.
Research such as this highlights the importance of always looking beyond the obvious when observing our pets (and, of course, of reading research reports!). Please write in with your own thoughts and questions.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
Further Reading
Turtles need shelters other than their shells! Please see my article on Turtle Shelters.
Please see this Herpetologica article abstract for information on other factors that influence shelter choice.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
Lesueur’s Velvet Geko from Sydney image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Hexasoft
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
