Non-infectious diseases of captive reptiles

Abstract

The key to maintaining healthy reptiles in captivity is to mimic their innate environment as strictly as possible. Conditions such as habitat components, dietary substance, lighting, temperature, and humidity differ for each species and must therefore be followed carefully to ensure proper husbandry and nutrition. Inadequate conditions predispose to several non infectious diseases ranging from metabolic derangements to renal disease and malnutrition. These are, without a doubt, one of the major concerns in herpetological medicine; although treatment is possible for most cases, proper education regarding reptile care and dietary needs is a must for the prevention of recurrence.