Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My adult dragon has very stinky, pretty moist poops, from what I know this indicates some kind of parasite or similar. No doubt this requires a visit to the vet with a sample, but is there any symptom, or particular characteristic of her feces(like that I just described) that is diagnostic of ONE particular kind of infection?

Can you ever diagnose a parasitic infection just by looking at the feces, and the animal itself (say, without using a microscope, and identifying it that way, as I assume the vet does)?

Otherwise, she is very healthy, active, and has a good appetite and quite a varied diet.

Oh yeah - what is the likelihood of (pet store) crickets being carriers of the parasite(s)? I would think this is very likely, from what I know of parasite infections and insects...
Does this mean one should anticipate de-worming dragons every so often??
Are there any favorite food insects that are least likely to be carriers of unwanted inhabitants? She loves wax worms, but I kinow that isn't a good staple food, more like candy for her.

thanks!

RO

I think maybe some kinds of worms may be visible in feces, but other than that I think you'd have to look at it under a microscope. My beardie has had giardia and coccidia, and the poop was completely similar both times, smelly and runny.

As for foods, my vet told me that they can even get some parasites from a batch of greens that you get from the store, even if you wash it carefully, there is no way to be certain. I try to be very careful about what I feed my lizards just for peace of mind, like ordering all my insects online and picking out only the freshest, cleanest looking veggies... but I guess there is always gonna be a small risk of exposure.
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

Smelly, runny poops are usually indicative of parasites. (Runny poops can also mean too much fruit tho)What you're probably going to find when the feces is tested is that you have some sort(s) of worm, and coccidia. Coccidia seems ubiquitous and opportunistic. When I've had to treat new arrivals for parasites they also go on an immediate two week 2x daily course of Parazap and probiotic supplementation. Everyone gets a 5-7 day course of them once a month just to stay on top of anything. I no longer use crickets at all, btw. They gave me the creeps and my dragons seem healthy (and less smelly) since I stopped forcing myself to handle the icky things. But, ummm...that's just my issue.

Also make sure everything (including the dragon) gets thoroughly disinfected *daily* while you are treating for parasites. Remove feces immediately (which of course means after your lizard has only scampered through it once or twice!) Remove all cage furnishings but the bare minimum and use newspaper, paper towels or shelf liner on the cage bottom. Feed on disposable plates or bowls and change them with each feeding.

Best,
michele
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3.2 Bearded Dragons (Rescues)
1.0 Corn snake (Rescue)
0.1 California King
4.5 Royal (Ball) Pythons (3 rescues)
1.1 Dogs (Rescues)
2.0 Cats (Rescues)
2.2 Humans
No, it's NOT a big house

If you don't feed crickets, what (non-vegetable) protein source do you use? I agree, crickets are stinky going in, so they are worse coming out, but handling them doesn't phase me.

Thanks for the reminder, I will definitely have to be more diligent about clenaing everything while she's being treated.

You're right, I should have remembered that when I was researching treatments for MYSELF for parasties (I used to study/live/muck around in the boonies in South America), one thing that was mentioned is that it isn't uncommon to get parasites from poorly wahsed salad greens and/or fruit, especially at restaurants...

At least she is nearly potty-trained, I can almost without fail have her poop on paper towels if I put her out in the sun in the AM (in a short box) - if she has to go, she'll do it within 2-3 minutes. I highly doubt she is being fastidious or respectful of my house-training preferences; pretty sure the stimulation by the sun is what does it, but I'm not complaing, I can clean her up right away and keep her enclosure poop-free this way.

She also is very laid back, she's now pals with my dog, who thinks she's just rather dull b/ she doesn't play ball.

RO

Silkworms or roaches are a good nutritious substitute for crickets.

Cute dog.
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)