Lizards can be rewarding pets, but their health is closely tied to the quality of care they receive. While often hardy, these animals are susceptible to a range of health problems. Many common issues are directly preventable and stem from the lizard’s environment and diet. Understanding the fundamentals of their well-being is a primary responsibility for any owner.
Recognizing a Sick Lizard
An owner’s first indication of a problem is often a change in the lizard’s normal daily patterns. A healthy lizard is alert and responsive to its environment, so a shift to lethargy or constant hiding can be an early sign of distress. Some individuals may display uncharacteristic aggression when handled, which can be a defensive reaction to pain or discomfort. A lack of interest in food is another significant indicator, as healthy lizards have a consistent appetite.
Physical changes are also clear signs of illness. Swelling in the limbs, jaw, or along the spine can point to underlying issues. The skin and eyes are telling indicators of health; cloudy or dull eyes, skin discoloration, or patches of shed skin that fail to come off properly all signal a potential problem. Any visible sores, bumps, or abscesses on the skin warrant attention.
Changes in the consistency, color, or frequency of droppings can indicate digestive upset or internal parasites. Any sign of labored breathing, which may appear as open-mouthed breathing or puffing of the throat, can suggest a respiratory infection. Any discharge from the nose or mouth is an abnormal sign that points toward an infection.
Common Lizard Ailments and Infections
Husbandry-Related Conditions
Many of the most common health problems in captive lizards are directly linked to their daily care and environment. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a frequent and serious condition caused by an improper balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3. Without adequate UVB lighting and dietary calcium, a lizard cannot properly develop and maintain its skeletal structure, leading to soft bones, fractures, and deformities.
Shedding (ecdysis) is a natural process, but problems can arise from incorrect environmental conditions. Dysecdysis, an incomplete or difficult shed, is caused by low humidity levels in the enclosure. Retained shed skin can constrict blood flow to toes and tail tips, leading to tissue death and loss of the appendage. Dehydration is another common issue resulting from an inadequate water source or excessively high temperatures, leading to sunken eyes, lethargy, and wrinkled skin.
Infectious Diseases
Lizards are also susceptible to various infections. Infectious stomatitis, commonly known as mouth rot, is a bacterial infection that presents as redness, swelling, and pus around the mouth and gums. This condition is secondary to stress, improper temperatures, or minor injuries in the mouth. Respiratory infections are also common, caused by bacteria and fostered by incorrect temperature gradients or high humidity without proper ventilation. Symptoms include wheezing, nasal discharge, and open-mouthed breathing.
Parasites are another frequent concern for lizard owners. External parasites, such as mites, can be seen on the lizard’s skin, clustering around the eyes and ears, causing irritation and stress. Internal parasites, including various species of worms, can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and a failure to thrive. A veterinarian can diagnose these internal parasites through a fecal examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Disease Prevention Through Proper Husbandry
An appropriate environment is the most effective method for preventing disease. The enclosure must be large enough to accommodate the lizard’s natural behaviors and securely fastened to prevent escape. A proper temperature gradient is non-negotiable, meaning the enclosure must have a warm basking area and a cooler retreat. This allows the lizard to thermoregulate, a process fundamental to its digestion, immune function, and metabolism.
Correct lighting is another pillar of preventative care. A full-spectrum light that provides both UVA and UVB radiation is necessary for most diurnal lizard species. UVA light helps regulate natural behaviors like breeding, while UVB is required for the synthesis of vitamin D3, which enables calcium absorption.
Maintaining the right humidity level is also part of a preventive health strategy. A hygrometer should be used to monitor levels, as the specific requirement varies by species. A balanced diet, tailored to the specific species—whether insectivore, herbivore, or omnivore—is foundational. This diet must be supplemented with a quality calcium and vitamin powder. Finally, a strict sanitation schedule, including daily spot cleaning and regular full-enclosure disinfection, minimizes the buildup of harmful bacteria and parasites.
Zoonotic Disease Risks
Owners should be aware of zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The most well-known pathogen associated with reptiles is Salmonella. These bacteria can be part of a lizard’s normal gut flora and often do not cause illness in the animal. A perfectly healthy-appearing lizard can shed Salmonella in its feces.
Transmission to humans occurs through the fecal-oral route. Infection can occur if a person handles a lizard or contaminated items from its enclosure and then touches their mouth. Symptoms of salmonellosis in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most cases resolve on their own, the infection can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Rigorous hygiene is the most effective way to prevent transmission. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling a lizard, its food, or any part of its habitat. Reptiles should not be allowed in kitchens or any areas where food is prepared or consumed. Supervise any interactions between lizards and young children or immunocompromised individuals to minimize the risk of infection.