A tool to help assess your reptile's health status (tortoise, snake, lizard).
Quickly identify emergencies and husbandry issues.
80%
Diseases linked to husbandry
MBD
#1 reason for reptile vet visits
UV-B
Critical factor #1
⚠ Did you know? 80% of reptile diseases are linked to poor
husbandry conditions (UV, temperature, humidity). Check your parameters!
MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease): the #1 reason for reptile veterinary visits.
Make sure you have a UV-B tube suited to the species and calcium (without phosphorus) dusted on food.
In case of emergency: contact an exotic/reptile veterinarian or call your local emergency veterinary hotline.
Step 1 of 5 — Reptile type
What type of reptile do you have?
The species guides the most likely conditions and husbandry parameters.
Step 2 of 6 — Medical history
Medical History & Treatments
Husbandry conditions and medical history are crucial in reptiles.
Current treatments
Medical history
UV-B setup
When was the UV-B tube last checked/replaced?
⚠ UV-B: UV-B tubes lose their effectiveness after 6-12 months even if they still emit visible light.
Without a functional UV-B source, the reptile cannot synthesize vitamin D3 and cannot absorb calcium,
which leads to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) — the #1 preventable cause of death in captive reptiles.
Step 3 of 6 — Husbandry conditions
Husbandry Conditions
Husbandry parameters are crucial for reptiles. Please answer as accurately as possible.
UV-B lighting present?
CRITICAL
Humidity suited to the species?
⚠ Warning — Deficient husbandry conditions:
The absence of UV-B, inadequate temperatures, or an unsuitable diet are the leading causes of disease in reptiles.
Correct these parameters as a priority, even before consulting a veterinarian.
Step 4 of 6 — Duration
How long have the symptoms been present?
The duration of symptoms helps assess severity and urgency.
Step 5 of 6 — Observed symptoms
What symptoms are you observing?
Check all symptoms present. The more precise you are, the better the assessment.
🦴 Metabolic / Skeletal
💨 Respiratory
💩 Digestive
🐍 Shedding
🦴 Skin / Shell
🥚 Reproduction
🧠 Neurological
📊 Scientific Resources — Reptiles
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery
Elsevier — World reference
Reference
The definitive reference textbook in reptile and amphibian medicine and surgery. Covers all commonly kept captive species.
Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery
ARAV (Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians)
Scientific journal
Peer-reviewed scientific journal specializing in reptile and amphibian medicine.
Legal disclaimer — This triage tool provides indicative guidance
and does not replace a clinical examination by a qualified veterinarian specialized in exotic pets.
Reptiles are animals whose clinical signs are often subtle and appear late;
any suspicion of illness warrants a prompt consultation.
Data — No personal data is collected or transmitted.
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