Hypothermia in Reptiles

What Is Hypothermia in Reptiles?

The term hypothermia means having an abnormally low body temperature. Body temperatures can vary drastically in reptiles depending on the species. Therefore, one body temperature may not be suitable for another.

A more appropriate term for ectothermic (animals that obtain heat from the environment) species like reptiles is relative hypothermia, referring specifically to the individual species life history, biology, and thermal environment.

Relative hypothermia can occur in pet reptiles for multiple different reasons, but it is often associated with inadequate care practices. Insufficient care is the most common reason why reptiles develop different diseases which may develop slowly over time and can be life threatening.

Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ) in Reptiles

Understanding your pet’s species-specific biology is vital to determining how to provide adequate husbandry (care). This will allow you to develop and provide an appropriate thermal gradient so your pet can determine their preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ) and behaviorally control its body temperature.

Almost all reptiles are ectotherms which requires them to obtain heat from their environment to maintain an appropriate body temperature. Because most reptiles are not able to generate heat from their own body, they need to acquire heat from their environment.

There are several different ways that a reptile can maintain body temperature from the environment. These include:

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

• Evaporation

Utilizing a combination of these allows any reptile to maintain their POTZ.

To properly allow your reptile to exhibit all these methods of heat acquisition and disposition, external heat sources are necessary to provide a thermal gradient within your pet’s habitat. Sources of heat can be provided through heat emitting light bulbs, ceramic heat emitters,  under tank heaters, and radiant heat panels.

Reptile size can directly influence how much heat is needed to help a reptile achieve their POTZ.

Large animals such as monitor lizards often need higher temperatures to be provided because of their size, which takes a larger amount of energy to raise their body temperature. Larger animals often need longer to warm up compared to smaller animals. Conversely, smaller reptiles will lose heat faster than larger reptiles.

Relative hypothermia in reptiles can be a medical emergency depending on the severity of hypothermia and the affected species. The closer the reptile’s body temperature is to freezing (32 degrees F) the more of a medical emergency it will be.

Reptile bodies can freeze completely, leading to death. Chronic hypothermia negatively impacts the reptile’s immune system which can lead to secondary infections. These infections can be life threatening even if the hypothermia is corrected.

If you think your reptile is experiencing hypothermia, contact your veterinarian immediately to determine next steps.

Symptoms of Hypothermia in Reptiles

• Lethargy

• Decreased activity

• Decreased appetite

• Increased amount of sleeping

• Poor growth rate

• Decreased amount and frequency of defecation or urination

• Secondary infections

• Death

Causes of Hypothermia in Reptiles

Make sure your habitat is not near a drafty area and rather in a place that can allow for better environmental control. Enclosures placed near a window or drafty area can make it more difficult to control temperatures for reptiles.

Power outages or heat source failure can lead to temporary hypothermia for a reptile. This can easily be corrected with resumption of power or replacement of the heating element.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Hypothermia in Reptiles

A reptile veterinarian will first inquire about the care of your pet and sometimes this will help determine if your pet is experiencing hypothermia. Often, they will ask for specific temperatures within the habitat. As a pet parent, you should maintain a log of habitat temperatures you are providing for your reptile. Temperature guns are reliable to obtain both environmental and body surface temperatures.

Treatment of Hypothermia in Reptiles

Reptiles that are experiencing life threatening hypothermia will be warmed up by a veterinarian slowly; if a reptile is warmed up too fast, they can sustain life threatening complications that can lead to death. Reptiles are often warmed up in temperature-controlled incubators in the veterinarian’s office. Sometimes heat lamps can be used however it is harder to control temperature.

Recovery and Management of Hypothermia in Reptiles

Corrections in care are the best way to prevent hypothermia from occurring in the future. Different reptiles may need various treatments following a hypothermia event due to secondary conditions. It’s important to listen to your veterinarian’s recommendations to determine the best temperature needs based on your reptile.