How Is Reptile Mite Infestation Diagnosed?
The affected reptile(s) may be presented to a veterinarian because they were showing any of the above symptoms. A diagnosis of reptile mite infestation is usually made on visualisation of the mites on a thorough clinical examination of the animal. The animal may be laid on a large sheet of white paper and using a small brush flick the areas around the scales near the head, neck, cloaca and mouth and watch for movement from the particles on the paper. Alternative the animal can be placed in a white pillowcase overnight. Mites will be visible at the bottom of the pillowcase by morning. In some cases, particularly in lizards, full thickness skin scrapings or skin biopsies may be required to make a diagnosis.
