Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I have been advised that there were some oocysts protozoam in the latest fecal. But given that my vet seems to know very little about beardie husbandry, just wanted to check a few things:

- Which medications are acceptable to treat the parasites, and what doses.
- Short of relocating to another cage (I only have one) what measures should I take, apart from the obvious, to prevent reinfection.
-How long can the parasites/oocysts live outside of the animals body
-Can the parasites be transmitted to other animals/humans (non-reptile)?
-Where are the parasites usually picked up? Feeders?
-Is the protozoam one of the parasites that is 'normal' in low quantities, no live specimens where found in the fecal smear.

Sorry I know many of the above have been answered elsewhere on this forum, but the search function tends to be a little cumbersome to use.

Many thanks for the help/advice in advance.

Steve

Did he say what oocysts (just a general term for eggs)? It seems strange that he could not identify them since the parasites commmon to beardies are not that rare in veterinary medicine. Ask him, he may have been being vague because he did not think you would know the names. In answer to your questions:

- Which medications are acceptable to treat the parasites, and what doses.

Depends on the parasite found, but the most commom drugs used are: fenbendazole (Panacur), metronidazole (Flagyl) and Sulfadimethoxine (Albon). I don't feel comfortable giving doses on an open forum unless you want me to confirm a dose your vet has given you. If your vet is asking you for a dose (something some non-herp vets do if they are seeing reptiles you can email me privately.)

- Short of relocating to another cage (I only have one) what measures should I take, apart from the obvious, to prevent reinfection.

Again, depends on the parasite. Coccidia is notoriously a PITA (pain in the @ss) to get rid of. I would remove all of your substrate and switch to paper towels (cheap to change evertime he defecates) or shelf liner (easy to clean with dilute nolvasan or 10% bleach solution)during treatment. Remove all of the porous cage furniture like driftwood logs and those bark hides. Soak them with 10% bleach and allow to completely dry. Do not put them back in until the infection is cleared. I would use non-porous basking surfaces that can be easily cleaned. Like rocks or the like. I like to use dilute nolvasan (can be purchased from your vet or online) to clean all cage furnishings and the animal itself during treatment of coccidia. They tend to drag their tail and feet through the fecal material and should have them cleaned daily to prevent reinfection.

-How long can the parasites/oocysts live outside of the animals body

I don't know exactly how long, but some of these parasites can sporulate and live for some time outside of the body.

-Can the parasites be transmitted to other animals/humans (non-reptile)?

Short answer, yes. Be very careful when handling the animal and objects from the cage. Wash everything in 10% bleach or dilute nolvasan and use a utility sink in your garage or other non-food prep area in your house. And above all, DO NOT LICK YOUR DRAGON! ( Kidding, I am home with the flu and I am feeling silly)

-Where are the parasites usually picked up? Feeders?

Some come from feeders, others are commensal organisms that live within the animal itself and only become a problem in times of stress (brumation, shipping ,other disease, new animals, improper temperatures, etc). It is called an opportunistic infection.

-Is the protozoam one of the parasites that is 'normal' in low quantities, no live specimens where found in the fecal smear.

Yes, their are many commensal organisms in the digestive tract flora of beardies. It depends on what organism he found, how many he found (usually expressed in number per high power field)and how your dragon is acting. What is is appetite like? What is the consistency of the stool like? Odor of stools?

And I agree with you, the search feature on these forums is the weakest part of the forum. It can be very frustrating. Hope this helps!
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Stacey

Thanks Stacy for the prompt and thorough response, that is a big help!!!

In response-
-Vet did not indicate type of oocysts - but will check
-I'll let you know what he recomends on doseage, I am picking up later today
-I feel so foolish, if only you had told me yesterday (RE DO NOT LICK YOUR DRAGON)
-Appetite is great, although slowed down in the last week and displaying brumation type behavior - in fact this female has grown to 20" and is only 8 mths old
-Stool is generally softer than it used to be, but the stool is generally medium cosistency, but is accompanied by a reasonable amount of fluid.
-Odor - not very pleasant, but never has been - certainly not really bad.

Anyway, thanks again, and hope your feeling better soon