My Argentine tegu has tail kinks and is sneezing. Should I be worried?

Thanks for reaching out about Mr. Skittles. Check and correct environmental parameters, including temperature as these animals need to be warm to stimulate immune system. If continues to sneeze, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Overall, she looks quite thin. The kinks in the tail may be an early indication of metabolic bone disease (MBD). 21 C is a bit cool for her. Cresties do best between 25.5 C and 27.7 C Ideally, she should be evaluated by your veterinarian to confirm and treat MBD or other illness/infection. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. IN the meantime, you can review care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/

Confirm correct cage temps and humidity levels. Ideally, a thermometer and hygrometer should be placed at each end of the encosure. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or discharge from the eyes or nose. These can all indicate respiratory infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose infection or injury. More information regarding environmental parameters can be found here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

The concerns include infection (bumps) and mouth rot (brown crust). Either can be caused by poor husbandry, incorrect environmental parameters (namely heat and humidity) or trauma. Without images, it can be difficult to determine either way. Ideally, Goldie should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose infection or injury. In the meantime, clean and sanitize the enclosure and contents, confirm proper environmental parameters and gently cleanse the areas in question using diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. If the issues don't resolve, see the vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Drax. Sneezing is often associated with water or infection in the sinus cavities. If it is water, it should abate after a few minutes. If it does not clear up very soon or is persistent, a veterinary visit is needed as antibiotics need to be prescribed. Vitamin A deficiencies are commonly related to respiratory diseases in turtles/tortoises. Check temperature, both water and environment, to assure optimal. Good luck.

They do shed their skin occasionally, usually in pieces. This may be what you are seeing. If looks more dull these past couple days, it could be the beginning of a shed cycle. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. Soak or mist him daily to aid shedding. If he doesn't shed, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Other possible explanations would be infection or injury. These would need a physical exam to confirm.

Thanks for reaching out about Smaug and including photos. The end of the tail appears to be necrotic. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. The environment needs to be kept clean so substrate should be removed and replaced with paper towels or fabric to lessen the chance of contamination. Review diet and correct as proper nutrition is important to recovery and long life. Good luck.