💩 Constipation in Reptiles: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Causes, Diagnosis & Home Management | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Constipation is a surprisingly common and often preventable condition in captive reptiles — especially in bearded dragons. 🦎💧

If your reptile hasn’t had a bowel movement in a while, it’s important to act early. Delayed defecation can lead to serious complications, including cloacal obstruction and loss of appetite. This guide explains how to recognize, prevent, and treat reptile constipation. 🧠🚽

🔍 What Causes Constipation in Reptiles?

Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of feces. In reptiles, it can be due to:

• 💧 Chronic dehydration
• 🍃 Low dietary fiber
• 🌡️ Low basking temperatures
• 🏃 Lack of physical activity
• 🍔 Overfeeding (leading to obesity)
• 🪨 Ingested substrate (sand, coconut coir, mulch)
• 🧬 Underlying disease (e.g., parasites, tumors, renal disease)

🟡 Urate Plugs: A Common Culprit

Most reptiles pass semi-solid urates — the white/yellowish part of the stool. When water absorption in the colon goes too far, these urates can form hard masses that block the cloaca. This is a urate plug, a common reason for constipation in bearded dragons. 🧱

🦎 Affected Species

Constipation and urate plugs can affect any reptile species. But the problem is especially common in:

• 🦎 Bearded dragons
• 🐢 Tortoises
• 🐍 Some snakes

📋 Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will begin with a full physical exam and review of diet, lighting, hydration, and activity. 🧠

Common Exam Findings:

• 📏 Firm, cylindrical fecal mass in the colon
• 📸 X-rays to check for obstructions, masses, or bone changes
• 🩺 Bloodwork to check hydration, calcium levels, and infection

💉 Treatment

Most cases resolve with supportive care and hydration. In some cases, manual or veterinary intervention is needed. 🛁

Step 1: Rehydration

• 🛁 Soak the reptile in lukewarm water (30–90 mins)
• 💉 Vet may administer subcutaneous fluids or intraosseous fluids if severely dehydrated

Step 2: Stimulated Defecation

• 🧼 Gentle stimulation near the vent may trigger elimination
• 📍 Lubricated cotton swab or catheter insertion by your vet

Step 3: Enema

• 🧪 A warm water flush with a catheter may dislodge the urate plug
• 💩 Often followed by a large stool and visible relief

Step 4: Secondary Infection Management

• 🔬 Fecal exam may reveal protozoa overgrowth due to constipation
• 💊 Metronidazole may be prescribed if infection is detected

🛡️ Prevention: Husbandry Is Key

Top 5 Constipation Triggers & How to Prevent Them:

1. Chronic Dehydration: Soak regularly & offer water-rich foods (squash, cucumber, leafy greens)
2. Low Basking Temperatures: Ensure basking spot is 100–110°F for dragons
3. Low Dietary Fiber: Add more leafy greens and fibrous veggies
4. Lack of Exercise: Encourage daily exploration or floor time
5. Obesity: Avoid overfeeding protein or fatty treats

Home Maintenance Tips:

• 🛁 Soak your reptile 2–3 times a week
• 🍽️ Feed high-fiber, moisture-rich diets
• 🐉 Provide climbing branches or dig boxes for enrichment
• 📏 Monitor weight and stool regularity

📈 Prognosis

Most reptiles recover quickly with early intervention and husbandry correction. However, recurrence is common if underlying issues persist. 💚

Long-term constipation can lead to cloacal prolapse, rectal tears, and impaction — which require surgical intervention. 🧠

📱 Need Reptile-Savvy Support? AskAVet.com

Worried about constipation or suspect a urate plug? Download the Ask A Vet app for real-time support from exotic veterinarians and step-by-step home care guidance. 🐾💬

Poop problems don’t have to be scary. Let’s keep your reptile hydrated, moving, and regular in 2025. 💩🦎💚