Reptiles

2nd Street Animal Hospital

Pet Snakes, Chameleons, and Everything in Between.

We’ve been the reptile vet for Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and greater Philadelphia since before most hospitals would touch anything cold-blooded. Whether your bearded dragon is off his crickets or your ball python hasn’t eaten in two months — we know what questions to ask.

Who walks (or slithers) through our door

Species We See

Reptiles bring a unique charm to our lives, and at 2nd Street Animal Hospital, we’re passionate about caring for them. Our hospital is equipped to handle the unique needs of each species.

Turtles

Tortoises

Ball Pythons

Corn Snakes

Hognose Snakes

King Snakes

Milk Snakes

Leopard Geckos

Crested Geckos

Bearded Dragons

Iguanas

Chameleons

Monitor Lizards

Uromastyx

Prevention before crisis

Reptiles Are Masters at Hiding Illness. That’s the Problem

In the wild, showing weakness is a death sentence — so reptiles have evolved to mask discomfort until they simply can’t anymore. By the time most owners notice something is wrong, the condition has often been building for weeks. Annual exams give us a baseline to work from: weight, muscle tone, hydration, eye clarity, and fecal screening all tell a story before symptoms appear.

Husbandry is the other half of the equation. UVB output, ambient and basking temperatures, substrate moisture, and diet variety all directly affect immune function and bone density. We walk through your setup at every visit — because the most common reptile health issues we see are preventable ones, rooted in enclosure conditions that drifted out of spec.

What we do here

Reptile-Specific Services

Egg binding (dystocia) surgery

Prolapse reduction

Husbandry counseling

Radiography & in-house CT imaging

Post-purchase new reptile exams

Airway evaluation & respiratory support

Abscess surgery

Metabolic bone disease diagnosis & management

Fecal parasite screens

Nutrition & supplementation counseling

Species-specific guides

Care Guide Quick-Reference

Bearded Dragon

UVB + basking temp 95–105°F. Varied diet of greens and insects. Watch for metabolic bone disease.

Ball Python

75–80°F ambient, 88–92°F hot side. Prey strikes are hunger — fasting over 2 months warrants a visit.

Leopard Gecko

No UVB required but beneficial. Live insects only. Tail loss is a stress indicator, not just defense.

Aquatic Turtle

UVB + basking lamp essential. Water quality is critical — filter rated 2× tank volume minimum.

Python & Boa

Ambient 80–85°F, hot side 88–92°F. Feed pre-killed prey only. Handle after 48 hrs post-feeding.

Chameleon

High humidity + airflow, UVB 5.0–6.0, drip water source, live gut-loaded insects. Not for beginners.

Frequently Asked

Reptile FAQ

How often should my reptile have a wellness exam?

Most reptiles should have a comprehensive wellness exam once a year. However, some species—especially young, fast-growing, or high-maintenance reptiles like chameleons—may benefit from checkups every 6 months.

Regular exams help detect hidden issues early, as reptiles often show signs of illness very late. Your veterinarian may also recommend fecal testing or additional diagnostics depending on your pet’s species and environment.

What are signs that my reptile may be sick?

Common signs of illness in reptiles include:

Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
Lethargy or decreased activity
Weight loss or poor body condition
Abnormal stool or lack of stool
Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
Swelling, lumps, or abnormal growths
Improper shedding or skin discoloration
Changes in posture or movement

Because reptiles hide illness well, even subtle changes in behavior should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Do reptiles require special lighting and heating?

Yes. Most reptiles require species-specific lighting, heat, and humidity to stay healthy.

This often includes:

Proper temperature gradients (basking and cool zones)
UVB lighting for calcium metabolism and bone health
Controlled humidity based on species needs
Proper enclosure setup to mimic natural habitat

Incorrect environmental conditions are one of the most common causes of illness in reptiles.

What should I bring to my reptile’s appointment?

To help your veterinarian provide the best care, please bring:

Your reptile in a secure, escape-proof carrier
Information about their diet and feeding schedule
Details about enclosure setup (lighting, heating, humidity, substrate)
Any previous medical records (if available)
A fresh stool sample if possible (useful for parasite testing)
Photos of their enclosure setup (very helpful for husbandry evaluation)

If your reptile is sensitive to temperature changes, maintaining appropriate warmth during transport is also recommended.

Preventive

Medical & Urgent

Diagnostics & Advanced