Obesity
Obesity is a common problem in many reptiles and amphibians kept in captivity. Many species are overfed because of owners ignorance of natural feeding intervals and of food types commonly eaten in the wild. For example, feeding meat to tortoises and green iguanas, both of which will eat meat if offered it although wouldn't necessarily eat meat in the wild. The feeding of meat to such species can result in many issues including gout from the excess protein, soft tissue mineralisation from excesses of calcium and vitamin D3 and fatty liver syndrome (hepaticlipidopsis) from the intake of excessive fats, which is when the liver cells are filled with fat deposits impeding their function. Snakes also suffer from these conditions when fed overly fat rodents or simply fed too often. Physical signs of obesity in snakes is the appearance of prominent 'hips' at the base of the tail. The aim should be a reptile that does not look emaciated but lean.
Although not a disease, it is still a serious issue amongst captive reptiles. Activity should be encourage by means of handling or an enclosure design which encourages natural activity, e.g. branches, vines or rocks to climb. Burrowing species should be given suitable substrate to exhibit natural behaviour and burn off energy. Enclosures should be large enough for the animal to move around with ease, movement should not be overly limited.
Obesity is a particular problem in species with a "sit and wait" strategy as there is no need to exercise to obtain food. In such circumstances enclosure design is very important to allow sufficient energy expenditure.
Although not a disease, it is still a serious issue amongst captive reptiles. Activity should be encourage by means of handling or an enclosure design which encourages natural activity, e.g. branches, vines or rocks to climb. Burrowing species should be given suitable substrate to exhibit natural behaviour and burn off energy. Enclosures should be large enough for the animal to move around with ease, movement should not be overly limited.
Obesity is a particular problem in species with a "sit and wait" strategy as there is no need to exercise to obtain food. In such circumstances enclosure design is very important to allow sufficient energy expenditure.
References
Girling, S., 2003. Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets. Blackwell.
Girling, S. and Raiti, P., 2004. BSAVA Manual of Reptiles (2nd Edition). BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
© 2014 Cat Read
Girling, S., 2003. Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets. Blackwell.
Girling, S. and Raiti, P., 2004. BSAVA Manual of Reptiles (2nd Edition). BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
© 2014 Cat Read