No parasites so do I worm?

pennington

New Member
My Chameleons fecal sample came back clear. No parasites. So I'm pleased about that.

But would you still worm? If there is no parasites why should I worm him? I would be building an imunity to the wormer so when I need it, it won't work.
 
My Chameleons fecal sample came back clear. No parasites. So I'm pleased about that.

But would you still worm? If there is no parasites why should I worm him? I would be building an imunity to the wormer so when I need it, it won't work.

If you get a "clear" fecal on a new animal it is a good idea to repeat it a couple of weeks later just in case any existing parasites didn't happen to be shedding eggs or parts at the time the first sample was taken. But, also consider that you are not trying to eliminate every single parasite in the cham's system, just reduce the population. If your cham is healthy, not losing weight, eating and drinking well, not subject to a lot of stress, it can handle a few odd internal bugs. Even if you tried to eliminate every one, the cham will pick some up again from feeders...they are everywhere.

Bottom line IMHO, if your cham is doing fine just monitor parasites with periodic fecal exams. If any one type of parasite shows up in large numbers, treat specifically for that.
 
A few thoughts:
1. Worms may shed intermittently so you may not see eggs on every fecal you run, however...
2. If there aren't obvious problems and the worms aren't obvious then there's really no need to treat. Esp in a cb animal. Just run fecals every 6 months or so if you're worried about it.
3. Even if you treat you won't be building up resistance to the dewormer because you should use the full course of dewormer needed regardless. So it will kills any worms that aren't readily apparent, or it just won't do anything at all if there aren't any. Resistance only comes from inappropriate use of dewormers like not finishing the full course, using the wrong kind, or using it all the time.

If it were me, I would not treat. :)
 
If you get a "clear" fecal...just monitor parasites with periodic fecal exams...

I am with Carlton, if there is no need then why would you want to give it medication? jmo

If it were me, I would not treat. :)

Verdict is in me lud'. The jury find worming not necessary. The court find the Vet guilty of needlessly prescribing wormer for the aforementioned Keith Peterson. The Vet in question is sentenced to a life of only prescribing drugs that are required and is banned from charging to much money for them.


Thank you to all, I think I will not worm him. I will sample him again in a few weeks.
 
Did this vet suggest worming him after he came back clean? Ive never had a vet suggest treatment on a healthy cham. In fact both the vets Ive found have always chosen a very cautious option of treating any of the chams Ive brought in. Both of my vets have spoken to me time and time again about trying to use every option possible before dosing a cham with anything. (ex extra misting, more nat sunlight, topical ointments) all were used prior to using harmful meds. Find a local herp society and get some info from members. Thats how I found my vets Ive used. ;)
 
Yeah, I don't think she is a rep' specialist but there is a rep' vet in the surgery so I would imagine she spoke to him. I'll forget the wormer. What I can't understand is how he will ever get worms or parasites?

Would it be from the feeder bugs?
If they suggested to do medication even without any visible parasites, could you trust their knowledge on whether or not there really WEREN'T parasites?

I'm probably not wording that right. :rolleyes:

Any who, your chameleon could get ickies from food sources or accidental exposure (not washing your hands between stuff).
 
Yes sir. Even store bought feeders can harbor parasites. Thats why I kinda chuckle when I hear/ see people post about the dangers of feeding wc bugs. The biggest dangers are pesticides or fertilizers. Which if you store the wc bugs overnite and gutload them any poisons theyd have come into contact with would have long ago killed them. I always collect in the same place and I know its free of sprays or fertilizers. Basically any cham with a compromised immune system is capible of getting parasites. Its no diff than a human having a compromised immune system due to lack of sleep or lack of proper nutrition coming into contact with someone who's sick. The guy with a compromised lacking immune system will get ill. The cham/human who's strong to start with and eatting sleeping properly will be able to fight off the bug.
 
Back
Top Bottom