Reptile Animal Hospital in Arlington MA
Reptiles are fascinating animals that require specialized care. Not every veterinary clinic has the experience or equipment to care for them well. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we have been seeing reptiles in our Arlington MA clinic for over 45 years, and we are glad to be a resource for reptile owners throughout the region.
We understand that reptiles are not just scaly novelties. They are cherished companions with individual personalities, specific habitat needs, and health concerns that are very different from those of dogs or cats. We take them seriously.
We see bearded dragons, snakes, geckos, turtles, tortoises, and other reptiles. From wellness exams to reptile surgery, our team is here to help.
Reptile Wellness Exams
Annual wellness visits are just as important for reptiles as they are for any other pet. Reptiles are skilled at hiding illness, and by the time a health problem shows on the surface, it has often been developing quietly for some time.
During a wellness exam, we perform a thorough physical assessment and evaluate body condition, skin, eyes, mouth, and overall appearance. We also take time to go over husbandry with you, including enclosure temperatures, lighting, humidity, and diet. Getting those details right is one of the most important things you can do for your reptile’s long-term health.
New reptiles should be seen within the first few weeks of coming home to establish a baseline and make sure the care setup is appropriate for their species.
When Your Reptile Is Sick
Sick reptiles can be hard to read. Their cold-blooded physiology means they respond to illness differently than mammals do, and they often show very little outwardly until a problem is quite advanced. Here are signs that warrant a call to us.
- Not eating for longer than is typical for their species
- Significant or unexplained weight loss
- Discharge from the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Wheezing, clicking, or bubbling sounds when breathing
- Difficulty moving, muscle weakness, or tremors
- Retained shed skin, especially around the eyes or toes
- Swelling anywhere on the body
- Soft or deformed jaw or limbs
- Sudden or pronounced change in behavior
Bearded Dragon Veterinary Care
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile companions we see, and with good reason. They are personable, hardy, and manageable for a range of owners. That said, they do have specific care requirements, and many of the health problems we see in bearded dragons are preventable with the right setup.
Common concerns include metabolic bone disease from inadequate UVB lighting or calcium deficiency, internal and external parasites, respiratory infections, mouth rot, and impaction from loose substrate. We can diagnose and treat all of these conditions.
If your bearded dragon has stopped eating, has a persistently dark beard, seems unusually lethargic, or is showing any abnormal movements, please give us a call.
Snake Veterinary Care
Snakes are quiet, low-maintenance companions, but they still benefit from routine veterinary care. We recommend an initial wellness exam for any new snake to establish a baseline and confirm the husbandry setup is appropriate for the species.
We regularly see snakes for respiratory infections, external parasites such as mites, retained shed, feeding difficulties, and injuries. Internal parasites are also common in snakes and are detected through fecal testing.
We are experienced in handling a range of snake species and sizes. If you have questions about your snake’s health or care, we are happy to help.
Gecko and Lizard Veterinary Care
We care for leopard geckos, crested geckos, blue-tongued skinks, chameleons, and other lizard species. Each species has distinct requirements, and husbandry problems are a leading cause of illness across the board.
Common concerns include calcium and vitamin deficiencies, metabolic bone disease, infections, and reproductive issues in females. We are glad to review your lizard’s specific setup and offer practical guidance to support their health.
Turtle and Tortoise Veterinary Care
Turtles and tortoises are long-lived animals that can benefit greatly from consistent veterinary oversight. Aquatic turtles have very different needs than land tortoises, and both groups require carefully managed environments.
We see turtles and tortoises for shell problems, respiratory infections, nutritional deficiencies, swollen or closed eyes, and reproductive concerns. If your turtle or tortoise seems lethargic, is not eating, or has any visible abnormalities, please schedule a visit.
Reptile Surgery
Some reptiles require surgical procedures, including removal of a mass or abscess, treatment of a retained egg, or other soft tissue care.
Reptile surgery requires a solid understanding of reptile anatomy and very careful anesthetic management. We monitor every reptile surgical patient closely throughout their procedure and take every precaution to keep them safe.
If your reptile has been recommended for a procedure, we will walk you through every step. You can learn more about our approach on our reptile surgery service.
Your Trusted Reptile Vet in Arlington MA
Arlington Animal Clinic is located at 191 Broadway in Arlington, MA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We serve reptile owners in Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, Lexington, and surrounding communities.
We treat every reptile patient with the same respect and attention we give to every animal in our care. Reptiles matter to the people who keep them, and that means they matter to us.
We would love to be your reptile’s veterinary home. You can also explore our full range of exotic pet care services.