# Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk): Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — Quick answer. Impaction is a blockage of the gut, usually caused by swallowed substrate such as calci-sand, bark or wood chips, made worse by low temperatures and dehydration. Signs include lethargy, bloating, appetite loss and no faeces. It can be fatal — see a UK-registered exotic vet promptly.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk): Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — What is impaction?. According to the RSPCA, impaction occurs when particles become lodged inside the digestive tract and cause a blockage — a potentially fatal problem. It is one of the most common reasons insect-eating lizards such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos are presented to UK exotic vets, and it is almost always preventable. Crucially, the RSPCA notes impaction is often a symptom of an underlying problem — incorrect temperatures, dehydration or vitamin deficiencies — rather than a random accident. Fixing the blockage without fixing the husbandry means it will likely happen again.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk): Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — Common causes. - Loose, large-particle substrates — bark chips, wood chips, crushed walnut and corn cob granules are easily swallowed and indigestible - Calci-sand — the RSPCA specifically warns it can clog the digestive tract, especially when vivarium temperatures are too low for good digestive function - Beech chips — flagged as an impaction risk for leopard geckos - Low temperatures — a cold reptile's gut slows down, so material sits and compacts instead of passing - Dehydration — too little water intake dries gut contents - Feeding straight onto loose substrate — lunging at insects means mouthfuls of sand or bark

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk): Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — Substrates: risky vs safer. | Substrate | Verdict | |-----------|---------| | Calci-sand | Dangerous — avoid (RSPCA) | | Bark or wood chips | Dangerous if swallowed — avoid | | Crushed walnut / corn cob | Dangerous — avoid | | Beech chips | Avoid for leopard geckos | | Reptile carpet | Safe, easy to clean | | Slate or rough tiles | Safe, gives grip, holds warmth | | Paper (juveniles) | Safest for young lizards and health monitoring | | Clay substrates that set hard | Safe when fully set | | Soil/play sand mix | Acceptable for healthy adults in a well-run setup |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk): Reptile Impaction: UK Signs & Vet Advice — Warning signs. According to Vet Help Direct's UK vet team, impaction signs are: - Lethargy and reduced activity - Inappetence — refusing food (see Bearded dragon not eating UK) - Bloating of the belly - Failure to produce faeces over several days - Straining — which can push gut or reproductive tissue out of the cloaca (a prolapse, and an emergency)

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-impaction-uk