Reptiles are remarkably good at looking fine. A bearded dragon, ball python, or box turtle can carry a respiratory infection, a calcium deficiency, or a heavy parasite load for weeks while still resting calmly under its heat lamp.
Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care provides reptile care in Reno as part of our exotic animal veterinary services. Our integrative and exotic veterinarians, Dr. Bridget Landon and Dr. Darrin Lewellen, see lizards, snakes, turtles, and tortoises for wellness visits, illness exams, and habitat guidance.
Reptiles We Care For
Each group of reptiles comes with its own anatomy, diet, and environmental needs, so we tailor every visit to the species in front of us. Our reptile patients include the following.
- Bearded dragons: Wellness exams, diet reviews, and lighting checks through our bearded dragon vet services.
- Other lizards: Care for geckos, iguanas, and other species through our lizard vet services.
- Snakes: Exams, shedding problems, and feeding concerns with our snake vet team.
- Turtles: Shell, eye, and respiratory care for aquatic and semi-aquatic species through our turtle vet services.
- Tortoises: Nutrition, shell growth, and seasonal care guidance from our tortoise vet team.
Please note our hospital does not treat amphibians such as frogs or salamanders.
Why Husbandry Matters So Much for Reptile Health
Reptiles depend on their surroundings to regulate body temperature, digest food, and absorb nutrients. When lighting, heat, humidity, or diet are off, illness often follows. The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine describes metabolic bone disease as one of the most common and preventable diseases in pet bearded dragons, typically caused by calcium deficiency, inadequate UVB lighting, improper diet, or a combination of these factors.
For this reason, a habitat review is part of every reptile visit with our team. Photos of your enclosure along with details about bulbs, temperatures, and feeding help us spot problems an exam alone may miss. Small changes at home may make a big difference in your reptile’s long-term health. Common adjustments include replacing aging UVB bulbs, adding a thermometer to each side of the enclosure, fine-tuning humidity for the species, and adjusting calcium and vitamin supplements to match your reptile’s age and diet.
What Happens at a Reptile Wellness Visit
Every reptile visit begins with a detailed history, covering diet, feeding schedule, shedding, enclosure setup, and any changes you have noticed. Our veterinarians then perform a full physical exam that includes weight and body condition, skin and scales, eyes, mouth, breathing, and the shell for turtles and tortoises.
From there, we may recommend a fecal test for parasites, bloodwork, or X-rays to look at bones, eggs, or the digestive tract. We explain each recommendation and why it matters for your reptile, so you can make informed choices about next steps.
Bringing Your Reptile to Our Hospital
Reno winters can be hard on a reptile in transit, so temperature control matters during the trip. A secure plastic container with air holes works well for most reptiles, and a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel can help in cold weather.
Keep travel time as short as possible, and avoid feeding right before the trip. If you can, bring a recent stool sample and photos of the enclosure, as both give our team useful information during the exam.
Signs Your Reptile May Need a Vet
Reptiles often hide illness until a problem is advanced, so subtle changes deserve attention. Warning signs include a reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, swelling, open-mouth breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose, trouble shedding, and changes in droppings.
Most reptiles also benefit from an annual wellness exam, even when they seem healthy. These visits allow us to track weight, check for parasites, and review husbandry over time. Owners new to reptiles may find our guide to a first exotic pet vet visit helpful before the appointment.
Why Reno Reptile Owners Choose Our Hospital
Finding a veterinarian who sees reptiles regularly can be a challenge in northern Nevada. Our veterinarians genuinely enjoy working with reptile patients, and our in-house laboratory and digital radiology support faster answers when your reptile is unwell. If your household also includes dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals, our hospital can care for all of them, which makes keeping every pet’s records and appointments in one place simpler.
Our blend of traditional and holistic care also gives reptile owners more options. Therapies such as laser therapy may support tissue healing and comfort for some reptiles, and our veterinary team can help you decide whether integrative care is a good fit.
Schedule a Reptile Visit With Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care
Reptiles thrive when their care matches their biology, and regular visits help keep small husbandry issues from becoming serious illness. As an AAHA-accredited hospital recognized by Newsweek among America’s Best Animal Hospitals, we bring the same standard of care to scales and shells as we do to every patient.
Exotic appointment availability is limited, so we encourage you to reach out early if your reptile is due for an exam or showing signs of illness. Please request an appointment with our team to schedule your reptile’s visit.
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At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, our AAHA-accredited team is ready to support your pet's health with advanced diagnostics and integrative, holistic therapies — tailored to their unique needs.
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