My pet has mouth rot. How treatable is it with vet antibiotics?

Have Anubis examined by an experienced herp veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Mouth rot, or infectious stomatitis, typically requires antibiotics. Minor cases can be managed with topical cleaning, usually with diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine solutions, after the area is debrided (cleaned). Serious cases definitely require veterinary attention, antibiotics and supportive care. Increase enclosure temperatures to the upper limit of the normal range for beardies during treatment. A slurry of baby food, vitamins and minerals can be fed. This is easier for the beardie to eat and digest. Fluids can be administered via misting, soaking or subcutaneously​ administered by your vet. Clean and sanitize the enclosure, change bedding frequently and monitor humidity levels. If the infection does not resolve, a sample of tissue should be submitted for pathology, culture and sensitivity.

Thanks for reaching out about E.T and including pictures. It is not possible to see the lesions you mention in the pictures but mouth rot can sometimes be managed at home. Correcting any environmental deficiencies is very important, re-check the temperature range offered. Gently cleaning the mouth with warm water and a cotton tipped applicator to remove any caseous debris in the mouth. Be careful when swabbing the mouth to not entangle the cotton on the teeth. After all the infected material is removed, the gums can be painted (with a cotton tipped applicator) with a dilute chlorhexidine or betadyne solution, once or twice daily. Severe mouth lesions recovery better with the administration of systemic antibiotics, which is only available through a veterinarian. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Ozzy and including a photo. By the photo, the lesion does not appear serious. Cleaning with a cotton tipped applicator and a mouth cleaning agent like chlorhexidene solution. If the lesion progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

I’m sorry to hear he is so sick. Stomatitis, mouth rot, is usually a disease of husbandry problems. This means that his care has been sub optimal and his immune system is suffering causing him to get infections. When they are this sick they are in need of veterinary care. Antibiotics will be necessary to help control the infection. Also, here is a great website with all the husbandry needs provided. www.anapsid.org Be patient as reptiles can take a long time to improve. He is lucky you own him Now and can care for him. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

If the mouth rot is minor, you can use a dilute chlorhexadine or dilute Listerine and a cotton swab to gently wipe the affected area twice daily. Increasing temperature by about 5-10 F may also help. If you are seeing "cheesy" discharge, Peter should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Thanks for reaching out about Thicket and including photos. Metronidazole is a fairly good broad spectrum antibiotic with some anti-parasitic (flagellates) activity. But no antibiotics treats everything and if the clinical signs are not improving, adding a second antibiotics might be helpful. Monitor environmental temperatures and humidity. Keeping nutritional intact high will also help. Good luck.

Mild scale rot can be managed at home by controlling humidity and treating the affected area topically. Keep the enclosure and substrate dry and provide adequate ventilation. Use a diluted betadine solution to gently clean the affected area once or twice daily. Dry thoroughly afterwards. A dab of a triple antibiotic ointment or silvadene cream can be applied after each cleaning. More serious rot or rot that does not respond to conservative treatment should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.