Digestive disorders in terrapins

The digestive system converts food into energy. In terrapins, left over waste is expelled through the vent which is the reptile equivalent of the mammal’s anus. The digestive tract of the terrapin consists of the mouth, stomach, intestines and vent.

Terrapins have a beak like a bird, but no teeth. The roof of our mouth is called the hard palate; the terrapin does not have a hard palate, instead he has a hole called the choana. Terrapins have a short, fleshy and sensitive tongue.

Leading from the mouth is a tube called the esophagus which then leads to the stomach.

After the stomach the digestive tract continues as the small and large intestine.

The vent is made up of three areas: coprodeum, urodeum, proctodeum. The food waste from the large intestine is stored in the coprodeum. The urodeum is the area which stores urine, and also any sperm or eggs (depending on whether your terrapin is male or female). Both the coprodeum and urodeum empty into the proctodeum, and from here all feces and urine are passed out of the vent.

The liver is the largest organ inside the body and has many functions. It plays an important part in the breaking down of proteins and fats in food. It also helps the body to get rid of toxins and other harmful substances.

The pancreas produces juices which help to breakdown food and hormones to control blood sugar such as insulin.

Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth, and is commonly known as ‘mouth rot’. Stomatitis can be caused by either viral or bacterial infection. Damage to the mouth can also cause mouth rot.

Pay particular attention to the condition of the house, and check the furniture in your terrapin’s house to make sure that there are no sharp areas which could damage his mouth. Low temperatures in the house can lead to a weakening of the immune system. The correct temperature of the vivarium depends on the species of terrapin, researching your own species of terrapin is very important.

If you think your terrapin has stomatitis get him checked by your veterinarian. He may require help with feeding and some antibiotic treatment.

Terrapins need to eat regularly. Fatty liver disease is also known as hepatic lipidosis. Liver cells become swamped with fat, preventing the liver from working properly. It is very difficult to detect fatty liver disease; there are no obvious symptoms, but a terrapin with this condition will stop eating or may never start eating after waking from hibernation. It is important to weigh your terrapin weekly to spot severe weight loss.

Low temperatures in your terrapin’s house can cause loss of appetite as mentioned above. Make sure you always feed the right kind of food to your terrapin.

If your terrapin loses more than 10% of his bodyweight you should take him to the veterinary practice. He may need an operation that involves fitting a feeding tube to help him to get better.

Terrapins should live in a viviarium with an area of water and a separate dry area. Most terrapins like to feed in water, but this can cause a quick build-up of bacteria. If fed in the dry area of the house, they can eat the floor covering by mistake which can lead to impaction in the intestine. This is when pieces of substrate clumps together to cause a blockage. Terrapins fed in the vivarium will need more regular cleaning and  a good filtration system in place to keep the water clean.

Constipation is when a terrapin cannot pass feces. If your terrapin is constipated you may notice him straining to pass feces and lifting his shell high off the floor. His feces may also look very dry.

The temperature in your terrapin’s house is vital. If it is too cold the intestines cannot digest food properly and this can lead to constipation.

Calcium is also needed to make the intestines work properly. Ensuring that your terrapin’s UV light is at the correct height and is not too old will help the terrapin to absorb calcium through the intestine.

It is very important that your terrapin has water. Dehydration often leads to constipation.

Make sure your terrapin is eating the right type of food and the correct amount. It is also a good idea to make sure that the material you use for the floor of your terrapin’s housing is large enough not to be swallowed by a hungry terrapin.

Constipation is often left until it is too late. If an impaction is very severe an operation may be necessary to remove the material blocking the intestine. To try and avoid this ensure you are familiar with the color, consistency and frequency of your terrapin’s feces. This will allow you to pick up on any changes and make your veterinarian aware if you are unsure.

A vent prolapse happens when one of the organs that are plumbed into the vent (for example the large intestine or the bladder) gets pushed out of the body. Egg binding and low calcium in the diet can cause a vent prolapse.

A prolapse is an emergency; if you suspect a prolapse you must take your terrapin to the veterinary practice as soon as possible.