Pet lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises are often diagnosed with skin and shell infections. If left untreated, these infections can cause permanent damage or even spread to the animal’s bloodstream and cause death.
Symptoms and types
Infections of the skin and shell of reptiles go by a variety of names depending on their location and characteristics.
- A pocket of pus in or under the skin is called an abscess.
- Fluid-filled pockets within the skin are characteristic of blistering disease.
- If the blisters burst or develop red, raw sores that do not heal, the disease is called scale rot.
- Turtles and tortoises affected by shell rot often have soft or pitted shells that may lift away from the rest of the shell, exposing the bone structure underneath.
- Septic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD) is a form of shell rot that spreads to the bloodstream and internal organs.
A foul-smelling fluid may also drain from the infected area. Heavily infected reptiles often become lethargic and lose their appetite.
Cause
Skin and shell infections are caused by bacteria or fungi. If your reptile lives in a dirty or humid environment, microorganisms can thrive and overwhelm your pet’s immune system. Nutritional deficiencies can also weaken the immune system. If your reptile’s skin or shell is cut or scratched, an infection is even more likely to develop.
diagnosis
A veterinarian can usually diagnose a skin or shell infection based on the animal’s medical history, clinical signs, and a physical exam. Blood tests can help determine if the infection has spread further into the body. In some cases, different antibiotics may need to be tested against bacteria taken from the infected area to plan an appropriate treatment.
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process
Mild skin or shell infections can be treated at home by gently rubbing the area with a diluted solution of povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine and applying an antibiotic ointment twice a day. If the wound does not heal but your reptile’s overall condition is good, a fungal infection may be involved and an antifungal cream may be required to treat the infection. However, if the condition of the skin or shell does not improve after a few days, take your pet to an experienced reptile veterinarian. More severe infections may require injectable or oral antibiotics and surgery to drain the abscess or remove diseased tissue.
Life and Management
While your reptile is recovering from a skin or shell infection, it should be kept in a very clean terrarium. Newspaper or paper towels are great for floor coverings as they won’t contaminate wounds and can be changed frequently. Underlying issues such as poor hygiene, inadequate humidity, and sharp or overly rough objects in the terrarium should also be addressed; otherwise, the infection may return.
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