DISEASES AND DISORDERS
Visiting the Veterinarian
A common question among many herpetoculturists is whether it is worth taking an animal to a veterinarian; the costs of treatment often far exceed the cost of the animal and, in many cases, the animal dies anyway. In the case of most imported reptiles, the wisest course is to have your animal immediately checked for parasites or bacteria. Early diagnosis and prevention is always the best course of action with reptiles. Subsequent decisions should be made on a case by case basis.
Normally, sick hatchlings and juveniles that look ready to die usually do, even with veterinary intervention. On the other hand, adult lizards, particularly water dragons, often respond well to veterinary treatment. The key is to seek treatment as soon as the first signs of a problem are apparent. Being aware of your animal’s normal behavior and appearance is what makes a good herpetoculturist.
Internal Parasites
Juvenile and subadult imported water dragons typically harbor parasites. If your animals fail to gain or maintain weight in spite of feeding well, or if your animals have diarrhea or discolored stools, take a stool sample to a veterinarian to determine what parasites may be present and the best course of treatment.
The most common parasites of imported green water dragons are protozoans and nematodes, although some may also harbor tapeworms. For treatment of nematodes and some protozoans, many herpetoculturists routinely treat imports with fenbendazole (Panacur) at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, given orally. They repeat the treatment once a week for three weeks. For treatment of most protozoans, such as amoebas, you can orally administer metronidazonle (Flagyl) at a dosage of 75mg/kg, and repeat the treatment once a week for three weeks.
Although this “shotgun” approach can prove useful when trying to establish wild-caught animals, you should always consult a veterinarian if your animal is showing significant weight loss and clear signs of decline, such as inactivity or listlessness. Baby water dragons can die quickly if health problems are not addressed immediately.
Metabolic Bone Disease and Calcium Deficiency
This disease complex popularly known as calcium deficiency is fairly common in young captive water dragons and is often caused by an improper diet. The earliest and most obvious symptom in young animals is a soft, flexible lower jaw, which makes feeding difficult. In larger animals, more severe symptoms include fibrous osteodystrophy, which involves the loss of the mineral matrix of bone accompanied by a build up of connective tissue to compensate for the loss of bone rigidity, a condition characterized by swollen hind limbs and, eventually, the inability to move normally. These problems are caused by a lack of physiologically available calcium due to a lack of calcium in the diet, an inadequate calcium to phosphorous ratio, or a lack of vitamin D3, which allows the animals to absorb calcium. If you follow the feeding and supplementation guidelines indicated in this book, you will not have this problem. Treatment consists of providing adequate calcium and vitamin D3 orally, or, in severe cases, having a veterinarian administer injectable calcium.
Rostral Rubbing and Damaged Snouts
A common problem in captive green water dragons is their tendency to damage or injure their snouts. They cannot seem to grasp the concept of glass walls, screens, or even solid walls (this is not true of Australian water dragons). As a result, they run into enclosure walls when panicked and even when just moving about their cages. If the walls are made of glass or screen, water dragons will rub them with rub their snouts while attempting to get through. This tendency has little to do with size of the cage. Individuals captive raised from juveniles are less likely to rub their snouts. To reduce the incidence of snout rubbing, place barriers, in the form of plants or landscape structures, along the sides of the enclosures.
Stomatitis or Mouthrot
In water dragons, this disease is usually prevalent in the snout area as a consequence of damage from rubbing or ramming against a cage wall. Nonetheless, many water dragons do a good job at fighting any infection. When mouth rot is present, it is visible as white caseous material in the infected area. To treat this disease, gently remove any caseous material, washing out the infected area with an antiseptic scrub (Betadine) and applying an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin). Perform this procedure every one to two days until the infection has cleared.
Swollen and Infected Limbs
In the course of normal activity, water dragons can injure limbs and digits. In captivity, toenails are sometimes lost, or infections may develop in a hand, foot, or the tips of digits. In most cases, the best course of action is to take your animal to a qualified veterinarian who specializes in treating reptiles. Standard treatment involves incising the infected area, removing pus and caseous matter, flushing with hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic solution, and administering antibiotics.
Articular and Periarticular Gout or Pseudogout
Some captive water dragons have hard joint swelling of digits that eventually afflicts an entire hand or foot. The symptoms are identical to those of gout or pseudogout (the deposition of minerals other than uric acid, often calcium, at internal sites, such as the joint areas) and all four limbs may be involved. Eventually deformities result in problems that prevent normal movement. There are no effective treatments. To date, this problem has been witnessed primarily in a small number of males. The possible dietary cause has not been determined, but a varied diet and regular water changes may prevent it.
Respiratory Infections
Many imported water dragons die of undiagnosed respiratory infections. Like birds, reptiles often do a good job of hiding obvious signs of illness until a disease has progressed to a dangerous point.
The symptoms of respiratory infections in water dragons include: listlessness, reduced appetite, swollen appearance of body, and, when the disease has progressed, gaping and forced exhalations. Animals exhibiting these symptoms require prompt treatment. Raise the temperature to 85–88° F around the clock until symptoms subside, and take your lizard to a veterinarian so it can be treated with appropriate injectable antibiotics.
Weight Loss and Diarrhea
Animals that fail to gain or retain weight, have runny or bloody stools, and show signs of decline (such as decreased activity and loss of appetite) may be infected with internal parasites or bacteria such as salmonella. If you notice these signs, take your water dragon, along with a fecal sample, to a qualified reptile veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.