Is it necessary to ''de-worm'' WC's?

[summoner12]

Isn't Reptaid designed to boost the immune system and does not really kill off the parasites....no??

People report it knocks out round worm I believe... maybe even hook worms? I know Sandra has some experience with this.... she could prolly shed some more light on the use of it.

 

[Pure]

x2


It seems to me that the general consensus around here is that reptaid is a miracle drug and its the answer for any wc chameleon. While I am not doubting it because I have never used it, the drugs administered by a vet have been thoroughly and carefully developed to treat for specific parasite issues. They are not over the counter drugs for a reason, and should be given properly and if used correctly, solve your parasitic issues(providing other parameters are correct ie. clean cages etc). But overall Damasks, the proper thing to do would be to let the animal acclimate properly before begging any treatment as the others mentioned. If this is your first chameleon, I would not recommend a WC animal.

Nick, My friend, the consensus around here isn't that repaid is a miracle cure all. The consensus is that it works sometimes but should always be followed up by a visit to the vet, especially if the problem is one of a serious nature. Sandy herself will advise you of this very thing.

It has been shown to kill parasites. Not always but it has worked. Point in case. I dosed my Melleri with it, and 2 weeks later their fecals came up clean. However I can't say if they were not parasite free to begin with. All I know is they are WC and had never received any treatment.

Using natural extracts to cure parasites isn't anything new. Discus breeders have been using fresh garlic since Jack Whatley reported it working to rid discus of most internal parasites. I think this was in the late 80s. Later a study was done and found that it's effects are simply that it prohibits the parasites from being able to consume any new foods thus eventually starving them out of the fish.

I'm not saying reptaid does this exactly but it would certainly make sense that it is the same or something very similar.

 

[summoner12]

If this is your first chameleon, I would not recommend a wc animal.

This is an affirmative!

First of all chameleons can be hard for new keepers... so getting an animal that requires experience is not something a newer cham keeper (with no experience to call upon) should jump into. Where someone could get lucky with a WC that isn't all that beat up and do OK... you could get the animal that is loaded with parsites and very ill and just have a bunch of money and time go down the tube trying to figure out what to do...

So for those who are first timers, go with a captive bred animal, please.

 

[Pure]

Ditto Kev's post!

 

[Nicodemayo]

Nick, My friend, the consensus around here isn't that repaid is a miracle cure all. The consensus is that it works sometimes but should always be followed up by a visit to the vet, especially if the problem is one of a serious nature. Sandy herself will advise you of this very thing.

It has been shown to kill parasites. Not always but it has worked. Point in case. I dosed my Melleri with it, and 2 weeks later their fecals came up clean. However I can't say if they were not parasite free to begin with. All I know is they are WC and had never received any treatment.

Using natural extracts to cure parasites isn't anything new. Discus breeders have been using fresh garlic since Jack Whatley reported it working to rid discus of most internal parasites. I think this was in the late 80s. Later a study was done and found that it's effects are simply that it prohibits the parasites from being able to consume any new foods thus eventually starving them out of the fish.

I'm not saying reptaid does this exactly but it would certainly make sense that it is the same or something very similar.

By people that know what they're doing will use it and follow up like the Gesangs recommend, but you cant tell me that everyone that buys that product, gets it with that intention. I know alot of the newer keepers will buy it as an "easy way out" of a vet visit. I feel the way some people rant about it, it gives people the wrong idea about it, especially newbies. It should not be a substitute to a vet visit and proper drugs, and I feel that sometimes that drug is not properly represented on this forum.

 

[Pure]

Fair nuff. I just don't think the majority of us who actually care about what we are doing see it that way. So I don't think it right to broadly state that we think it is a miracle cure. Those who do know, know different.

I do see where you are coming from though. There is no substitute for a visit to the vet. And new members need to be made aware of that.

 

[xanthoman]

Be realistic. Probably 70% of all vets know about as much about chameleons as my granny do...

i would have figured at least 94%, but on the other hand, if anybody were to have a granny that kept chams, it would probably be eisentrauti's. ps reptaid has its merits, but it is certainly not all its cracked up to be, there are no miracle cures for chams (except death) and that includes reptaid

 

[xanthoman]

Fair nuff. I just don't think the majority of us who actually care about what we are doing see it that way. So I don't think it right to broadly state that we think it is a miracle cure. Those who do know, know different.

I do see where you are coming from though. There is no substitute for a visit to the vet. And new members need to be made aware of that.

there is a substitute for a trip to the vet, and thats a trip to a qualified proven HERP vet , there is a difference, and most vets will not admit to their lack of knowledge, or experience , but will not hesitate to fake it, and charge you for it.

 

[Pure]

You really need to go back and read the whole thread before quoting me. I already mentioned this.