I purchased an Indian Star female this summer that was claimed to be very healthy (via Kingsnake classifieds). She came to me emaciated and looked dehydrated.

I've tried to give her Metronidazole and Panacur in two different treatments over this time. She gained weight (60 grams) and fat, but continues with diarrhea. I took her back to the vet yesterday, and a different vet looked at her. He identified what appears to be Entamoeba invadens (although not certain of the speices). Incidentally, the photo of the entamoeba in his book was from a Star tortoise specimen.

Using a "mini-jimmi" and a 14 gauge metal Avian feeding tube--olive tip--and myself, the doc, and another, we got a full dose of Metrodinazole down her. She'll get another dose tomorrow and Friday.

According to his book, he could only find that Metrodinazole and increasing temperature within her terrarium are the treatments to kill the Entamoeba. He however questioned whether an anti-protozoan medication used for horses and cats/dogs called Marquis (or Ponazuril) could help her...but we don't know if this med has been ever used in chelonians.

GI ulcerations and I believe liver damage will most likely pursue (if not already) if we can't get this taken care of. The good thing is she eats and is very active. I was told that the reptiles will go through a "hibernation" like state when the entamoeba take their worst effects.

Does anyone have any experience with this or recommendations? Write me here or platynota@yahoo.com

Thanks a lot!

Aaron

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