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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Siuna Ann Reid, Kirsty Dewhurst,

Growths, trauma and autotomy in lizards

Growths, trauma and autotomy in lizards

If you find any lump or swelling on your lizard take him to a veterinarian.


A growth on the end of a lizard's tail
©Siuna Reid

What will my veterinarian do?

To find out exactly what the growth is your veterinarian may need to do some take samples and do either in house or external laboratory tests.

A growth might be a tumor and some tumors are types of cancer that can spread. However, the lumps may be abscesses or cysts, which is why if you find a growth it’s important you take your lizard to see a veterinarian, so it can be determined exactly what the growth is and treat it.

Some growths can be surgically removed.

What about a traumatic injury?

Injury to a lizard may result in fractured bones which will cause distress and pain.

If your lizard has suffered any trauma or injury he must be taken to the veterinary practice to be checked and to receive any necessary treatment.

What is autotomy?

Autotomy is the ability to drop or shed the tail; a lizard can do this if he is handled roughly or if he feels threatened.

The tail will eventually grow back, but it will tend to be smaller and will also be a slightly different color.

Any serious injuries need to be checked by the veterinarian.

Your lizard should never be picked up or caught by the tail.

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