Panacur, antiparasitic
drugs,
|
Index
|
In recent discussions on the Water Dragon Mailing list, I've seen several subscribers asking questions about the drugs used to treat parasites. I thought I would tell you a little bit more about the drugs the vets commonly prescribe.
There are several drugs that are frequently used to treat parasitic infections in reptiles and amphibians. I have only listed and discussed the most commonly used medication. The first two being used most often, and quite effectively.
| Dosage | Effective Against: |
|---|---|
| 50-100 mg/kg by mouth once, repeated in 2 weeks | Nematodes |
| 100 mg/kg by mouth every 48 hours X 3, repeat in three weeks | ascarids in box turtles |
There are no neurological or other toxic effects listed in Mader's Reptile Medicine and Surgery, although I imagine there are some adverse effects to this drug, especially if overdosed. In general this drug is considered to be fairly safe and is used widely. It was developed for use in horses. Do note that it is mainly effective against Nematodes.
| Dosage | Effective Against: |
|---|---|
| 250 mg/kg by mouth once, repeat in two weeks | Flagellates |
| 100mg/kg by mouth once, repeat in two weeks, and four weeks | Protozoans |
| 25-40mg/kg by mouth once, repeat in 3 to 4 days | Flagellates |
| 50mg/kg by mouth, every 24 hours X 5 to 7 days | Anaerobes |
This is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal agent commonly used in reptile medicine. A high dose of metronidazole may induce clinical signs of vestibular disease with head tilt, circling, and dysequilibrium. Treatment is supportive and clinical signs are reversible. This is another drug that is often used to treat parasites in our animals. It is also generally regarded as a safe drug when used properly. Note that it is effective against Flagellates, protozoans and anaerobes when given in the proper dosages.
I believe this drug is an ingredient in one of the products sold in pet stores ... of course this medication would be very watered down and would not be nearly as effective as the actual medication that your vet would prescribe for your reptile. I do not recommend using medications bought in pet stores.
| Dosage | Effective Against: |
|---|---|
| 0.2 mg/kg Intermuscular injection once, repeat in four weeks (not in Indigo snakes, caution in skinks) | ? not listed |
| Turtles- 0.025 mg/kg Intermuscular injection once (*do not give to box turtles or tortoises* see below!) | ? not listed |
| Snakes- 0.2 mg/kg Intermuscular injection, or by mouth, once, repeat in two weeks | ? not listed |
| 0.5 ml of 10% solution/qt water, use as a topical spray every 7 to 10 days | Ectoparasites (mites and ticks) |
Ivermectin is a drug used extensively in cattle.
It has been effective in treating some parasitic infections in lizards and snakes, however Ivermectin, when given in the same dosages (as suggested for snakes and lizards) in turtles can be deadly and should never be used! It is thought that this drug might cross the blood brain barrier in turtles and torts. :(
I have heard of a lot of reptiles, not just turtles and torts, having trouble with this medication. I don't know if this is because of the toxicity of the drug in general, even when given at the correct dosages and frequency, or if the animals have been accidentally over medicated.
I would recommend trying other antiparasitic drugs made to fight the particular parasitic infection that your reptile might have BEFORE trying Ivermectin.
Clinical signs associated with Ivermectin intoxication are primarily related to general neuromuscular weakness. Death is a function of paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Ivermectin binds irreversibly and can take at least 7 days before reversal of clinical signs is observed.
Parasites are quite common in wild caught, and yes even captive bred and born reptiles.
In the wild many reptiles live with few ill effects caused by the internal parasites that they might be harbouring.
Unfortunately the stress of captivity (lowers the immune systems response), and small enclosures that cause the animals to live in parasite contaminated water and substrates thus possibly re-infecting themselves over and over again can cause the parasites inside them to multiply at a faster rate than they would if the animal were living in natural conditions in its native habitat.
Reptiles can also pick up some parasites from eating food items that contain parasites. I'm quite sure they eat food items in the wild that have parasites in them, but again the conditions of captivity can create an environment that causes the parasites to multiply much more easily.
A combination of several of the above symptoms is usually seen, and symptoms can range from being fairly mild- slight decrease in appetite and loose stools, to quite severe- extreme lethargy and dehydration caused by frequent diarrhea.
I believe that untreated parasitic infection is one of the leading causes of death in newly acquired reptiles so I recommend that everyone take a fresh (less than 24 hour old (perhaps stored in the fridge during that period)) stool sample to a qualified reptile vet to have a fecal test done.
I say qualified reptile vet because vets who have not specialized in the treatment of reptiles and amphibians may not recognize some of the parasites in the stool samples.
It is important to have the stool tested because the different medications listed above work on very different types of parasitic infection. It would do the reptile no good if a medication was given to it that didn't treat the type of parasite that it was infected by, now would it?
It is not uncommon for reptiles to have more than one type of parasite infection at a time ... perhaps nematodes and flagellates, and that is why our reptiles are often given doses of both Panacur and Flagyl at the same time.
I hope this answers many of your questions. Most of the information about the drugs, dosages and toxic effects were found in Dr. Doug Mader's Reptile Medicine and Surgery.
Common Reptile Diseases
and Treatment
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This concise handbook includes individual chapters devoted to diseases of the most popular reptilian pets and treatment protocols for common diseases and disorders. Also offers information on starting a reptile-oriented veterinary practice.
Understanding Reptile Parasites : A Basic Manual for Herpetoculturists &
Veterinarians by Roger Klingenberg
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An important manual for the reptile breeder. This manual takes the reptile owner beyond the simple task of care into the subject of why to prevent and how to treat parasites in our reptiles. The manual explains in simple terms the complexities of reptile parasites. It goes into the how-to of fecal floats, parasite identification and treatments. It takes the mystery out of the vet's back room. One of the shortest yet most useful chapters is "Hygiene and the Herpetoculturist". An important read for all reptile keepers and breeders.
Reptile and Amphibian Parasites by Eric M. Rundquist
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Green Water Dragons,
Sailfin Lizards and Basilisks (General Care and Maintenance of Series) by
Philippe De Vosjoli
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Basic but detailed information about the care, diet, and health of green water dragons, sailfin lizards and basilisks.
Anoles, Basilisks and
Water Dragons : A Complete Pet Care Manual (More Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
by Richard D. Bartlett, Patricia P. Bartlett (Contributor)
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Discussion of the general care of many species of anole, basilisks and water dragons. Excellent information regarding enclosures, cage building, and insect care and breeding.
Eat This
Bug : A Guide to Invertebrate Live Foods for Reptiles and Amphibians by Lynn
Davis
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This book is a guide for owners of reptiles and amphibians who feed insects and other live foods to their pets. Advice is offered for selecting , ordering and raising your own supply of live invertebrate foods. More than a dozen species of live foods are discussed. The book includes instructions on keeping cultures of insects, and recipes & diets for insects.
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