Dehydration
Water is truly the elixir of life for humans and Tegus alike and is considered to be the most important nutrient in animal nutrition.
As with us or any other animal for that matter, captive reptiles can also become dehydrated. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to death. A reptile (and human) will die from lack of water long before they die from lack of food.
The purpose of this article is threefold:
Signs Of Dehydration In A Tegu
Obviously any reptile showing signs of dehydration should be evaluated by a qualified veterinarian and rehydrated … if left untreated, it will die (and it can be a very painful death). The most appropriate treatment options will depend on the severity of the problem which is why it is important that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The purpose of this article is not to show you how to rehydrate a reptile but to outline the most common treatment methods your veterinarian might suggest. In severe cases, emergency fluids or tube feeding may be necessary.
Mild dehydration is often treated by:
To treat moderate dehydration, longer soaks may be necessary as well as administering extra fluids orally (such as diluted Gatorade, diluted Pedialyte or lactated Ringers Solution. Always support and supervise weak reptiles while soaking.
Severe dehydration will require administration of fluids via injection.
Always follow your veterinarian’s advise very closely no matter what treatment option is suggested. Make sure you do not administer too much fluid at one time or too much fluid over a short period of time as this can kill the reptile in question.
When your reptile recovers and is maintaining a normal fluid balance, keep a close eye on it to ensure that it is in fact, drinking. Offer a drinking water dish for your Tegu and change daily with fresh water.
As with us or any other animal for that matter, captive reptiles can also become dehydrated. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to death. A reptile (and human) will die from lack of water long before they die from lack of food.
The purpose of this article is threefold:
- To help you identify the signs of dehydration in a reptile.
- To identify common contributing factors to dehydration so you can hopefully avoid the problem.
- To outline the commonly used and most effective treatment methods.
Signs Of Dehydration In A Tegu
- Skin loses elasticity – when the skin is pinched it does not rapidly spring back but remains puckered.
- Skin becomes dull and takes on a “wrinkled” appearance – often deeply wrinkled around the neck and along the sides of the body.
- Dry, flaky skin.
- As dehydration advances, the eyes may sink into the skull, creating a very stark expression.
- Mucous membranes inside the mouth of Tegus become dry and the tongue may appear sticky.
- You may also notice patches of un-shed skin on the body, especially on the head, toes, tails and crests.
- Also evident may be signs of starvation and muscle wasting.
- Tegus may also be lethargic and will not eat (DO NOT force-feed until rehydration has been started – always follow your veterinarian’s advice!)
- Elevated uric acid levels (which may also indicate renal impairment).
- Elevated packed cell volumes (PCV).
- Total protein values.
- Lack of an appropriate source/form of drinking water. Keep in mind that some reptiles will readily drink from a water bowl, while others will only lap out water droplets. It is important for you to research your reptile’s preferred method of drinking when in their natural environments.
- Consistently high environmental temperatures within the enclosure/habitat.
- Certain type of caging materials and substrate may be absorbing the necessary humidity levels within the enclosure/habitat. Once again, you need to research the necessary humidity levels for your Tegu
Obviously any reptile showing signs of dehydration should be evaluated by a qualified veterinarian and rehydrated … if left untreated, it will die (and it can be a very painful death). The most appropriate treatment options will depend on the severity of the problem which is why it is important that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The purpose of this article is not to show you how to rehydrate a reptile but to outline the most common treatment methods your veterinarian might suggest. In severe cases, emergency fluids or tube feeding may be necessary.
Mild dehydration is often treated by:
- Providing daily mistings.
- Giving an initial soak in lukewarm water.
- Ensuring access to drinking water in a form suitable for your tegu.
To treat moderate dehydration, longer soaks may be necessary as well as administering extra fluids orally (such as diluted Gatorade, diluted Pedialyte or lactated Ringers Solution. Always support and supervise weak reptiles while soaking.
Severe dehydration will require administration of fluids via injection.
Always follow your veterinarian’s advise very closely no matter what treatment option is suggested. Make sure you do not administer too much fluid at one time or too much fluid over a short period of time as this can kill the reptile in question.
When your reptile recovers and is maintaining a normal fluid balance, keep a close eye on it to ensure that it is in fact, drinking. Offer a drinking water dish for your Tegu and change daily with fresh water.