Thermal Burns

Burns are usually attributed to various kinds of heat sources. Reptiles require supplemental heat sources. Some of the most common are hot rocks, under-tank heating pads and overhead lights. While these sources of heat are important for your reptile’s thermoregulation, they may sometimes burn the reptile as it tries to get closer to the heat source. Burns often occur when the heating elements are placed dangerously close to the reptile, or when substrate is not used as a buffer above the under-tank heat pad.

Burns may be quite serious if proper attention is not given immediately. The breaks in the skin caused by burning can leave your reptile at risk from bacterial and fungal infections, which can quickly become systemic and life threatening. It is difficult to determine how deeply tissue has been burned, therefore, taking your reptile to a veterinarian to get supportive care is essential. Veterinary treatment can include antibiotics, pain management for the burns, and feeding techniques for the the animal, who may have lost a lot of fluid.