Update on common nutritional disorders of captive reptiles

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2014 Sep;17(3):369-95. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2014.05.002.

Abstract

Nutritional disorders of captive reptiles remain very common despite the increasing knowledge about reptile husbandry and nutrition. Many nutritional disorders are diagnosed late in the disease process; often secondary complications, such as pathologic fractures in reptiles suffering from nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism have occurred. Therefore, every attempt should be made to educate reptile owners and keepers about the proper care and dietary needs of reptiles under their care because all nutritional disorders seen in captive reptiles are preventable.

Keywords: Constipation; Dehydration; Hypothyroidism; Hypovitaminosis A; Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo*
  • Calcium / deficiency
  • Cholecalciferol / deficiency
  • Diet / veterinary*
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / etiology
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / veterinary*
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Hypothyroidism / veterinary*
  • Nutrition Disorders / complications
  • Nutrition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Nutrition Disorders / pathology
  • Nutrition Disorders / prevention & control
  • Nutrition Disorders / veterinary*
  • Nutritional Status
  • Reptiles*

Substances

  • Cholecalciferol
  • Calcium