Potentially Harmful Amoebas , Protozoans , Flagellates , and Worms
Reptiles , like horses or other pets , may have dirt ball or intestinal parasite that may not cause any emergence and keep the gut salubrious .
But when a reptilian is sick , such as is not eating well , is losing weight , or is not defecating normally , there may be too many of these normal parasites for your reptile ’s scheme . When the worms and your reptile seem to have a peaceful relationship , then there is no indigence for alert .
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If your reptile is found to have intestinal parasites and it starts acting grisly or having job , then you will need to get your pet to an alien animal veterinary surgeon to see what ’s going on and if enteral parasites are the problem .
How Do I Know If My Reptile Has Worms?
You may see worms pass in your reptilian ’s faeces but , more often than not , you will not see any kind of worm . Many intestinal parasites that people unremarkably refer to as " worms " are n’t worms at all . Amoebas , protozoa , flagellate protozoan , and other variety of microscopical parasites are more commonly seen under a microscope than actual worms .
The only way to know for sure what variety of parasites your reptilian has is to search at a sample of their stool under a microscope . Your alien beast vet will perform a faecal stain , direct malignment , or fecal flotation ( or all three ) to find out if your pet has a parasite trouble . If these tests come back positive , then the veterinarian may prescribe appropriate dewormers or other medications to alleviate the infestation .
Even if you cogitate your deary is o.k. , at least once a yr you shouldtake your reptile to the vetto have it await at , this should let in a fecal assay .
Types of Intestinal Parasites
There is a long lean of possible kinds of sponge your reptile can have or be infected with . Some make a problem ( in bigger quantities ) while others can be wholly normal for your pet to have ( in smaller quantities ) . Your reptile should only be handle for the parasite if it exhibits health distraint or if the parasite populates outdoors of the ordinary amount .
Cryptosporidium
The two most common ways that your reptilian can get this infection is if you extend water that is pollute with this protozoon , or if you feed in wild caught quarry point that haveCryptosporidium . Cryptosporidiosis was previously considered a zoonotic disease ; however , it now look that some , but not all , of the species commonly found in reptilian do not feign mammals .
It get dread diarrhea and weight passing , as do most intestinal parasites . It does not develop a worm that you will see in the fecal matter . contagion with this character of coccidia protozoan does not extend a upright outcome for most favorite reptiles and typically can not be insure under a normal microscope . If you or your vet suspects a cryptosporidium infection , a peculiar trial should be perform to discipline for it .
Pinworms
Also screw as the threadworm or seatworm , this is a common kind of nematode worm that you may not see with the naked eye . It can be all normal for your reptile to have pinworms since they typically contract them from eating infectedmiceorinsects . Your veteran may not treat your reptilian for a Enterobius vermicularis contagion unless it is make a problem for your positron emission tomography , such as a decrease in appetence or a faecal obstruction . citizenry can also get these worms passed on to them through reptilian , so it is always crucial to wash your hands after handle a reptile .
Amoebas
This is another microscopical leech that is transmitted through polluted drunkenness water system or contaminate food . It will cause problem such as vomiting , looseness , languor , and even bloody commode . It can only be seen microscopically .
Coccidia
A very common parasite in preferred reptiles , this protozoan does not always show up in fecal sample . It does not always shed egg to visualize , so it can be difficult to name but can be safe for your reptile to have in humble numbers ( unless it isCryptosporidium , which is more serious ) . A trying berth may stimulate it to overpopulate and have an issue for your pet .
Roundworms
These worms can in reality be visualized in the faecal matter of your reptilian . They seem like long spaghetti - like worms and are easy treated by your exotics veteran .
Hookworms
You will not see these worms in your reptilian ’s fecal matter , but they usually get bloody stools due to the nature of the sponge . These worms " hook " onto the lining of your reptilian ’s gut causing the blood you see in the ordure . They are typically well treated .
Tapeworms
These small louse look like pieces of rice . They may be tie in to form a worm or , more unremarkably , you may just see the rice - comparable segment of the worm in the stool . Like most other parasites they can cause weight loss.
Flagellates
parasite like giardia are a kind of flagellate . Reptiles can hold many kinds of flagellated protozoan , most of which are normal in minor amounts . But if your reptile is showing any symptoms of a leechlike infection , your vetmayprescribe a dewormer .
Other Intestinal Illnesses
Other than parasites , your pet reptilian can get other enteral illnesses due to bacteria likeSalmonella . You should always wash your script after handling any reptile .
Parasitic Diseases of Reptiles . Merck Veterinary Manual .
Cervone , Mario et al . Internal And External Parasitic Infections Of Pet Reptiles In Italy . Journal Of Herpetological Medicine And Surgery , vol 26 , no . 3 - 4 , 2016 , p. 122.Association Of Reptilian And Amphibian Veterinarians ( ARAV ) , doi:10.5818/1529 - 9651 - 26.3 - 4.122
Reptiles and Amphibians . centre for Disease Control and Prevention .
