Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is my littlest female Russian. SHe just took a break from digging for a photo.

Can anyone give me some feedback on my worming question from a couple of days ago.

You use panacur (fenbendazole) for worming tortoises. There is an article on the dangers of worming in the new reptiles magazine. Turns out some worms are necessary for the breaking down of cellulose. You can cause bloat in animals where some worms are needed. Makes you think and question things you've been taught.

While there's nothing wrong with questioning old and new ideas it is a good idea to think them through.
If you are buying a new tortoise it is a good idea to worm and flagyl the animal especially if it is WC (as most Russian Tortoises are) The stress of capture and shipping usually leads to an explosion in the parasite load that could lead to problems.
This idea of worms being necessary is an interesting one that I've never heard of and really can't agree with. Certain types might be benificial but hardly necessary.
Ed

I have to agree with EJ........while some worms may not cause harm in reasonable numbers stating that they are necessary can't be true. I have raised many captive hatched tortoises THAT I KNOW have never been exposed to 'worms' and they grew to be perfect,healthy adults.

Interesting. Most species a have beneficial
intestinal flora that consists of bactteria. This is common
herbivorous mammals and even reptiles. This is why young
iguanas often ingest the dropping of adult animals. I've
never heard of such a relationship with multicellular animals
such as worms.

Could you tell me the issue that article was in?

Thank you,

Brian

Its in the August 2003 issue of Reptiles.

>>Interesting. Most species a have beneficial
>>intestinal flora that consists of bactteria. This is common
>>herbivorous mammals and even reptiles.

It's probably safe to say all animals. Normal bacterial gut flora is not merely beneficial it is essential. Their metabolic activity provides important vitamins and essential amino acids. The theory that oxyurids may be beneficial to digestion, which Dr. Mader mentioned, has been tossed around by vets for a few years.

T.B

What a cutie