Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Need the help of some of the experienced folks on here.
I just recently purchased a Suriname Red tail Boa from an importer...Normally only buy captive bred but couldnt pass up on this specimen.

I did a fecal exam and she is infested with Strongyloides to be exact. What dewormer and what dosage should I use? I currently have Febendazole 25 gram paste 10% (100 mg/g) and Ivomec 1% (Ivermectin). Which one would be better or is there a different option? I am leaning more towards the Ivomec after viewing this link...any out there had any bad experience with this?

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/171410.htm

I have alot of experience with worming dogs but not reptiles...I need help with dosage and administration? Thank you

Hi there,
Stronglyloides sp. is very common in WC animals. Some of my WC animals used to be infected with this species, too. I would suggest to use Ivermectin, that is what I have experience with.
Dosage is 200 microgram/body kilogram. It should be repeated in 3-4 weeks, two times at least.
Hope this helps!

Regards,
Adam

by 200 microgram/body kilogram....please excuse my ignorance but i dont understand "microgram" Do you mean milligram? for example .2mg/kg or 200 mg/kg.....so to be exact if the animals weighs 3 lbs or 1.36 kg using the .2mg/kg dosage that is .0147 of 1cc of Ivomec..each cc is 10mg using the cattle 1% solution...Does this sound about right? Or how do you do it? Also I was thinking of using an insulin syringe and needle...Thanks for your help

Hector

Klingenberg recommends using Panacur (fenbendazole) orally, at 25-50 mg/kg, once a week, for at least two or three doses. Due to the direct life cycle, strict cleaning and hygiene is required.

Klingenberg states that Ivermectin has a very narrow margin of safety and urges caution when using it. I've used it with very good success.

Klingenberg recommends using Ivermectin for Rhabdias and Entomelas nematodes (lungworms) which he also states are similar to strongyloides. However, he also states Panacur at the high end of its dosage range appears to be effective and is preferred.

Of course, the copywright on his book is 1993!

Personally, I'd go with Panacur. Do another fecal two or three poops after the last meal following the final dose. If you still see them, try Ivermectin.

The above is just my opinion. I'm certainly no vet and don't have a TON of experience with parasites. I'm just offering my opinion on the compiled information available to me, and my experience with each medication.

Hopefully others will chime in too,
jb
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Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

Jonathan

Thanks for the input...The importer I bought the snake from showed me a bottle of Panacur and he stated that he treats all his snakes as soon as they come in..i dont know how true it is...but The Fecal showed a major infestation....under normal circumstances I think I would go with Panacur but In this instance I'm going to use the Ivermectin just because of how bad the infestation is and also because the importer used Panacur already......

How did you administer the ivermectin? I just tried using an insulin syringe and needle injecting SC but had trouble injecting such a small dose. When you pull back the dose..which was .03 ml and you try to inject it doesnt come out of the syringe because its so small a dose..I had to add a little more for it to be able to clear the tip of the syringe...any other recommendations? Thanks again

I give it orally. Whatever is in the tip of the syringe is waste. If you're going to give .03 ml, pull it back to .1, get the air to the top by flicking it, and push out what's not needed until you have the plunger at .03.

jb
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Jonathan Brady

Deviant Constrictors picturetrail

Thanks again for your help .....And by the way I was on your site and you have some beautiful animals...my passion is for BCC's...Please let me know when you have some baby Guyana's I'm looking for a female...

Hector