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Boca y dientes

Infectious stomatitis (mouth rot)

Infection of the mouth in reptiles, common in snakes and lizards. It often appears when terrarium conditions are inadequate and the immune defences drop.

Severe🦎 Reptiles

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Redness and swelling of the gums and mouth
  • • Caseous material (resembling cottage cheese) in the mouth
  • • Foul odour
  • • Refusal to eat
  • • Drooling
  • • Difficulty closing the mouth in advanced cases

Causes

A bacterial infection that thrives when the immune defences drop: incorrect temperature or humidity, stress, poor hygiene, mouth injuries, poor nutrition.

Diagnosis

Examination of the mouth by an exotics vet, sometimes with a culture.

Treatment

Cleaning of the mouth, antibiotics, and urgent correction of the terrarium conditions. Advanced cases can affect the bone.

Prevention

Keep the terrarium in optimal conditions (temperature, humidity, hygiene) for the species, handle carefully, provide good nutrition, and reduce stress.

When should you see the vet?

See an exotics vet if your reptile has a reddened mouth, refuses food or you see abnormal material in the mouth. Review the terrarium conditions.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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