Reptiles can get sick like any other creature.It is important to find a good veterinarian and establish a relationship before you have an emergency.New animals need to be checked for parasites and overall health and a yearly check-up is a good idea.Not all veterinarians are experienced with reptiles.Check under"links"for listings.If your animal has any unusual lumps and bumps,is not eating and loosing weight or has any other symptoms,do not wait.Most deseases can be cured if diagnosed in time.In the meantime,keep your reptile away from any stress and a little warmer to jump-start the immune system.
Most deseases go back to bad husbandry like low temperatures or no UV light source,humidity not high or low enough and parasites or infections.Injuries are common if several animals have to share an enclusure.Males of the same species should never be kept together but even females can squabble.If you see any aggressive interaction you have to seperate right away.Some species are entirely solitary-chameleons for example or bearded dragons-and you need to have a cage for each animal.A yearly check-up should include a fecal test to look for parasites and a blood panel.That is not cheap but it is more expensive to wait untill a desease gets out of hand.So that is another aspect to consider before adding that new animal to your household.