Dermatological diseases in reptiles

Reptiles are presented in increasing numbers in the small animal practice. The most important cause for dermatopathies is inadequate management, especially species inappropriate temperature and humidity. This aspect has to be considered in the treatment. Infectious skin diseases in reptiles are frequently caused by mites, as well as by bacteria and fungi. The special importance of the fungal disease caused by Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) in lizards is emphasized. Viral skin diseases are less frequently diagnosed. Shell necrosis in chelonians is an important bacterial disease. Frequent causes of non-infectious dermatopathies are dysecdysis and trauma. Hypovitaminosis A is the most common metabolic disease. Physical examination, diagnostic tests and therapy in reptile skin diseases are comparable to mammals, however, scientific data in reptiles are still scarce.