Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone please tell me exactly what one does to treat for parasites....What meds, how much, how often..thanks...

This depends completely on the type of parasites.

Ectoparasites likes mites often require parenteral medication as well as meticulous treatment of the environment.

Endoparasites vary greatly. Gastrointestinal parasites like helminths (worms) and protozoa (single-celled parasites) must be diagnosed to be treated, either by a fecal exam or cloacal swab exam (performed by a veterinarian). Different groups of these parasites require different medications.

Other endoparasites like pentastomids (sometimes called tongueworms) are respiratory parasites, that humans can catch. They are diagnosed by visualizing them in the oral cavity, or my a tracheal wash performed by a vet. Subcutaneous nematodes are helminths that live under the skin, and must be removed by a veterinarian.

All medications must be dosed by body mass and according to species and patient history, so you must have an accurate weight.

What makes you suspect parasites? There are many conditions that may manifest with similar clinical signs, and when a herp is afflicted with a parasitic infection there are often other things wrong, as well.

If you provide us more information with the animal you are dealing with, we can give you more information, but the bottom line is that you'll need to see a vet to properly diagnose the parasites (if the problem is parasites) and have it treated.

A quick anecdote... I was speaking to a pet store employee about their herps in store, and he was confused about a sick group of uromastyx. He claimed that the problem couldn't be parasites because all animals are treated with Flagyl when they come in. Flagyl is a brand of metronidazole, which is antiprotozoal and antibiotic to anaerobic bacteria. Most parasites will not be killed by Flagyl, and treating herbivores like uros with such indiscretion can decimate their enteric flora and fauna that they need to digest plant matter...

My point is that treating blindly with any medication will do little to help the animal, and can even harm it.

We'll be glad to help you out more, so let us know about the animal

Christina Miller, AHT
Herptiles.net

Christina: Thanks for getting back to me. I have a GTP that I have had for about a year or so. He was always a great eater and never had any problems. Now he is very finicky about eating and blindly strikes out anytime I am near the enclosure. It almost seams like he is disoriented...Any insight??? I also have a pair of popes (babies) that I have a heck of a time getting to feed...Any ideas there??? Hope to hear from you soon thanks again...Jim

The GTP, while parasites are possibly present, it doesn't sound like they're the problem. If present however, they will multiply in a stressed animal. I would start with addressing the husbandry, make sure everything is in check and that winter hasn't changed anything. Do your own physical exam, anything? Is the snake stiff anywhere, appear painfull? Any changes in the environment that may cause stress and or pain?

The popes; very nice species, I enjoy them alot. If they've never really taken, then parasites are more likely, especially if WC. Again, start with addressing any husbandry deficiencies that may be present and make sure you've found a hot herp vet whether you need them today or not. As for this species, you might find them settle in better if kept in a naturalistic vivarium with full spectrum lighting, but also with lots of shade. If I remember correctly, you may have to attempt lizard prey as well, but double check that one. Again, alot of the asian treevipers do well in viv's that are cooler than we'd expect. Do a bit of research and again, verify your specs.

Good luck, I'm sure Christina will have more for ya as well

Ian

Thanks Ian,
I am constantlyreading and assessing...Don't know whats up...It may just be the winter blues....While they are still quite healthy I still get a little nervous...I do like them very much so I am probably a little over concerned....Jim

Sometimes the best long term health monitoring is recording weights. Some behaviors can be a little misleading, are they acting seasonal, or are they becoming ill... all to hard to tell sometimes.

Good luck

Ian

I am not trying to lessen the possibility of parasites, as that hasn't been ruled out yet. However, this male may be cycling into reproductive mode due to the cooler winter temps. Reproductively active GTP are in many cases more aggressive and also tend to go off feed more often than not. Just something else that could be causing this behavior.

Kelly

Kelly Thanks for the response...I do not have much experience breeding gtp. I am currently housing my male and female in separate enclosures. If this is in fact the reason for the behavior change, when should I consider putting them back together??? any thoughts would be helpful...Jim

Jim,
I have bred other python species but not GTP's, and so I would recommend you look through and/or ask questions in the GTP forum here on Kingsnake. There are some very knowledgeable people over there. Good luck.

Kelly