When treating reptiles the veterinarian has to have a thorough knowledge of the species to be treated. This concerns husbandry; housing temperature, humidity, UV light etc., feeding regimes with emphasis on the right amounts of vitamins and minerals. Reptiles may suffer from a wide range of disease. But many (e.g., lizards) that are prey animals themselves will try to hide the fact that they are sick. For example pregnant chameleons with dystocia, that are not on the verge of dying, will try to act as normal as they can when the owners brings them to your practice, they may be defensive, try to get away. However, they are in a life threatening situation. The veterinarian has to realize this and treat accordingly.

Chelonians that are bitten by dogs where the legs are practically chewed off will still try to get away with the stumps of the legs. That should not be interpreted as an animal without pain or distress, but an animal that tries to flee away from the situation he is in.

Many skin diseases in reptiles are an expression of underlying problems. A snake that is housed in a too humid enclosure without the possibility to properly dry within its preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ) may develop blister disease that can be secondarily complicated by bacterial invasions. Reptiles with heavy parasitic burden may only show problems in shedding their skin.

Some cases of proliferative dermatitis can be induced by bacterial infection (e.g., Devriesea agamarum infection). But could as well be a mycotic infection (e.g., Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii). Therefor careful examination with cytology, microscopy and culture is necessary. Surgical debridement of the lesions sometimes must be done. And based on all examinations treatment should be started.

Tortoises can be infected by herpes viruses and show stomatitis. Differential diagnosis should include infection with Mycoplasma agassizii. The right test should be done to be able to treat the animal.

Snakes exhibiting neurologic signs should be tested for the different viruses that can induce this disease.

Clinical signs, diagnostics, pathology and etiology of the different diseases will be addressed.