9.4 Reptiles and Amphibians

Overview

Reptiles and amphibians were traditionally grouped together and called herptiles. Even through reptiles and amphibians are very different, this term may still be used to describe both groups. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians.

^{Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. (2022, June 21). Reptiles vs amphibians – what’s the difference? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/pvrsDpkR8Fg}

Reptiles

Reptiles live on land and can be classified into different groups including turtles and tortoises, snakes and lizards, and crocodiles and alligators. They are cold blooded or ectothermic, which means they depend on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. They have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting reptile facts:

• They are able to thermoregulate.
• They are covered in scales; some reptiles also have osteoderms, or bony deposits located within their scales or skin.

• Ecdysis: Superficial layer of skin is shed, done by lizards and snakes
• Snakes’ and lizards’ teeth fused to their jawbones; turtles and tortoises have a beak
• Reptiles typically swallow their food whole

Reptile Husbandry

Reptiles are solitary animals and prefer to be alone. Terrestrial habitats are common for reptiles, though aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats may be required, depending on the species. This would include substrate they cannot ingest, fake plants, logs, food, and water bowls. Tight-fitting lids are required for these enclosures, to prevent escape. Proper ventilation and humidity are essential, as is frequent cleaning, to avoid the buildup of bacteria and waste. They need appropriate heat sources for the species and setup, to allow them to move away from heat as needed. Knowing the preferred optional temperature zone (POTZ) for each species is important.

• All reptiles require fresh water.
• Nutritional needs will depend on species, including vitamin and mineral supplements.
• For information on snake feeding, see feeding snakes.
• For more information on iguana care, see iguana care.
• For more information on caring for box turtles, see care of the box turtle.

Reptile Vaccination and Parasite Control

There are no vaccinations for reptiles. Ectoparasites and endoparasites are a possibility, and can be identified and treated as needed.

Common Reptile Pathologies

Many of the conditions seen in reptiles are due to improper husbandry and care. Malnutrition is also a common reason for a veterinary visit. You may also see are the following conditions:

• Skin diseases: Commonly from mites
• Dysecdysis: Improper shedding
• Egg binding: The failure of one or more eggs to be laid within the normal time limits for a given species
• Stomatitis (mouth rot): Inflammation of the mouth and gums
• Aural abscesses: In turtles and tortoises
• Metabolic Bone Disease: See metabolic bone disease in reptiles and amphibians
• Autotomy: Voluntary release of tail

Example

Amphibians

Amphibians are also ectothermic and can be classified into different groups, including newts and salamanders, frogs and toads, and other amphibians that resemble earthworms or snakes.

Amphibians spend their larval phase in water and their adult phase partially or completely on land. The larval form is called a pollywog or tadpole.

Amphibians absorb water through their skin and do not have scales. The skin of most amphibians is covered with fluid-secreting glands that produce a slimy mucus which aids in defence. Amphibians’ skin is thin and moist, and it absorbs oxygen by diffusion, called cutaneous respiration. Some amphibians also have toxin-producing glands in their skin; the toxins produced can be deadly to predators, including humans.

Amphibian facts:

• Tadpoles have tails and internal gills.

• Immature amphibians go through a process called metamorphosis, which is a sudden transition from this larval stage to the adult stage.
• Basic information on poison dart frogs
• Basic information on ornate horned frogs
• Basic information on axolotls

Amphibian Husbandry

Amphibians have similar housing needs to reptiles, and are best kept individually. Amphibians have many different types of natural environments, and owners should find enclosures to mimic those environments. Caution should be used with chemicals that could enter their environment, so proper cleaning is important. This could include treating tap water prior to putting it into the enclosure.

Nutritional needs will depend on the species, and may involve vitamin and mineral supplements. Most amphibians eat insects, though some larger species consume small rodents.

Amphibian Vaccination and Parasite Control

No vaccinations exist for amphibians. Ectoparasites and endoparasites are a possibility, and can be identified and treated as needed.

Common Amphibian Pathologies

Like reptiles, many of the conditions seen in the clinic are due to improper husbandry and care. Malnutrition is also a common reason for veterinary visits. You may also see the following conditions:

• Metabolic Bone Disease
• Hypovitaminosis A
• Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth and gums
• Red-Leg Syndrome (bacterial dermatosepticemia): Infection usually due to improper care

References

O’Shea, R. (2021, April 8). Basic information sheet: Axolotl. LaferberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-sheet-axolotl/

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. (2022, June 21). Reptiles vs amphibians – what’s the difference? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/pvrsDpkR8Fg

Pollock, C. (2012, July 8). Basic information sheet: Poison dart frog. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-poison-dart-frogs/

Pollock, C. (2012, July 12). Basic information sheet: Ornate horned frog. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-ornate-horned-frog/

Pollock, C. (2012, August 17). Responsible reptile & amphibian ownership: Know the facts on salmonellosis. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/responsible-reptile-amphibian-ownership-know-the-facts-on-salmonellosis/

Pollock, C. (2013, July 18). Care of the box turtle. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/box-turtle-care-of-the/

Pollock, C. (2014, February 19). Feeding snakes. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/feeding-snakes/

Pollock, C. (2014, February 19). Metabolic bone disease in reptiles and amphibians. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/metabolic-bone-disease-in-reptiles-and-amphibians/

Pollock, C. (2020, April 30). Care of the green iguana. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/green-iguana-care-of-the/

Image Credits (images are listed in order of appearance)

reptiles by by Jason L. Buberal, Tim Vickers, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration & KeresH&action, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Peeling snake skin by On the Nile, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Snake in a cage by PrabhJot Singh, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Wounded common house lizard with fresh blood and tail lost due to autotomy by Judgefloro, CC0 1.0.

Amphibians by Froggydarb, ДиБгд, Patrick Coin, & G. Bhatta, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Tadpoles 10 days by Tarquin, CC BY-SA 3.0.