Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 119

This is a large group of cold‐blooded animals and includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises. Most snakes and some lizards and turtles are carnivores or insectivores, while iguanas and land tortoises are vegetarian. Every species of reptile eats a slightly different diet. For reptiles who eat prey, the size of the reptile determines the size of the prey they should be fed. Most snakes kept as pets are fed mice or rats of varying sizes, while smaller snakes and lizards are fed a variety of insects. These “feeder animals” are available at most pet shops and by mail order and may be fed live or frozen. Many types of lizards require fresh greens in addition to their insect diet. Because of their slow metabolism, adult snakes may only eat once every two or three weeks. Smaller or younger snakes need to eat more often, usually twice a week. Most lizards and herbivorous reptiles need to eat every day. Reptiles require constant access to fresh, potable water. Reptiles must have a habitat that provides the heat and light that mimics their native ecosystem. To a reptile, proper heat and light is as essential as food and water. Reptile enclosures need to offer a temperature gradient, with a warm area for the animal to bask and increase its body temperature and a cooler area to mimic the shade. As cold‐blooded animals, they rely on external sources for body heat and will die without the proper enclosure temperature. Additionally, without adequate heat support, many species of reptiles (Figure 2.6) cannot properly digest their food. Heating options for enclosures include under‐tank warming mats, electrical heated basking stones, basking lights, and ceramic heating element bulbs. Aside from heat, some reptiles need ultraviolet (UV) light. This wavelength of light is necessary for calcium metabolism. In enclosures without UV light, reptiles often develop debilitating bone diseases, loss of muscle function, and altered metabolism. The reptile habitat should be free from hazards, excess waste, and spoiled food. It should provide a hiding and sleeping area and appropriate climbing accessories for the species. Many reptiles are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, which can cause painful ulcers. It can be very difficult to recognize serious illnesses and disease conditions in reptiles, and whenever possible investigations involving reptiles should include a veterinarian familiar with treating them. Poor husbandry and diet commonly lead to a variety of medical conditions, including dysecdysis (improper shedding) and metabolic bone disease, which can lead to brittle bones that break easily.

Figure 2.6 Inadequate lighting and heat in reptile enclosures can lead to skeletal diseases and nutritional deficiencies.

Source: Oregon Humane Society.