Can chameleons get worms
- Thread starter Bluesimon
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Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Sure, any cham can have parasites because most of their insect feeders carry them. A healthy cham can handle some load of parasites and you can't expect to get rid of all of them. As part of a regular health program, take a fresh fecal sample to your vet periodically and have them check it for parasites. Then, if it shows a high population of a particular type, treat for that specifically. That's the safest way to control them. Just "shotgunning" a cham for whatever it might be carrying can be risky.
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
ditto what Carlton said
I've never had chameleons become heavily aflicted with worms except once after a significant intake of wild caught grasshoppers. This suggests to me that worm problems may not be a common problem. Nevertheless a regular fecal test should be performed (which will uncover overloads of many parasites, not just worms)
Pinworms can be easily treated with Panacur or Reptaid.
Panacur is available from vets, but you might also be able to get it online or from shops. I suspect regulations are different where you are from where I live, so Im not able to point you directly
I've never had chameleons become heavily aflicted with worms except once after a significant intake of wild caught grasshoppers. This suggests to me that worm problems may not be a common problem. Nevertheless a regular fecal test should be performed (which will uncover overloads of many parasites, not just worms)
Pinworms can be easily treated with Panacur or Reptaid.
Panacur is available from vets, but you might also be able to get it online or from shops. I suspect regulations are different where you are from where I live, so Im not able to point you directly
O
Ozzie2011
Guest
Ozzies stool was negative for any parasites but I do have a question for those whose cham has had worms...How do you get the meds down a Chameleon? How would you make them open their mouths?
MATT2504
Established Member
I too would like to know the best way to administer meds! would it be possible to inject a feeder with the med, and then feed your cham with the feeder?
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
I injected Reptaid into cockroaches. I had little luck getting the fluid to stay in crickets, but roaches worked perfectly. And happily the chameleons had no idea they were being medicated. zero stress.
Panacur I carefully squirted into the chameleons throat using a rubber tipped syring, being careful to not get the fluid into the airway. Some chameleons will gap open mouthed at you just for being in the same room. Less agressive/anxious chameleons may need to be coaxed. With a mellow chameleon, if you gently but firmly place a thumb over one nostril and a finger over the other, eventually the chameleon will open its mouth to breath. Sometimes grasping the neck directly behind the head can elicit an angry open mouthed response. Some people will use a soft rubber spatchula to gently pry the mouth open, but I personally do not like this method.
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Ozzie2011
Guest
If they get worms from their feeders then I would recommend every 6 months doing a stool check. I work for an Exotic Vet but I don't do the reptiles just birds and Chinchillas...etc.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Only give him meds if a fecal test calls for it. Anti-parasite drugs are poisons!
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
Panacur and reptaid are safe to use, and could be used preventatively on an annual basis. However most people only treat if there is something there needing treatment. Most other medications are much harder on the chameleon and absolutely should not be given unless demanded.
