Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i think my african fat tail has parasites. what is the best way to get rid of them. the only simptom is runny stools. she looks and seems healthy but since i am thinking about getting another aft i want to make sure that i dont give it anything and then end up having to fix them both. how can i cure her? right now i have moved her into a temporary encloser with paper towels for substrate and one hide box. i figure this way i can keep a better eye on her. what medicines can i use for her? where can i get them? how much do they cost? going to the vet is of course very important but since i am totally broke i would rather try myself before i take her to the vet. i would appreciate any help.

I would suggest you put it in a quarantine cage, and use Panacur or flagyl to cure the parasites. Be sure to quarantine this one until any symptoms are gone before you add another aft though,

M.N

>>i think my african fat tail has parasites. what is the best way to get rid of them. the only simptom is runny stools.

The best way is to confirm that she parasites and then treat them with the correct medicine. The only way you're going to do this is with some tests, notably a fecal flotation. You can do this at home, but unless you have a microscope, flotation equipment, reference materials, and some knowledge of what you're doing, you are definitely better off going to a vet.

>>she looks and seems healthy but since i am thinking about getting another aft i want to make sure that i dont give it anything and then end up having to fix them both. how can i cure her? right now i have moved her into a temporary encloser with paper towels for substrate and one hide box. i figure this way i can keep a better eye on her.

This is a good start. In most cases, when treating for parasites you need to keep the cage as clean as possible, maybe even doing multiple cage cleanings/furniture sanitizing each day so you prevent reinfestation from contact with feces.

>>what medicines can i use for her?

Albon, Panacur, Flagyl, and more, depending on which parasite you're treating. Some are very safe and some are very dangerous if you don't use the correct amount. I believe it is Flagyl that can cause brain damage if measured incorrectly.

>>where can i get them?

From the vet or some places online. But as I said above, you could do damage or even kill the animal if you don't treat them correctly.

>>how much do they cost?

You may be surprised. Depending on your vet(call around and ask for prices), you're likely to pay a lot more on the drug(s) buying them on your own than getting them from a vet. The reason behind this is the vet purchases large quantities and the amount you're needing is only pennies when you figure out their cost. I once had a pair of WC Fattails treated for something ridiculous like $2.50. That was a military vet in Japan, but I've heard of people getting fecals and medicine for less than $20.

>> going to the vet is of course very important but since i am totally broke i would rather try myself before i take her to the vet.

Bottom line here is that you shouldn't be considering purchasing another one if you're 'totally broke'. You have a responsibility to the one you have now to take care of it and if you skimp on this, you could be spending much more in the future treating both of them or watching them die because you really can't afford treatment.

Try this. Go to the Herp Health forum here on Kingsnake and post the same questions to the forum and particularly to 'Old Herper'. He's pretty knowledgeable (DVM?) and should be able to help you out better than most frequenters on this forum. However, remember that noone can diagnose your gecko without seeing it.

Lastly, where did you get your gecko? I'm assuming it is WC?
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Rob Jenkins
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I agree. Do not go medicating your aft if you are not ure what parasite it may be infected with (if it even has one). flagyl is a pretty harsh medication and if used improperly can cause some real problems and possibly death. I bought a whole bottle of flagyl (250ml 250mg/ml) for about 40.00 US and that is about what some vets charge to look at and treat you animal.

Ryan

thanx for the info. i called a couple vets before i read these postings and for everything the price came to about 100$ so basically you have given me hope that i just need to search for a cheaper vet. i appreciate the help. i got my aft from a petco in seattle. i think her parasites came from when i left her in the care of my litte (18 years) old brother. last time i do that.