Posted by:
epidemic
at Wed May 17 15:31:16 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by epidemic ]
The method of treatment you are indicating is popularly known as "shot gunning". You will not find a single veterinarian, well versed in herpetofauna, that will agree to such and most experienced herpetoculturists know better as well.
The medications you have indicated harbor unique problems when administered to herpetofauna, as metronidazole (Flagyl) is known to cause neurological disorders and end stage renal disease among several species and it is critical a specimen be well hydrated prior to administration of the drug. Also, most dosing charts provide the indication for mammals, which harbor a much higher rate of metabolism than reptiles, and the dosing indications are generally minute in comparison. As for fenbendazole (Panacur), you run the risk of sending your charge into septicemia, should you administer dosages higher than indicated, as Pentastomes spp., internal parasites which normally take up residence with in the respiratory tract, will be eradicated with the use of fenbendazole, but with incorrect dosing indications, you risk killing too many of the parasites at once which will cause detrimental respiratory infections, due to the dead parasites decaying within the respiratory system.
Unfortunately, a veterinarian well versed in herpetofauna is not always within close proximity, but we owe it to the animals we decide to take into our care to provide them with the best possible care we can provide. This sometimes means a little, or even a great deal, of inconvenience. Accessibility of proper veterinary care should always be considered when acquiring an animal. I would suggest you find a veterinarian experienced with herpetofauna, even if such means driving for a few hours, and have the vet conduct a fecal float and acid fast stain for internal parasite loads. Keep in mind, a single exam will not be indicative of such and I do not consider any new acquisitions clean until they have demonstrated three sub-clinical parasite loads over a three month period.
Best regards,
Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947
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RE: I disagree - epidemic, Wed May 17 15:31:16 2006