Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,
I have a couple questions regarding the treatment of internal parasites. I recently obtained an adult female Mali who has tape worms; I have not taken her to the vet yet because I wanted to see if I could get some input on this. I want to know what has worked for others; my main concern with treating a uro (or any herbivorous animal) for internal parasites is the meds killing of the endosymbiotic gut community. There is only one vet in my area that specializes in reptiles and I will not be able to get other opinions. I know there is defiantly tape worms b/c I can see them in the fecal matter; I have not had a fecal done to see if there are other parasites but am assuming there probably is. What meds have been used successfully and what other precautions should I take when treating a Uro. Any input will be appreciated.

-Nathanael

Hi Nathanael,
Although not as common as the Nematodes (roundworms)to name one, it sounds like Cestodes or more commonly known as tapeworms which are a class of flatworms (phylum ... Platyhelminthes). I strongly recommend a fecal done by the vet in question. Be sure to take a fresh sample with you on your visit if possible. If they prove to be tapeworms then Praziquantel (Droncit) is the drink of choice (or injection) when dealing with the tapeworms. Dosage is 10-15mg/kg (although vet's often vary to a degree on dosage and the frequency). It can be administered orally or by either subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. The fecal exam will make sure if they are indeed tapes and if that's all you have to worry about. If it proves to be tapes that you're dealing with, the Droncit should be repeated for the second time between two to four weeks following the first dose. I personally recommend a second fecal exam by the second or third week following the second dose to assure that the tapes are eliminated. A third dose may or may not be needed depending on the outcome of that second fecal exam. FYI, this is merely the way I safely eliminate Cestodes (tapeworms).

As far as throwing the beneficial microorganisms in the gut flora off, as long as you stick to the proper dose and frequency, there should not be any problem to speak of.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to offer water between meds as most are often quite dehydrating.

John

Thanks John for the input,
I do know for sure that there are tape worms, as I am friends with a vet that ran a fecal. She however does not do reptiles so that is all she could accurately identify. I will be taking a fresh fecal to see my reptile vet which is later this week. What about other drugs for other parasites? I have read that when treating imports some will offer fecal matter from other healthy uros to replenish the lost gut flora, any thoughts? Once again, thanks for the help.

-Nathanael

Never heard about offering a healthy ones fecal pellets for that purpose. This sounds like something an "importer" might do ... lol.

I do btw,offer neonates of various uro and non uro species produced each year the parent's fecal pellets so as to jump start them into eating as well as replenishing/balancing their beneficial intestinal microflora. On adults I find it easier to use Nutribac or Benebac while mixed in a liquid solution and administered via a tubing/feeding needle.

If you're taking the uro to an exotic vet, I'm sure they will know dosages and which meds to use for any particular parasite(s) found. For example For most nematodes (roundworms) I most always use panacur. Some meds cover a variety of parasites including flukes, strongyloids and even coccidia. As soon as they sees the culprit eggs or hatched larvae, they can begin to treat accordingly.

John

Sounds great! Thanks again for all of the input and help.
-Nat