Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've read from your posts that certain medicines are toxic to indigo's. Would anyone be so kind as to post the do's and donts they've come to know owning indigos?

Not necessarily the basics like temps, foods, etc. just certain treatments or remidies that work on other herps, but not indigos.

I have been fortunate enough to not have to worry about this with my indigo's, but I do know there are certain meds that are harmful to dry's. I don't recall them all, but I believe amikacin is one of them. Hopefully someone will chime in and help out.

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

The two most important do's and dont's. Never let them run out of CLEAN water. If they are not broken DON'T fix them.

I have the same question as you but with one specific thing: Ivomec(ivermectin)?
Thank's
Justin

In my experience Ivermectin kills off so much stuff that they become suseptable to secondary infection from the dead organisms in the blood and gut tract. If you kill off the gut flora the snake will have trouble digesting its food. The bacteria in the gut is used to break down the food and make it digestable.

Sulfa based medications have shown to be nephro-toxic in Drymarchon spp., though such have been used safely when administered correctly and to specimens that have been well hydrated.
As was mentioned earlier, hydration should be a great concern to the Dry keeper, as Drys are very sensitive to the effects of dehydration, which can cause both acute and chronic renal anomalies.
I am no advocate of "shot-gunning" any animal with a medication, as doing so generally creates greater problems later on. Prior to administering any medication you should know what the indications and contra-indications of the med/s are, what you are treating for and the correct dosing applications. All of this information can be provided by a veterinarian, preferably one well versed in the medical care of herpetofauna, which in most instances is required by law, as prescribing prescription medications and diagnosing injury and illness is considered practicing medicine, which requires a license...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947