Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Many people quarantine animals for about 4-6 months and assume all's okay if an animal is feeding, has normal stools, sheds, etc. Without a vet check up for internal parasites is there a general period of time it is safe to assume all is fine? How many times should an animal be dosed with Flagyl and what are the appropriate dosage levels? Finally, where is the best/cheapest source of this product?

Boamorphs,
. An experienced herp keeper can usually determine if there is an internal parasite problem and treat it and have it all cleared up in just a few months. If someone is not well experienced they will probably need a vet to help with diagnosis and treatment. The two most commonly used and effective internal parasite treatments are Flagyl and Panacur. Flagyl is available cheap in tablet form from several places packaged and marked as "Fishzole". I got mine from KV Vet Supply. Panacur is more expensive and requires a prescription when labled as Panacur. It can be had without a prescription if you find a product called SafeGuard. I got my one liter bottle also from KV Vet supply. Tapeworms and flukes are best treated with Droncit which is only available with a prescription as far as I know. Quarantine periods longer then a few months are required because of Inclusion Body Disease which unlike parasites is not treatable. External parasites are the likely vector in most transmissions of this disease and so during the first few weeks of quarantine the emphasis should be on total elimination of any external parasites.
Jeff

>>Many people quarantine animals for about 4-6 months and assume all's okay if an animal is feeding, has normal stools, sheds, etc. Without a vet check up for internal parasites is there a general period of time it is safe to assume all is fine? How many times should an animal be dosed with Flagyl and what are the appropriate dosage levels? Finally, where is the best/cheapest source of this product?

check out "Understanding Reptile Parasites" by Dr. Klingenburg. it is one thing to ask a simple question about parasites and get a two or three line response, and quite another to really learn about them and understand the problems and strategies involved in addressing a parasite situation.

i wouldn't recommend treating for parasites without prior experience, or an experienced reference, and for your first time, definitely have some fecals done to pinpoint the problem in the first place.

check out the book, it is loaded with info, including specific meds and dosages, and will really give you a good base to start addressing parasite problems.

robyn
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Greetings:
There is no set rule for quarantining. Most acute problems that are incubating will unmask with 30-60 days, but IBD can take a year or more. Parasites can remain silent for quite a long time; poor weight gains over 6-12 months can be a clue. My original male Indian python (P. m. molurus), recieved as a 4 foot juvenile in 1972, had tapeworms for over 10 YEARS before I discovered them in 1982. I treated him with a big dose of Niclocide and he went on to father clutches in '85, '87, and '90.
Protozoal infections such as amebiasis usually are apparent within a few weeks by the obvious GI symptoms.
Flagyl at the rate of 50mg/kg is good for a 1-time dose. Some vets use a lower dose of say 25mg/kg and treat 2x. I prefer the higher dose bevause it'll also get anaerobic bacteria which may be a problem as well. Scott J. Michaels DVM/SerpentCity

Thanks to all who replied. I have a yearling Colombian that within the last week developed a side to side head bobbing motion and after a short while I brought him to an experienced vet. He did a fecal swab on it and told me there were parasites detected but never told me what kind. He then proceeded to go into another area to dose the animal (with what I don't know) and said another application would be necessary in two weeks. Even though the symptoms of head wagging side to side was a neurological symptom he said an unchecked parasitic condition could cause this. He also said he could do bloodwork for IBD and I said everything I'd read said this wasn't possible. He indicated that if there was a problem there could be indications seen but now I'm wondering if he's just trying to make more money. I figure I'll go with the second parasitic treatment but after that I'm not sure what to do if the symptoms don't go away. Up until a few weeks ago there was nothing wrong with this animal and I've had it quarantined since last summer. It was feeding fine and everything. I just hope that the parasitic thing is the real cause because I feel it's my responsibility to get this animal better.

...can you describe this side-to-side head bobbing as to frequency, duration, etc? Are it's pupils fixed and dilated or do they respond to bright light by narrowing? Feeding regularly? Neuro symptoms definitely point towards IBD vs. parasites although various parasites can induce neuro symptoms. IBD can incubate for a year or more. If it's captive born IBD or another viral infection is quite a bit more likely than parasites but anything is possible if it's gone through one of the big dealers of imported/wild-caught herps. SJM

I tried a flashlight in the eyes and they responded by narrowing. The sideto side motion is not deliberate and is worse as he tries to extend his neck out. If not for this he appears normal. As for feeding I won't know until after the second treatment. I didn't think I was supposed to feed him in between doses because the bacteria in the stomach may be compromised and I didn't want to risk it. He's got good weight so it shouldn't hurt him to wait it out. I will just wait it out and see if the symptoms go away after the second treatment. He was fine up until just a few weeks ago and then he stopped eating but I thought that was just because he was going into shed. When I noticed the head action I was concerned and brought him to the same vet NERD uses so I think he should be pretty experienced.