Reptiles/Amphibians
Bugged Out: How Pathogens Are Affecting Your Pet’s Favorite Snacks – and How to Protect Them
Understanding Mucor-induced Mycotic Disease in Reptiles: What Reptile Owners and Vets Need to Know About Mycotic Infections
Treating Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Leopard Gecko Eye Infection Diagnoses
In a retrospective study, 52 out of 112 leopard geckos had an eye infection such as conjunctivitis. [1] Here’s what you need to know about bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, in leopard geckos. Leopard geckos are popular pocket pets because of their large, colorful eyes. However, captive leopard geckos are extremely likely to develop an eye infection because of their unique eyelid structure. Most geckos have spectacle eyelids, whereas leopard geckos have crinkled eyelids that are fully moveab
Bearded Dragons and Pneumonia: How To Identify Upper Respiratory Infections in My Reptile
Captive bearded dragons are particularly at risk for respiratory infections (like pneumonia), which are often caused due to a weakened immune system. Environment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pneumonia, and so it is useful for pet owners to know the proper husbandry to take care of bearded dragons, which are the most popular pet reptile [1]. Upper respiratory infections are uncomfortable for your scaly friend and may result in death if left untreated. Early intervention is beneficial f
The Salamander Plague: Detecting Fungal Infections in Amphibians
Salamander chytrid disease, also known as salamander chytridiomycosis, is an infectious fungal disease that has had significant impacts on the biodiversity of salamanders in Asia and Europe within the last decade [1]. While the disease is not yet present in North America, it is critical to know the warning signs of this fast spreading disease should chytridiomycosis invade native salamander populations. Just in Europe, an outbreak of chytrid disease was associated with a greater than 96% mortali
Bearded Dragons and Salmonella: How To Prevent Infection From Asymptomatic Carriers
In November 2020, 18 people infected with an outbreak strain of Salmonella were reported from 11 different states in the United States (thankfully there were no deaths!) [1]. Further evidence unveiled that contact with pet bearded dragons was the likely source of the outbreak [1]. Salmonella infections are zoonotic in nature, making them not only a veterinary health concern, but also a public health concern. While salmonellosis can affect a wide range of animals including birds, reptiles, amphib
Reptilian Fungal Infections: Diagnosing Yellow Fungus Disease
Who you calling yellow-bellied? It may not be your reptile’s lack of courage, but rather an infection causing the yellow hue on your scaly friend’s skin. This infection goes by several names, including Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV), Yellow Fungus Disease (YFD), CANV mycosis, and most recently Onygenalean Dermatomycoses [1]. Debate surrounding the name of the disease stems largely from advancements in technology that have revealed several microorganisms can cause this inf
Red-leg Syndrome: Diagnosing Bacterial Dermatosepticemia in Amphibians
As one of the most common diseases in amphibians, bacterial dermatosepticemia is a fatal infectious disease seen in frogs, toads, and salamanders [1]. More commonly known as red-leg syndrome, bacterial dermatosepticemia is associated with dilation of the capillaries under their skin, which causes the characteristic redness on the underside of the amphibian’s legs and abdomen that is associated with the infectious disease [2]. While the initial exposure to opportunistic bacteria may be caused by
Mycoplasmosis: Tortoises and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
While you might not expect a tortoise to be running anywhere, that doesn’t mean they don’t get runny noses! Tortoise mycoplasmosis is one of the most common diseases in tortoises and is the main cause of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in these slow-placed reptiles [1]. Therefore, a combination of understanding the conditions that cause the infection and the infective pathogens themselves is critical in delivering quality healthcare to your reptile. URTDs are uncomfortable at best for you
Stomatitis: Diagnosing Mouth Infections in Reptiles
As one of the most common diseases in reptiles, stomatitis affects the oral cavity, tongue, palate, and/or esophagus. More commonly known as mouth rot, stomatitis is associated with inflammation of the mouth consisting of gingivitis, glossitis, palatitis, and cheilitis [1]. While the initial exposure to opportunistic bacteria may be caused by physical trauma within the mouth, environmental factors such as misguided caretaking and nutritional care create the framework for infectious agents to thr
Three Bacterial Infections Your Chameleon May Hide From You
Chameleons are masters of disguise, especially when it comes to their well-being. Evolutionarily, chameleons have become adept at hiding possible sicknesses from predators, making it difficult for pet owners to identify warning signs of various maladies. Consequently, understanding possible sources of infections and how they manifest is critical for chameleon owners. It is important to note that while this article is going to focus on bacterial infections, there are several other diseases (rangi