All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Reptile Care

Reptile Medicine

Reptile Care

Reptiles are fascinating, rewarding pets — and they have highly specialized medical needs. Dr. Davis provides knowledgeable, compassionate care for lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and geckos in San Antonio.

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Why Reptiles Need a Specialized Vet

Reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperature — and therefore their immune function, digestion, and metabolism — depends entirely on their environment. They have unique anatomy, physiology, and disease presentations that require a veterinarian with specific reptile training. Many common reptile diseases are directly caused by improper husbandry (temperature, humidity, lighting, diet), making husbandry guidance an essential part of every reptile visit.

Reptile Species We See

  • Bearded dragons
  • Leopard geckos and other gecko species
  • Blue-tongued skinks
  • Iguanas
  • Chameleons
  • Ball pythons and other colubrid and boid snakes
  • Corn snakes and king snakes
  • Box turtles and aquatic turtles
  • Tortoises (Russian, Hermann's, Sulcata, and others)
  • Other lizard and snake species — call to confirm

Common Reptile Health Issues

  • Metabolic bone disease (MBD) — caused by calcium/UVB deficiency
  • Respiratory infections — often caused by improper temperature or humidity
  • Parasitic infections (internal and external)
  • Dysecdysis (abnormal shedding)
  • Stomatitis (mouth rot)
  • Dystocia (egg binding) in female reptiles
  • Thermal burns from improper heat sources
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Abscesses and wounds
  • Cryptosporidiosis in snakes

Husbandry: The Key to Reptile Health

The majority of reptile health problems are preventable with proper husbandry. This includes appropriate temperature gradients, UVB lighting for species that require it, correct humidity levels, appropriate substrate, proper diet and supplementation, and adequate enclosure size. Dr. Davis will review your reptile's husbandry setup at every visit and provide specific recommendations to optimize their environment and prevent disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my reptile see a vet?
Annual wellness exams are recommended for all reptiles. New reptiles should be seen within the first few weeks of acquisition for a baseline health assessment and husbandry review. Reptiles that are showing any signs of illness should be seen promptly — they can decline quickly.
What is metabolic bone disease (MBD) and how is it prevented?
MBD is caused by calcium deficiency, phosphorus imbalance, or inadequate UVB lighting. It causes soft, deformed bones, muscle weakness, and can be fatal if untreated. It is prevented by providing appropriate UVB lighting (for species that require it), calcium supplementation, and a balanced diet. Dr. Davis can review your setup and recommend corrections.
My snake hasn't eaten in weeks — is that normal?
It depends. Some snakes go off food during breeding season, shedding, or winter months — this can be normal. However, prolonged anorexia can also indicate illness, stress, improper husbandry, or parasites. If your snake has refused food for more than 4–6 weeks or is losing weight, a veterinary exam is warranted.
Do reptiles need vaccines?
No. There are currently no vaccines licensed for reptiles in the United States. Preventive care for reptiles focuses on proper husbandry, annual wellness exams, and fecal parasite testing.
Can reptiles transmit Salmonella to humans?
Yes. Many reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria in their digestive tract without showing any signs of illness. Salmonella can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or contact with the reptile's environment. Thorough handwashing after handling reptiles or cleaning their enclosure is essential, especially for young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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