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
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
Sex Determination
Boarding
Radiography
Common Diseases for Iguanas
Intestinal – diarrhea, constipation, impaction, parasites
Skin conditions – mites, abscesses, burns
Metabolic bone disease
Reproductive – egg binding in females, prolapsed hemipenis in males
Kidney disease
Preventive Care for Iguanas
Routine physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual intestinal parasite screen
Blood analysis every 1-3 years, dependant on age
Spaying and neutering
Common Diseases for Bearded Dragons
Metabolic Bone Disease – caused by Vitamin D and calcium deficiency
Skin infections, abscesses
Dental and jaw infections
Egg binding
Intestinal parasites
Anorexia
Trauma
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
Liver and kidney disease
Metabolic bone disease
Trauma
Infections – eyes, ears, bladder, (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Respiratory – infection, pneumonia
Urinary – bladder stones
Reproductive – egg binding
Parasitism
Tumors
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
Trauma from live diet
Abscesses
Mites
Parasites
Preventive Care for Snakes
Physical examination every 6-12 months
Annual intestinal parasite screen
Routine viral testing
Mammals
Small exotic mammals include Ferrets, Gerbils, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Sugar Gliders, Hedgehogs, Prairie Dogs, Wallabies, and Exotic Felines.
Birds
We care for many types of pet birds, including Pigeons, Macaws, Conures, Parakeets, Lories, Cockatiels, Caiques, Cockatoos, Finches, Canaries, Conures, Parrots, Doves, Hornbills, and more.
Reptiles
Pet retiles include Snakes (Boas, Pythons), Turtles, Tortoises, Dragons, Lizards, Basilisks, Iguanas, Geckoes, Chameleons, Crocodilians, Monitors, and more. Complete physical exams are recommended every 6-12 months.
Amphibians
Some common amphibious pets are Skinks, Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, Newts, and more. See some of our suggestions on recommended routine exams and preventive care.
Aquatics
Call for consultation on Tropical, Pond, Aquarium, Goldfish, Koi, Oscars, and more. Most fish diseases occur due to infections, water quality control factors, or uncontrolled environmental conditions.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us to inquire about the well-being and care of your exotic pet, or about numerous services that our veterinarians provide. Request an appointment on the link below.
