Ear Infections in Reptiles

Let's discuss about ear infections in reptiles. Young children often get ear infections, but did you know that your pet reptile may get ear infections too? It's true. Reptiles especially aquatic turtles are at risk of getting ear infections. This article divulges information about ear infections in reptiles.

Ear infections can cause serious issues. If an ear infection develops pus, it can get trapped an cause an aural abscess. Symptoms of aural abscesses include loss of appetite, swollen ear drum, pus behind the ear drum, and the reptile with the aural abscess may experience pain why they try to open their mouth. That is what leads to loss of appetite, they don't want to eat because it hurts.

So what causes a turtle or other reptile to develop ear infections? Experts aren't positive on the causes but it seems that more reptiles that develop this issue do not get enough vitamins A and they live in dirty homes with the improper temperature.

If you think your turtle may have an aural abscess, you should take them to a veterinarian. A vet will conduct a physical exam and look at its symptoms.  If a vet sees signs of an aural abscess they will probably give the animal anesthesia, cut a small hole in the membrane and clean out the inner ear to remove all pus. The vet will then apply an antibiotic ointment. You will have to clean and reapply the ointment for a while and other antibiotics will also be prescribed. Antibiotics can be injectable or oral, depending on what you are most comfortable with and also if your pet is eating. If your pet still doesn't have an appetite you may have to do injections. The incision that the vet made will heal on its own.

Once your pet recovers from their ear infection you will want to take measures to ensure that it infections don't return. This involves keeping the reptile's tank clan and the proper temperature with the right amount of humidity. You may also want to change your pet's diet to include more vitamin A.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.