Emergencies Reptiles & Birds

Prolapsed tissue from the cloaca

A prolapse can be a piece of pink, red or brownish tissue protruding from the cloaca. If it’s a male animal the prolapsed tissue is most probably a (hemi)penis. If it’s a female, specially during breeding season, it’s likely to be the cloaca and/or the oviduct. If housed with a cage mate, specially turtles, the other animals can bite the prolapsed tissue. The prolapsed tissue (if not replaced timely) can easily be damaged, dry-out and get infected by debris.

Most common causes for tissue to prolapse from the cloaca are: Intestinal parasites, egg laying, hypocalcemia, wrong water temperature or aggression during breeding season (in reptiles).

First Aid

• If housed with a mate: Separate the animal (turtles can be put in a bucket on a wet towel).
• Keep the prolapsed tissue moist and clean (use tap water or saline). DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide to clean the tissue.

Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Muscle twitching (tremors) in reptiles

If your lizard’s or turtle’s muscles are twitching, e.g. the fingers are moving as if playing piano, or has lost tonus (strength) in his muscles (falling of branches),or is unable to right himself. Your pet may be suffering from hypocalcemia. If untreated your pet reptile will likely die. Make an appointment with your vet immediately.