S
Snowman
Guest
Will do. Haven't been to the vet for three years but next time for sure. I assume it's pretty common knowledge since you always hear them telling people with sick animals to bump the temp up a bit.Did you ask your vet where they got this information/theory from? mammals and reptiles are very different. If there is something scientific behind their advise I would love to read it.
Speaking to some of the old timers. They said that providing a thermal gradient is a relatively new way of keeping reptiles. Back in the day they would catch a snake and out it in a cage with no heating. It was a pretty cool concept whin the idea of heating with globes came in apparently.
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A quick look at google and there are quite a few articles saying that sick reptiles seek out more heat.
Eg http://www.anapsid.org/signs2.html
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"As a rule, sick herps require additional heat. It is preferable to keep an ill herp at the high end of its Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ). This will vary from species to species, but Preferred Optimal Temperature Zones are published in several sources, including Dr. Douglas Mader's Reptile Medicine and Surgery text (W.B. Saunders, 6277 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando, FL 32887). An increase in temperature will help stimulate the immune system. There must be a thermal gradient in the environment to prevent heat stress, however. Basking lights should be provided for species that spend time basking daily."