Reptiles and Intestinal Infections

Let's discuss about reptiles and intestinal infections.Keeping your pet reptile safe involves knowing the types of infections and illnesses that can cause them great harm. This article will explain gastrointestinal tract infections in reptiles.

A gastrointestinal tract infection or Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection that causes the inner linings of the stomach and intestinal tract to thicken. When the linings thicken the stomach and intestinal tract can't properly function. Therefore, causing serious issues for the reptile.

There are various types of parasites that can infect a reptile internally or externally. They can all cause diseases, but some are more serious than others. Cryptosporidiosis is a very serious disease. It is also untreatable.

You don't want your reptile to get any disease let alone one that isn't treatable. Therefore, trying to prevent infections and diseases is the best thing that you can do for your reptile.

The best ways to prevent parasites and disease is to keep your reptile's habitat clean at all time. Spoiled food and reptile waste is unsanitary. Dirty conditions often lead to bacterial and parasitic infections. Being careful about where your pet's food come from is important as well. Food can sometime be infected so only buy from reputable places. If possible you may want to keep reptiles separate, especially if one if infected. You don't want all your pet reptiles to die. A reptile usually gets Cryptosporidiosis from infected feces or other infected reptiles.

If you're worried that your reptile is sick, but aren't sure what it is you can take it to a veterinarian. The symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract infection include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss.

If a reptile has Cryptosporidiosis, your veterinarian will probably just suggest different treatments that can help the pet's symptoms not be as bad. However, there isn't a cure for this disease. 

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.