My Russian went to the vet today and I was told he has amoebas. Where would he get those? I would think they would live in humid climates, but my tortoise is kept pretty dry. Are they a common parasite in tortoises?
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amoebas???
noori
Jul 22, 2004 04:56 PM
Replies (2)
EJ
Jul 22, 2004 06:09 PM
They seem to be a very common parasite in WC tortoises. They can be present without doing harm and they can kill your tortoise. Some recommend not worrying about it but but I'm not one of those people.
If you are workng with a vet there is an injectable ameobicide that kills the amoeba and the cysts. It is the cysts that are tough to get rid of. Sorry I can't think of the name but it is very effective and easy to administer but it is expensive.
The alternative is weeks of administering Flagyl orally to get rid of the little buggers.
Ask your vet to contact the ARAV for advice if he/she is not aware of this injectable form of ameobacide.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care
noori
Jul 23, 2004 12:44 AM
Thanks so much for the info/advice. I've had my tortoise for 4 years and this is the first time the vet has even mentioned amoebas. Is it possible he's had them all along? Also, where would the cysts be located? He's being treated with Panacur right now for worms--I'm guessing that this will not treat the amoebas at all?
