Respiratory infections are one of the most common health issues faced by blue tongue skink owners. As skink keepers, it’s crucial we understand how to recognize, treat, and prevent respiratory infections to ensure the wellbeing of our pets. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to respiratory infections in blue tongue skinks.
What Is a Respiratory Infection?
A respiratory infection refers to inflammation and infection of the lungs and respiratory tract It is typically caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections Common symptoms include labored breathing, wheezing, gasping for air, mucus discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite. Respiratory infections can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, they can be fatal.
What Causes Respiratory Infections in Blue Tongue Skinks?
There are several potential causes of respiratory infections in blue tongue skinks:
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Low enclosure temperatures: This is the most common cause. Blue tongues require basking temperatures of 95-105°F. Temperatures that are too low compromise the immune system.
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Poor husbandry: Unsanitary enclosures, dirty water, poor nutrition and stress can all contribute to respiratory infections.
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High humidity: Excess moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. Ideal humidity for blue tongues is 40-60%.
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Pre-existing conditions Skinks with weakened immune systems are more prone to respiratory infections. Health issues like malnutrition increase susceptibility
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New environment: Skinks relocated to a new environment may develop infections due to temperature fluctuations, stress, different pathogens, etc.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Infections
Watch for these common signs of respiratory infection in blue tongue skinks:
- Wheezing, clicking or whistling sounds when breathing
- Labored, open-mouth breathing
- Discharge from mouth/nose
- Frothy mucus bubbles in mouth
- Raising head to breathe easier
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swelling around eyes, neck or body
- Gaping jaws
Symptoms may appear mild at first but can quickly advance if the infection worsens. Severe infections can be fatal if left untreated.
How to Treat Respiratory Infections
If you notice any symptoms of respiratory infection in your blue tongue skink, take action right away:
1. Adjust enclosure temperatures
Ensure the warm side is 95-105°F and the cool side is 75-85°F. Strive for a gradient so your skink can thermoregulate properly. Raise nighttime temps to 80°F. This supports immune function.
2. See a qualified exotic vet
Respiratory infections typically require prescription antibiotics and antifungals. Your vet will prescribe a course of medication tailored to your skink.
3. Improve husbandry
Double check that husbandry parameters like temperatures, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and habitat are all dialed in. This fortifies overall health.
4. Quarantine the sick skink
Set up a separate enclosure to prevent the infection spreading to other pets. Disinfect any shared items between cages.
5. Consider nutritional supplements
Supplements like vitamin A and probiotics can aid recovery. But check with your vet first about dosage and safety.
With prompt veterinary treatment and careful supportive care at home, most blue tongues fully recover from respiratory infections. Be vigilant about completing the full course of medication.
How to Prevent Respiratory Infections
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to respiratory infections. Here are some key tips:
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Maintain proper temperatures with a good gradient – 95-105°F on the hot side, 75-85°F on the cool side.
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Keep the enclosure clean and dry. Spot clean daily and full clean at least weekly.
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Use safe substrates like reptile carpet or papertowels. Avoid dusty or damp substrates that harbor bacteria.
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Ensure adequate air flow and ventilation in the habitat but avoid drafts.
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Address possible stressors like enclosure size, hides, handling, cagemates, etc. A calm skink is a healthy skink.
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Feed a balanced, nutritious diet based on age and species. Address any nutritional deficits.
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Use supplements to support optimal immunity.
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Purchase skinks from reputable breeders and quarantine all new arrivals.
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Avoid abrupt temperature changes when handling or transporting skinks.
With attentive husbandry and prompt treatment, most blue tongues fully recover from respiratory infections. Prevention through proper care is key. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment, we can keep our blue tongued pets happy and healthy.
Risk Factors for Respiratory Infections in Reptiles
The number one risk factor for reptiles acquiring respiratory disease is a lack of suitable husbandry or routine veterinary care. Old, young, and immunocompromised reptiles are at additional risk for developing respiratory infections, and proper husbandry and veterinary care are even more critical in these groups. Stressed, sick, malnourished, or otherwise unhealthy individuals often acquire respiratory infections, which they cannot fight adequately due to a weakened immune system.
Recovery and Management of Respiratory Infections in Reptiles
Unfortunately, respiratory infections are often relatively advanced when pet parents recognize a problem. Animals with progressive disease may succumb to their illness, but with aggressive, prompt care, these pets can recover fully. The recovery process may include supportive care at a veterinary hospital and continued care at home. Pet parents should expect slow but gradual improvement taking weeks or even months.
Depending on the cause of infection, reptiles may be more prone to respiratory disease recurrences in the future. They may require periodic treatment, routine veterinary screening and care, as well as ensuring proper husbandry.
Solving (?)Blue Tongue Skink Respiratory Infection + More! [reptile enclosure cleaning series #8]
FAQ
How do you treat respiratory infections in lizards?
- Antibiotics (i.e., enrofloxacin, ceftazidime)
- Anti-parasitic drugs (i.e., ivermectin)
- Anti-fungal medications (i.e., itraconazole)
What are the three signs of a respiratory infection?
Check if you have a respiratory tract infection
sneezing. a stuffy or runny nose. a sore throat. headaches.
How to treat respiratory infection in parrots?
Initially, the best treatment for a bird that is in respiratory distress from this condition is oxygen. Your veterinarian may also consider the use of glucocorticoids or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a respiratory infection?
Most viral URIs have to run their course and go away on their own. They usually last one to two weeks. You can ease your symptoms by drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter medications. If you have a bacterial infection, your symptoms should start to improve a day or two after starting antibiotics.
Do blue tongue skinks have a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infection is one of the most common infections in blue tongue skinks. In this post, we will discuss blue tongue skink respiratory infection symptoms, causes, tips and how to prevent it in the future. Please note that some of these symptoms might not be clear indicators of a respiratory infection.
What is the illness called geographical tongue?
Geographic tongue is a noncancerous condition that causes smooth reddish, patches on your tongue. It’s called geographic tongue because the patch patterns resemble the way that land masses and oceans are shown on maps. You can have geographic tongue without having symptoms. Geographic tongue is noncancerous, doesn’t cause health issues and doesn’t require treatment. The cause of geographic tongue is unknown. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal disturbances. However, none of these factors have been conclusively linked to geographic tongue.
Can blue-tongue skinks get mouth rot?
Yes, blue-tongue skinks can get mouth rot.Mouth rot is an illness in blue tongue skinks which needs immediate attention to prevent any complications. You can tell when your blue tongue skink has mouth rot due to inflammation and even bleeding from their gums and mouth area.
What should I do if my blue tongue skink has a infection?
If you notice signs of infection in your Blue Tongue Skink, schedule a veterinary appointment. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics to clear the infection. Once the infection has improved, ensure your lizard receives plenty of crunchy vegetables to maintain oral health.
Can blue tongue skinks get rickettsial disease?
Another kind of infection that blue tongue skinks can transmit to humans is Rickettsial disease. In most cases, blue tongue skinks contract this infection through mites.
Are blue tongue skinks venomous?
Even though blue tongue skinks are non-venomous, if they bite, the wound could result in other bacterial infections. Thus, it is critical to treat the injury seriously.