Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anybody ever done their own home fecal examination for their leos? I'm wondering if it is possible to determine what type of parasite a leo may have with just a basic 100x zoom microscope. I know that Beanfarm.com has a book and a parasite identification sheet for pretty cheap.

Identifying the parasite seems like it might be the easy part with the proper books and info. But where would I get the medications needed to help the leo. Do you have to be a vet to get the meds? Is there a store online?

A reply would be greatly appreciated from anybody that has done this before or knows about this subject.
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- Jason

LEOS:
1.1 Hypos (Conan & Red Sonja)
0.0.2 Juvies (Dremel & Ryobi)

CATS:
2.0 Maine Coons (Sam & Tye)

FIANCÉE:
0.1 Tall Blonde (Christine)

If you're going to try doing your own fecals, I recommend using a microscope that has at least 400x magnification. You'll need that for identifying some of the smaller protozoa that can be causing problems.

Doing the actual testing is the easy part, but I suggest using a vet as a crutch for positive identification and proper dosing. Think of it as an opportunity to learn, not an opportunity to eliminate the need for a professional opinion.

You can get the meds without a vet but it's better to get some experience knowing how they work, what they're for, and what side effects your pets will exhibit before you start trying to administer them per your self-diagnoses. All of the medications are actually borrowed from other animals in the veterinary field, so they have to be diluted and dosed properly for reptiles. Some have enough of a safety margin for you to make mistakes, but others don't.
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chickabowwow

Thanks for all the info.

Where would one get the common meds needed to treat the common parasites? Is it a specialty store or an online site?
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- Jason

LEOS:
1.1 Hypos (Conan & Red Sonja)
0.0.2 Juvies (Dremel & Ryobi)

CATS:
2.0 Maine Coons (Sam & Tye)

FIANCÉE:
0.1 Tall Blonde (Christine)

>>Thanks for all the info.
>>
>>Where would one get the common meds needed to treat the common parasites? Is it a specialty store or an online site?
>>-----

beanfarm.com sells some, but again, See a vet for dosing information! Many of the meds have an error margin that is damn near impossible to get right.
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Brian Skibinski
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com
www.MilwaukeeReptiles.com
Leopard Gecko Care Sheet