Pneumonia in the Blind

What is it?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, most often of infectious origin, which affects the deep respiratory tract of the slowworm (Anguis fragilis), a legless reptile resembling a snake but which is actually a lizard.

This condition is common in reptiles kept in captivity in poor temperature or humidity conditions. It represents a veterinary emergency because reptiles, having a slow metabolism, can mask the signs of seriousness until an advanced stage of the disease.

Prompt treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

Pneumonia in the slow worm (Anguis fragilis, often called "blind") is almost always linked to poor maintenance conditions in captivity. Too low or unstable temperature in the terrarium weakens the animal's natural defenses.

Inadequate humidity, too high with poor ventilation or, on the contrary, too dry, encourages the installation of opportunistic germs.

The infectious agents involved are most often bacteria (such as certain species of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas or Mycoplasma), sometimes fungi, and more rarely viruses. These microorganisms take advantage of an immune system weakened by stress or poor conditions to develop in the respiratory tract.

Insufficient hygiene of the terrarium, with accumulation of stagnant humidity or droppings, is a significant aggravating factor.

Slow worms kept in terrariums with an unsuitable temperature, too cold or too fluctuating, are more at risk.

Excess stagnant humidity, poor ventilation or conversely too dry air also promote the disease.

Chronic stress, linked to excessive handling, too small a space or poorly managed cohabitation with other animals, weakens the immune system.

Animals that are young, old, or already weakened by another disease are more vulnerable.

Unsuitable or insufficient nutrition can also play a role in weakening the general condition of the animal.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Treatment

Treatment is mainly based on appropriate antibiotic therapy, ideally chosen after an antibiogram (test which identifies the most effective antibiotic against the bacteria in question).

An improvement in maintenance conditions is essential at the same time: adjustment of the temperature and humidity of the terrarium, thorough cleaning.

Supportive care may be offered by the veterinarian, such as rehydration or nutritional support if the animal is no longer eating.

In some cases, nebulizations (inhalations of medicated vapor) are used to help clear the airways.

No treatment should be undertaken without veterinary advice, as reptiles are very sensitive to certain medications.

Prevention

Possible complications

Without treatment, the infection can spread to both lungs and cause severe respiratory failure.

Pneumonia can also become widespread in septicemia, that is to say an infection which passes into the blood and affects several organs, which puts the animal's life in danger.

The general weakening associated with the disease can also make the slowworm more vulnerable to other opportunistic infections.

When to see a veterinarian

Prognosis

The prognosis is reserved for good if the disease is detected early and treated promptly, with simultaneous correction of maintenance conditions.

It becomes darker if the diagnosis is late, if both lungs are affected, or if sepsis has developed.

Complete recovery is possible but often requires several weeks of treatment and monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

References

WSAVA — World Small Animal Veterinary Association

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 28 September 2026