Reptile Keepers are strongly urged NOT to self treat their reptiles without guidance from a qualified reptile vet. There are many factors reptile vets take into consideration when medicating a sick reptile. Failure to consider how severe the illness or injury, course of treatment, drug of choice and dosage strength can result in the permanent injury or death of your reptile.
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Reptile Medications.
There may come a time when your reptile becomes ill and needs medication. It is good to familiarize yourself with common reptile medications and their use. All classes of medication are harsh on a reptile's body. They can cause kidney and liver damage if not given properly. One very important factor is hydration. It is safe to say anytime your reptile is taking any medication extra hydration is always necessary unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. The following is a small list of the commonly prescribed medications you may encounter. It is by no means complete. Your vet may prescribe others that are not listed. You should always research any medication prescribed for your reptile.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria. They only work against bacteria and have no effect on viruses. Antibiotics are not selective and will kill most of the bacteria in the body including the good bacteria. When good intestinal bacteria is destroyed it can lead to loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and loose watery stools as well as some other problems. As noted above good hydration is very important when taking any type of medication. Loose watery stools deplete fluid in the body leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Giving a probiotic 4 to 6 hours after the antibiotic dose can reduce the GI symptoms including the loose stools. You can learn more about Probiotics on our Supplements page.
Trade name in Green. Generic is below it
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Antiparasitic drugs
Antiparasitic drugs work at eliminating or reducing parasites and protozoa infections. They can be external or internal and include parasites like mites, worms, coccidia and giardia. To learn more about them you can visit our page on Parasites. Some symptoms of parasite infection can be loose runny or bloody stools that are more odoriferous than usual, loss of appetite, weight loss and lethargy.
Antifungals
Antifungals are also called antimycotics. They destroy or inhibit fungi, including yeasts. Fungal infections are difficult to resolve. Quarantine, persistence in treatments and diligent cleaning of their environment are a must.
Gout Medication
Gout is the result of high uric acid levels in the blood. There can be several causes. Uric acid crystals called tophi can deposit in the joints and may also deposit in the organs. In the joints these tophi causes a very painful acute inflammatory arthritis. You can learn more on our page about Gout
Topicals
Topicals are medications applied to the skin or scales for bacterial or fungal infections. Since topicals are absorbed through the skin is advisable to wear gloves or use some kind of applicator like a cotton swab when applying any topicals to your reptile. ,
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Additional Links
YOU CAN FIND MEDICINE, SUPPLEMENTS AND REPTILE RELATED SUPPLIES AT THESE SITES
Reptile adviser and consultant Tracie Kretzschmar, MS, ACSM, BLS has a website where you can find information and medications for reptiles.
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Rescue and information website Beautiful Dragons
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Website to find many medications you can't find elsewhere with dosing charts and bearded dragon specific information.
ARTICLES AND INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICATIONS
Chameleon Respiratory Infections Treatment Debate, article about using Baytril in the treatment of RI in Chameleons.
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Drug dosage calculator
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Melissa Kaplan's article Guidelines for Medicating Sick Herps