Reptiles as Pets
Avian + Exotics Center of Nashville cares for different species of reptiles, including Snakes, Boas, Pythons, Turtles, Tortoises, Dragons, Lizards, Basilisks, Iguanas, Geckoes, Chameleons, Crocodilians, and Monitors.
Care Recommendations
Complete Physical Examination Every 6-12 Months
Yearly Fecal Examination For Parasites and Bacterial Overgrowth
Other Available Services
Hospitalization and Surgery
Spaying, Neutering as needed
Common Diseases for Iguanas
Intestinal – diarrhea, constipation, impaction, parasites
Skin conditions – mites, abscesses, burns
Reproductive – egg binding in females, prolapsed hemipenis in males
Preventive Care for Iguanas
Routine physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual intestinal parasite screen
Blood analysis every 1-3 years, dependant on age
Common Diseases for Bearded Dragons
Metabolic Bone Disease – caused by Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
Skin infections, abscesses
Dental and jaw infections
Preventive Care for Bearded Dragons
Dragons will defecate in their water dish. Provide fresh water for drinking and soaking, cleaned daily
Physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual fecal examination for parasites
Provide UVB light to allow for vitamin D and calcium absorption – replace every 6 months
Feed vegetables, fruits, flowers, and small insects
Blood tests recommended every 1-3 years
Common Diseases for Turtles and Tortoises
Decreased appetite or anorexia is a very common symptom of disease
Malnutrition – improper diet, infections, impaction, overgrowth of beak
Shell deformities – trauma, genetic, improper nutrition
Infections – eyes, ears, bladder, (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Respiratory – infection, pneumonia
Reproductive – egg binding
Preventive Care for Turtles and Tortoises
Beak and nail trim as needed to allow proper prehension of food and correct placement and balance to avoid plantar infections, joint inflammation, and arthritis
Physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual fecal examination for parasites
Provide water source to stimulate elimination and clean daily. Unclean water can cause anorexia and disease
Feed every 24-48 hours a diet of 80% vegetables, 10% fruits, and 10% protein
Blood analysis every 1-3 years, dependant on age
Common Diseases for Snakes
Metabolic – correct environment/temperature needed to regulate internal body temperature and metabolism
Viral diseases are common
Preventive Care for Snakes
Physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual intestinal parasite screen