Lizard Rostral Abrasions

They are mainly caused by constant rubbing on the walls of vivariums in apparent attempts to escape, resulting in trauma and abrasion of the skin of the rostrum. It is very commonly seen in water dragons and other highly active species which are easily startled.

They may rapidly become secondarily infected ; early lesions can be treated successfully with topical and systemic antibiotic therapy after debridement of the wound(s) under anaesthetic.

As prevention, water dragons should be kept in vivariums that do not have transparent walls.