Diseases-and-Disorders

1. Habitat temperature is too cold.
2. Reptile does not like the look, flavor, or texture of the food.
3. Stress.
4. Insufficient habitat lighting, or overcast day.
5. Breeding Season.
6. Internal or External Parasites.
7. Habitat: Recently moved, changed, or too small.
8. Reptile is sick or has other medical problems.
9. Reptile is uncomfortable eating for an audience.
10. Reptile is shedding/molting.
11. New owners or people feeding the reptile.
12. Feeding at the wrong time of day.

Internal and External Parasites
All new reptiles should be tested for internal parasites, and carefully checked for external parasites. A cheap fecal exam can test for parasites, and will enable your vet to prescribe the necessary treatment, if parasites are discovered.

The typical symptoms of internal parasites include: Runny Stools, caked and/or smeared diarrhea around the vent area, Loss of Appetite, Loss of Weight, and Listlessness.

Dehydration

Recently acquired Anoles are generally dehydrated and moderately emaciated. The signs of dehydration include: Significant folds of skin, Eyes are sunken in, and the reptile will not eat. If 24 hours of higher than normal humidity does not resolve the problem, then the Anole should be taken to a vet for an assesment. It is important that you provide your Anole with adequate hydration, in the form of misting plants and the cage several times a day.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are characterized by a puffed up appearance of your Anoles body, and occasional gaping, followed by forced exhalations. Other symptoms include: Listlessness, and Loss of Appetite.

Ususally increasing the temperature to 85-88F with out a decrease in the temp. at night clears up the respiratory infection. However, a veterinarian consultion is recommended.

Stress
Anoles should not be handled excessively. Handling is very stressful to an Anole and could ultimately kill it. Keep in mind that stress in humans makes us sick and tired, while stress in reptiles can kill them.

Anoles change color in response to a variety of situations, including stress. When you bring your Anole home, you may find that it changes from green to brown. Do not be alarmed, as this is a normal response. It will change back to green once it has adjusted.