Lizards
Lizards are fascinating animals and can make excellent pets for reptile lovers. At CAWC, we love our lizard patients! Many lizards are very personable and can make wonderful companions for the experienced, as well as first time reptile owner. For example, Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos make excellent first time lizards, while large monitors and chameleons should be left for the more knowledgeable enthusiast. Lizards are a diverse group of animals coming from nearly all regions of the globe, so their husbandry is very specific to the region they come from. Not all lizards have the same requirements, some are carnivorous (meat eaters), some are herbivorous (plant eaters) and some are omnivorous (both meat and plant eaters). The temperature and humidity needs of lizards also vary greatly depending on their region of origin. For example, a Chameleon requires a very different temperature and humidity than does a Uromastyx Lizard. So it is critical that you know about your lizards particular husbandry requirements to ensure they are comfortable and thriving.
Common signs of illness include:
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any change in behavior including inactivity or aggression
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weakness
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weight loss
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nasal discharge
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crusty nostrils
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difficulty breathing
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eye discharge
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swollen eyes
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failure to shed properly
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skin crusts or discoloration
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failure to grow properly
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soft jaw
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limping or not using one or more limbs
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swelling on a limb
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not eating or decrease in appetite
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swelling or odor from the mouth
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dysecdysis (shedding problems)
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tail loss/trauma
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regurgitation or vomiting
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constipation or loose stools
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cloacal prolapses
If any of these signs develop please make an appointment to have them evaluated.
Common lizard diseases include:
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upper respiratory infections
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pneumonia
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eye infections
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internal parasites
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viral infections
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ingestion of foreign objects/bedding
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infectious stomatitis
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metabolic bone disease
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reproductive problems (retained eggs)
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thermal burns from heat lamps/pads
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cloacal or hemipenal prolapse/infection
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liver disease
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kidney disease.
For more information on the common lizard species that you are interested in, please click on the following links provided by Reptile Magazine.