Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I brought my babies (3 & 4y/o's) inside the other day for their periodic tub-soaking and weigh-in. This is the first time I've noticed anything unusual with their feces, but there were tiny little thread-like worms present in the tub water where some had pooped. My next step is to collect some specimens and visit the vet, naturally, but I am curious about a few things:

1) How in the world do they give medications to turtles? Do you medicate their food, or do they [somehow] get the meds in their mouths/stomachs????

2) How can I keep their habitat "cleaner" and safer for them? Do I need to "scoop poop" when I notice it? Is the size of the habitat an issue?

Thanks!

Probably Nematodes/Pinworms if you keep them outdoors. Your vet will know how to administer meds, if necessary.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

Thanks. Going to the vet later this afternoon.

Keep us posted, very curious what the Vet I.Ds them as and what your treatment will be.
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Jeff Benfer
gartersnakemorph.com

OK. This was an interesting vet visit! I went back in the lab area to watch them run the "float" test -- now I know why it's called that! It was neat to see the eggs under the microscope!

There were whipworm and hookworm eggs present, but that's all. It was a challenge for the vet to come up with a treatment since the main cure-all [Ivermectin?] is poisonous to turtles. It was also a challenge to come up with a dosing method and dosage.

We are going to use something called Panacur C [fenbendazole] in a granule form that can be mixed with/sprinkled on their food. I'll treat them every 2 days for a total of 3 treatments, then repeat same in 3 weeks. Then 3 weeks after that I'll take another poop sample in.

I'll mix up a smaller-than-usual amt. of food when I add the meds. so I should be able to monitor who eats & how much. Naturally the concern is whether each turtle will get an adequate amount of the medication, but there was a wide dosing range.

I'll keep you posted.

Panacur is widely known as a worming agent in Reptiles. Nothing unusual about that. Effective against Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms. Was going to suggest that, but figured it better coming from your Vet. Did your turtles have access to dog or cat poop? Most likely they were eating it. Is your vet experienced with reptiles?
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

No direct access to dog or cat poop, though most of the soil I used to landscape their habitat came from our yard so there could have been residual exposure I guess.

Yes, our vet has reptile experience, but I can't say to what degree.

Thanks for sharing the info. I've found pinworms & other parasites in fecals from my herps even after seeminly being isolated from vectors & fomites for years so it is always good to check at least once a year.

Panacur is also used to deworm hourses. You can get it in a paste form from feed stores. I would suggest using it around 2 weeks after the first time you use it, as it will kill any worms that have hatcheed after the first treatment. A good natural dewormer is Pumpkin - although with box turtles, its hard to get them to eat it. Go with the dosage your doctor recomends. I believe they could have been introduced via bird or other animal droppings.

Parasites are common in turtles and tortoises, but under stress or cramped condition, could become dangerous.

Bill