My reptile has bloody poop. What can I do to help him before the vet?

It is possible that he may be obstructed either from the food he is eating or the substrate he is on. It is also possible that he could have an infection that is causing the blood. Either way, he should be checked out by a reptile veterinarian. You can find one in your area on www.arav.org.

By your description, Draco may have an eye injury or infection. This would need to be confirmed by your veterinarian after an exam. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Confirm proper temps, since low temps can affect digestion in reptiles.

Submit a stool sample o your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Check Gecky's other toes and tail for any stuck shed. This can compromise blood supply, resulting in lost digits. If he has a tough time shedding, soak him or mist him daily during a shed and provide a moist hide at each end of the enclosure. Monitor the foot for swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge. See your vet if necessary to treat infection. A daily soak in diluted betadine or chlorhexidine can keep the area clean. Use plain paper towels as a substrate and change them daily until he is healed.

Thanks for reaching out about Enola and including photos. The cloaca does appear infected but that might be a secondary problem. She also appears very thin. Diet and husbandry needs to be reviewed to provide an optimal healing environment. A fecal examination for parasites and bacteria should be performed at a veterinary office, as the pet store has zero medical knowledge and now one week has been wasted. A veterinary visit is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment. Short (10-15 minute) warm water soaks can provide some transient comfort and might stimulate defecation. Systemic antibiotics (oral or injections) are probably required, no only topical. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Copper. Soft or runny stool is often a sign of intestinal parasites, inflammation, impaction or infection, but some metabolic conditions can also result in soft stool. Check and correct husbandry to provide the preferred optimal thermal zone (POTZ) for the species which is 90+F. If you do not have an accurate thermometer, you should. If continues to be lethargic and/or loose stool, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

I am so sorry that this is happening to Snickers, and thank you for the photos. If you haven't done so already, I would recommend contacting your veterinarian as I think that Snickers should go back for an examination. I didn't see if you had any diagnostic testing performed, but with the production of blood and the continued regurgitation, I would be concerned about an ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract (intestines) or potentially foreign material that is resulting in a blockage. There are some infectious diseases (bacteria, viruses, etc.) that can also result in bleeding. For diagnostic testing, your veterinarian would likely start with blood work to evaluate Snickers' organs and to look for signs of inflammation/infection. They may also recommend radiographs (x-rays) as this would help them to determine if there is a potential foreign body as well. If they cannot definitively tell, they may also recommend an ultrasound. I would recommend getting Snickers in as soon as possible, as reptiles are often much sicker than they let their owners believe. I wish you the best of luck.

It is difficult to determine what they may be based on the images. You can submit a stool sample to your veterinarian. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or loose droppings. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.