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:

any change in behavior including inactivity or aggression
weakness
weight loss
nasal discharge
crusty nostrils
difficulty breathing
eye discharge
swollen eyes
failure to shed properly
skin crusts or discoloration
failure to grow properly
soft jaw
limping or not using one or more limbs
swelling on a limb
not eating or decrease in appetite
swelling or odor from the mouth
dysecdysis (shedding problems)
tail loss/trauma
regurgitation or vomiting
constipation or loose stools
cloacal prolapses

If any of these signs develop please make an appointment to have them evaluated.

Common lizard diseases include:

upper respiratory infections
pneumonia
eye infections
internal parasites
viral infections
ingestion of foreign objects/bedding
infectious stomatitis
metabolic bone disease
reproductive problems (retained eggs)
thermal burns from heat lamps/pads
cloacal or hemipenal prolapse/infection
liver disease
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.

LEOPARD GECKO

AFRICAN FAT TAILED GECKO