Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, in my quest of more knowledge a buddy of mine had asked a few people about what happened to my burm. Somthing that was thrown out there was Lung Worms. Unfortuantly I did not have the autopsy because I had to put her in the freezer, no vets open, and did not want to leave her in there. Anyone ever heard of this, time that it would take to cause death? So on?I guess the only way to know for sure was a blood test. Next time I get a burm and it does not eat or if one of my Retics stop, I am taking them for a blood test. Reguardless.
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

if I remember correctly lungworms are specific to amphibian eating reptiles. Like garter and water snakes.

I am sorry about your loss.
I had recently lost my huge 18 foot burm do to lung worm. I bought her from a guy in St. Louis and after she died he told me he forgot to tell me that she had lung worm.
From what I was told, lung worm is contagious and the snakes CAN get it from dirty rodents. Sometimes if you feed frozen thawed, the rabbits could have poop stuck in their fur.... I am not sure but this is what I was told.
The guy tried to tell me I stressed out the snake. Which I know didn't happen because I have 15 big snakes and they are all big and healthy. But stress can multiply the number of lung worm.
This info is what I was told by a vet.
Disinfect the cage and leave empty for about a month to be safe.
Thanks,
Chris

n/p
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Lungworms are very easily spread through a reptile collection because they have a direct life cycle, meaning they do not need an intermediate host to reproduce. They can be spread from one snake to another through contaminated water, or exposure to infected fecal material. Snakes cannot acquire them from rodents or rabbits because they are Order specific parasites. However, they can be spread by contact with a feeder animal. If a feeder animal is placed in the cage of an infected snake, not eaten, and then placed in another cage, that snake has a good chance of becoming infected. The snake would not need to be stressed to acquire the infection, but it could make it worse. The symptoms are similar to a respiratory infection, but drugs are available that will resolve the problem. I believe fenbendazole has been used successfully to eliminate them.

Kelly

The guy tried to tell me mine just had Respitory and to crank the heat and raise humidity... Well when she died he told me he forgot to tell me she had lung worm.
Sorry for the incorrect info, that is what I was told.
Thanks Again

Well, I do not think that is what killed her then because I never switch food out like that and I clean the bowls seperate, the only time the bowls share is when they are in a bleach tub.
Thank you

Jeff
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

Hi Kelly,

Isn't that (fenbendazole) the active ingredient in "Panacur", the medication in tube form sold for use in treating bovines for internal parasites? I have heard many times through the years that this is commonly used for elliminating internal parasites in imported reptiles but have never had the occasion to have to use it. If it is the same "stuff" do you know an approximate grams to pounds dose that is acceptably safe to use on boids. I have always wanted to know this in case I ever had to use it, or advise someone using it, but never got around to asking anyone. I figure if anyone would know this in here... it would be you.

Or Rob. (Carmichael)

An informed answer from either party or anyone else that actually knows factual data would be greatly appreciated. I would appreciate it if no one would post guesstimations or uninformed opinions.

P.S. where do you get Hist calibrated thermometers? I need some.

Thanks in advance
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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

David,
You are correct, Panacur is a trade name for fenbendazole. When treating for lungworms, the dosage is 25 milligrams per pound body weight. It should be given three times, with 2 weeks between doses. Ivermectin has also been used, but it is much more toxic and risker to use than fenbendazole.

The best source for NIST traceable thermometers is Cole-Parmer. Check out their website at www.coleparmer.com They are the best source for any type of scientific measurement instrumentation.

Kelly

Thanks a bunch, this is very helpful info. For everyone. Too bad ks can't sticky such informative posts.
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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com