Office of Advancement, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Wildlife Medical Clinic

Reptiles and Amphibians

turtle

Turtles

  • Turtles are cold-blooded animals that require a heat source in order to maintain body temperature.
  • Eggs are laid at various times of the year.
  • Often turtles are the victims of accidents on the road. If one has been hit or has sustained trauma, keep the turtle warm and deliver to the WMC as soon as possible. Other indications for treatment are: abnormal or asymmetric swellings on the head, legs and tail, shell rot (eroded, discolored shell), nasal discharge, broken beak.

Snakes

  • Snakes are also cold-blooded.
  • The young can be born live or hatch from eggs, depending on the species of snake.
  • Snakes are not active in the winter. Any snake found outside during the winter, especially when there is snow cover, has compromised health and should be brought into the WMC for treatment.
  • Caution must be exercised when dealing with snakes as there are poisonous species in Illinois.