Prevention and treatment - common reptile diseases

摘要

Parasites Endoparasties are a common finding in reptiles and amphibians. The same groups of endoparasites commonly identified in domestic species are also routinely identified in reptiles and amphibians, including protozoa, nematodes, trematodes andcestodes. Most reptiles treated at veterinary hospitals are imported and should be considered to have parasites until proven otherwise. A fecal examination can be performed to identify any parasites so that an appropriate treatment can be initiated. A fecal saline direct smear and a fecal flotation should be performed on all fecal samples. The direct smear will enable the reviewer to identify bacteria and protozoa, while the fecal float is used to identify larger parasite ova (e.g. Roundworms). A fecalexamination should always be repeated in 2 and 4 weeks to determine if the animal is really negative as shedding can be transient. Imported reptiles routinely have ectoparasites, such as mites, ticks and leeches. These parasites survive by ingesting blood meals from their host. Heavily parasitized juvenile animals can develop a life-threatening anemia. Many of these ectoparasites also serve as vectors for other diseases, including bacterial and possibly viral infections. The diagnosis of an ectoparasite infestation can be made during a thorough physical examination. Mites are the smallest of the ectoparasites (1-2mm) and can be easily over-looked. The mite can be found anywhere on the reptile host, although they tend to accumulate around the eyes, mouth and gular fold. A cotton-tip application soaked in mineral oil can be used to remove a mite to confirm the diagnosis.