Do reptiles suffer from hypothermia? Yes, they do. Regardless of their species type, reptiles are prone to experiencing this medical condition.
What primarily happens to reptiles when they have hypothermia?
Lizards - They tend to lie on their bellies, not moving an inch.
Snakes - They do not find the energy to slither.
Turtles - They no longer swim.
Tortoises - They hide inside their shells.
In general, reptiles do not have the energy to move, eat, and drink, thereby losing too much weight and becoming dehydrated. Their skin becomes wrinkled because of dryness and after losing a great amount of water and fat from their bodies.
In addition, dehydration affects the reptiles’ shedding process. Most of these species stop shedding, thereby having skin that appears in patches and is cracked and dry. When shedding stops, reptiles then experience a buildup of scutes (the protein plates on their skin or shell) known as pyramiding.
If your pet is showing signs of hypothermia, contact your veterinary clinic Lexington, KY immediately.
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