# Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-respiratory-infection-uk): Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide — Quick answer. Respiratory infections are among the most common reptile illnesses UK exotic vets see — usually triggered by wrong humidity, poor ventilation or low temperatures. Signs include nasal discharge, wheezing, open-mouth breathing and lethargy. Mild cases may respond to husbandry fixes; anything more needs an exotic vet.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-respiratory-infection-uk): Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide — What is a respiratory infection?. Respiratory infections in reptiles are bacterial or fungal infections of the airways. According to Vet Help Direct's UK vet team, excessive humidity and vitamin A deficiency predispose reptiles to them. The British Chelonia Group (BCG) describes the tortoise version — rhinitis or 'runny nose syndrome' — and warns it can progress from the upper airways down into pneumonia in the lungs. Reptiles are ectothermic, so their immune system only works properly at the right body temperature. A reptile kept too cold for too long has weakened defences — which is why respiratory problems spike in UK homes during winter (see Reptile winter heating UK).

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-respiratory-infection-uk): Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide — Common causes. - Humidity too high for the species — a bearded dragon in a damp vivarium is a classic UK example; desert species need around 30–40% - Poor ventilation — the RSPCA stresses good airflow is essential to reduce respiratory infection risk - Low temperatures — chronic chilling slows metabolism and immunity - Vitamin A deficiency — from poor diet and lack of supplementation - Draughts and damp — vivariums in cold rooms, conservatories or near windows in winter - Spread between animals — the BCG notes respiratory infections are infectious; isolate unwell tortoises

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-respiratory-infection-uk): Reptile Respiratory Infection: UK Guide — Signs by species. | Sign | Lizards | Snakes | Tortoises | |------|---------|--------|-----------| | Nasal discharge / bubbles | Yes | Yes | Runny nose, watery eyes | | Breathing changes | Faster, harder breathing; open-mouth breathing | Wheezing, breathing with mouth open | Progression to pneumonia if untreated | | Behaviour | Lethargy, appetite loss | Lethargy, refusing food | Lethargy, off food | | Other | — | Excess mucus around the mouth | Often follows hibernation problems | Any breathing noise in a reptile is abnormal — healthy reptiles breathe quietly.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/reptile-respiratory-infection-uk