Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Wondering if anyone knows if newly acquired specimens should be treated for internal parasites. If so, what should I use? Thanks,
Scott

Hi Scott, I personally think it's best not to treat unless your smelling a foul smell when they have a bowel movement, or have watery/ mocusy stools. Some sort of problems from the parasites. Otherwise I find it risky with a new wild caught as they sometimes are difficult to acclimate and do not eat well for a while. Worming them sometimes causes them to stop eating, ya don't want that.

So unless it is really nessesary I do not do it at least until they have acclimated and are eating well and have a good weight.

Others may want to ad their feelings.

Welcome to the forum, nice to have you!
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PHEve / Eve

Thanks, Eve. Sounds logical. I'm just wondering about a couple of collareds I have had for a couple of weeks that don't eat well and are getting somewhat thin. I have given them some of the tube paste reptile supplement a couple of times to give them some sustanance. I figured most likely it's not due to parasites, but was wondering if treating them might be worthwhile. Guess I'll hold off. Thanks again.

It would be a good idea to get a fecal sample to a vet. If they aren't eating good anyway and a heavy parasite load is present, they won't get any better without worming.

What kind of paste are you using? There are two products to use in rescue or anorexic reptiles. One is Jumpstart, whci is a molassis based paste meant to replace electrolytes and stimulate appetite. The other ie Critical care, or repti Aid. This one is protein based with added electrolytes, vits and mins, and an appetite stimulant. The first is meant for short term only, but the second is meant to boost them up and get them to start eating. I prefer the second one. I have rehabbed many a lizard with it.

I have been using the Jumpstart. I did'nt know there was another variety. I'll have to get some of the protein based stuff.

Have you oiled them with olive oil or mineral or baby oil to check for those nasty mites? These also will cause them to be lethargic/ weak and not eat.

How are your basking temps high enough?
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PHEve / Eve

I'm confident with the basking temps. I have different tiers of rocks, the ambient daytime temp is 83 or so and lower basking spots are high 90's. I even see some of the collareds gaping at times when on the higher tier(the healthy ones, too). Have not checked for mites, was'nt aware of the oil trick. I do have some mite spray that I have used on a couple of my males that came in with chiggers. I'll check the skinny ones with oil. Thanks for the help. -Scott

Checking them for the buggies, yeah use olive oil, baby or mineral oil, mineral oil is the cheapest and works well too.

Turn the lizard over on it's back in the palm of your hand and pour the oil on the tummy and spread it around with other hand, take a magnifying glass as you can see much betterwith one and see if tiny dots start to appear from the scales. They can be tannish reddish or blackish.

If you see some just give the lizards a good rub down with the oil, it will suffocate the mites. Don't have them so they are dripping with oil, hehehehe, just a coating all over. Then wash it off next day. Check again in a few days.

I find that these ecto-parasites are more of a problem than the internal and are important to get rid of right off the bat as they cause anemia, and evenually death. They will begin to eat better, and then later you can worry about any possible worms when you get a fecal done.
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PHEve / Eve

I'll check them today as soon as I get a magnifying glass. Thanks.-Scott