Guardians of pet reptiles generally have a lack of knowledge about the welfare, behaviour and needs of their pet’s species. Studies have demonstrated that reptile guardians have difficulty using suitable husbandry equipment and struggle to recognise signs of illness. Moreover, research has identified a problem related to the availability of verified and clear recommendations for the general public regarding reptile husbandry and care (Moszuti et al., 2017; Stockley et al., 2020; Azevedo et al., 2021).
Veterinary practices could be places that provide accurate information about reptile needs; however, not all veterinary professionals have the expertise and sufficient experience to achieve this (Warwick et al., 2013; Wills and Holt, 2020).
What do we need to know about reptiles?
Exotic pet reptiles can be both predator and prey at the same time due to the size and features of the many species. This means living conditions and passive interactions with various animals (including humans) in one household, albeit in separate enclosures, may influence the welfare of the reptiles. Avoiding threats, such as predators, is a part of natural reptile behaviour – it helps to survive or avoid potentially dangerous situations. Pet reptiles should, therefore, have the opportunity to safely increase distance from danger and hide when needed (Silvestre, 2014; Moszuti et al., 2017). Reducing stress and arousal in reptiles is possible by preventing them from observing any movement within the eyeline (Williams and Beck, 2021). This is essential in the waiting room and hospitalisation facilities, where predator presence, smells and noises are nearby (Greenfield, 2013).
In a veterinary environment, adapting the stress reduction techniques designed for exotic rodents and cats can be beneficial for reptile patients (Greenfield, 2013; Pahomova, 2023). Similar to many pet reptiles, domestic cats are also both predators and prey that typically feel safer in a calm environment where they can hide and stay away from any threats (Ellis et al., 2013). Exotic small rodents are stoic prey species that require shelter and availability of protection when sharing territory with predators such as dogs, cats, birds of prey and other exotics (Turner et al., 2019). Furthermore, cats, exotic rodents and reptiles may hide signs of distress and pain, particularly in vulnerable conditions (Horwitz and Rodan, 2018; Wills and Holt, 2020; Ayers, 2016).
Recognising and managing pain in reptiles is challenging and often leads to insufficient pain relief for these patients
Difficulties in identifying the physical and mental health state of reptiles in veterinary practice complicate effective clinical treatment (Warwick et al., 2013; Wills and Holt, 2020). Recognising and managing pain in reptiles is challenging and often leads to insufficient pain relief for these patients (Mosley, 2011; Latney, 2023). Limited research on the emotional state and body language of reptiles, as well as low awareness among guardians, causes unnecessary suffering of pet reptiles (Ayers, 2016; Lambert et al., 2019). However, the proportion of scientific publications has significantly increased in recent years (Lambert et al., 2019).
Reducing stress of pet reptiles in the waiting room
Reptile patients must be isolated from predator species. A separate cat area can be used, but it is important to consider that felines may cause stress based on the “predation risk” of smaller reptiles such as geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons and popular pet snakes.
Carriers containing reptile patients should be placed on a higher level near the guardian; avoid using the floor and ensure carriers are not left unattended. Reptiles must be secured from direct eye contact or sniffing by other animal patients nearby. Transportation carriers/boxes can be covered with blankets (but ensure good ventilation) to maintain an appropriate temperature for each reptile species. Covering the carriers/boxes also decreases noise, odour and light levels, which may reduce sensory overload, thereby alleviating the stress of travelling to an unfamiliar environment.
It is important to consider that felines may cause stress based on the ‘predation risk’ of smaller reptiles such as geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons and popular pet snakes
Different appointment times help to separate animal species and reduce the flow of patients in the waiting area throughout the day. Surrounding noise from telephone calls, talking and cleaning should be minimised or masked by arranging the waiting area with durable barriers (Greenfield, 2013; Lloyd, 2017).
Reducing stress of pet reptiles in the examination room
The examination area should be free of predator scents and strong disinfectants, as well as any background noise and odours from the hands and clothes of veterinary staff (such as the smell of previous predator species patients or strong perfume) which could potentially cause stress.
Preparing equipment beforehand and assigning a skilled veterinary specialist for challenging reptilian patients (for example, due to their size or rarity) can minimise the consultation time, thereby reducing the stress levels of these patients.
During the examination, it is important to provide the patients with security as well as prevent unnecessary frustration, stress and fear. It is essential to use gentle handling by supporting the natural body position of the animals and avoiding harsh restraint techniques, unstable positions (ie on the back or without a surface underfoot) or grabbing the tail or legs. The hard surface of the examination table must be equipped with a non-slip mat to support the limbs (at least two limbs, if the animal is handled) of lizards or tortoises and reduce frustration and fear.
Maintaining a suitable temperature in the examination and hospitalisation rooms supports the basic need for comfort and normal behaviour of the patients. The veterinary team needs to understand the nature of reptile patients and be ready to use sedation to minimise stress and complete the full examination or invasive procedures. For example, turtles may retreat into their shells and aggressive lizards/snakes can be impossible to restrain gently (Edis, 2017; Stockley et al., 2020; Williams and Beck, 2021; Hedley, 2022).
Reducing stress of pet reptiles during hospitalisation
Hospitalisation facilities must have suitable housing enclosures, such as an equipped vivarium or a modified kennel. They must also be able to provide a diet for the needs of the exotics and take into account the circadian rhythms of each reptile species.
A safe space should be designed to allow the reptiles to hide, bask, move around and explore without the risk of injury or escape while still allowing the veterinary team to monitor the patients using hands-off practices and easily handle the animals when a physical examination is required.
Reptiles can be trained to follow a target, which can help practitioners work with the reptiles without close physical contact, supporting their need for personal space without unnecessary stress from handling. The learned skill to come to a “target area” can be used to weigh the animal or remove the reptile from the enclosure using a removable platform.
Reptiles can be trained to follow a target, which can help practitioners work with the reptiles without close physical contact, supporting their need for personal space without unnecessary stress from handling
The veterinary team can support hygiene in a vivarium and meet the requirements of the species by applying easily recyclable and cleanable items, such as cardboard and plastic trays, for the reptile enclosure. As an option to reduce the frustration and fear of reptile patients, you can give them a choice between warm and cold areas in the enclosure. This gives reptiles control over their territory and the ability to move around and thermoregulate naturally.
Reptile patients need to be supported by an optimum temperature range (20 to 30°C) and appropriate humidity levels, with suitable lighting, shelter and substrate for faster recovery and a good level of welfare. The temperature of reptiles depends on the external environment. Therefore, appropriate external heat sources, such as heat lamps and heat mats, are essential for the patients. Overheating can be prevented by connecting the heat sources to a thermostat. Thermometers must be used to control the temperature in the enclosure and hospitalisation room. If the patients are aquatic or semi-aquatic reptiles, they require fresh or saline water sources in the enclosure. Veterinary professionals must continually research unfamiliar reptile species due to the varied housing, dietary, treatment and recovery requirements of these exotic patients (Edis, 2017; Williams and Beck, 2021; Hedley, 2022).
Conclusion
The effective prevention of stress in reptile patients is based on educating their guardians. Veterinary professionals can increase awareness about basic needs, gentle handling and welfare through consultations in practice and the media.
Veterinary professionals can increase awareness about basic needs, gentle handling and welfare
Transportation of reptiles in unfamiliar conditions and handling can cause high levels of stress, frustration and fear. Exotic species should be kept away from any presence of predators at all stages of the veterinary appointment or hospitalisation. A well-equipped enclosure, considering appropriate temperature, humidity, diet, substrate and hiding places, forms the basis for supporting the fundamental needs of reptiles and reducing stress.
| Please note that the author uses “guardian” instead of “owner” to support their view that animals should not be equated to “property”. |
