Nutrition and Disease
Without a doubt, one of the main concerns in herpetological care are health problems arising from an inadequate diet. Nutritional requirements will vary between species as well as individuals depending on their health, reproductive status and age. Feeding your reptile the appropriate foods and quantities is essential for long-term health and longevity. The key to preventing nutritionally related diseases is to be familiar with the specific requirements of the species in your care. Appropriate heating also plays an important role in nutrition. In ectothermic animals the metabolic processes governing digestion are dependent on environmental factors, mainly temperature. If these environmental factors are not optimal, even a perfectly balanced meal could go to waste because of inadequate digestion.
Reptiles can roughly be divided into three nutritional groups: herbivores, omnivores and carnivores. Each of the groups has their own set of typical problems. Knowing which nutritional category your species belongs to will help you with diagnosis of nutritionally related disorders. However, any disease may be found in nearly any species.
Generally, the diseases related to nutrition can be roughly divided into two groups: either caused by a deficiency or a toxic overdose of a certain nutrient. This will be discussed in the links posted below.
- Diseases From Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies and Toxicities
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Obesity
- Anorexia
- Dehydration
Reptiles can roughly be divided into three nutritional groups: herbivores, omnivores and carnivores. Each of the groups has their own set of typical problems. Knowing which nutritional category your species belongs to will help you with diagnosis of nutritionally related disorders. However, any disease may be found in nearly any species.
Generally, the diseases related to nutrition can be roughly divided into two groups: either caused by a deficiency or a toxic overdose of a certain nutrient. This will be discussed in the links posted below.
- Diseases From Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies and Toxicities
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Obesity
- Anorexia
- Dehydration
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