parasite question..

[lisagr07]

once your chameleon has gone to the vet and been given a clean bill of health as far as the fecal test goes... can he pick up parasites from the live foods he feeds on throughout his lifetime? is it something that you will need to continuously monitor for?

thanks,, lisa

 

[jannb]

Yes, I have fecals done on mine at least every 6 months. They can get parasites from their feeders. I buy from reputabale places and never allow them to eat wild caught bugs and both my guys have had parasites before.

 

[lisagr07]

Yes, I have fecals done on mine at least every 6 months. They can get parasites from their feeders. I buy from reputabale places and never allow them to eat wild caught bugs and both my guys have had parasites before.

thanks Jann,,

i wasn't actually sure where a parasite might come from after an initial "parasite free" checkup, i wasn't sure if they could get them from their food source ,,

do you recomend 6 month checkups just to stay on top of potential problems? and other than fecal tests what other test should be requested?

thanks,, lisa

 

[jannb]

We have an excellent chameleon vet two hours from our house in Orlando, FL. www.kirkmanareavet.com

Dr. Alfonso recommends that chameleons have a check up every six months. Since mine have had parasites before sometimes I'll even have a fecal done more often via express mail. Luie has also had blood work done because of some lumps he has on his left leg but the blood work all looked excellent. Dr. Alfonso also consults with other vets all over the country if your cham ever has a problem.

 

[lisagr07]

We have an excellent chameleon vet two hours from our house in Orlando, FL. www.kirkmanareavet.com

Dr. Alfonso recommends that chameleons have a check up every six months. Since mine have had parasites before sometimes I'll even have a fecal done more often via express mail. Luie has also had blood work done because of some lumps he has on his left leg but the blood work all looked excellent. Dr. Alfonso also consults with other vets all over the country if your cham ever has a problem.

thanks,, lisa

 

[summoner12]

Your cham will get parasites from feeders that have been exposed to parasites. If the chams got parasites, how reputible is the feeder company? There are other places animals can get parasites; Dirt, grass, wild bugs, or from their own cage, if not cleaned properly since the animal was 'cleaned' of it's parasites, they can contract the same old parasite they just pooped out.

 

[lisagr07]

Your cham will get parasites from feeders that have been exposed to parasites. If the chams got parasites, how reputable is the feeder company? There are other places animals can get parasites; Dirt, grass, wild bugs, or from their own cage, if not cleaned properly since the animal was 'cleaned' of it's parasites, they can contract the same old parasite they just pooped out.

thanks summoner12,,,

i figured that they could get them from "outside" exposures... looks like it's best to plan a checkup twice a year to help keep them as well as possible!!

lisa

 

[DGray]

Skeeters

Your cham will get parasites from feeders that have been exposed to parasites. If the chams got parasites, how reputible is the feeder company? There are other places animals can get parasites; Dirt, grass, wild bugs, or from their own cage, if not cleaned properly since the animal was 'cleaned' of it's parasites, they can contract the same old parasite they just pooped out.

and don't forget the parasites transmitted by mosquitos..

 

[summoner12]

and don't forget the parasites transmitted by mosquitos..

hmmm blood parasite and if digested?

 

[summoner12]

Lisa, if you live near someone with a microscope... or if you have some extra money and want another side hobby.... you could always buy a microscope. You are looking at $300~ to get rolling. (that would include microscope and slides and such)

 

[DGray]

a few

hmmm blood parasite and if digested?

trematodes and cestodes could be transmitted by mosquitoes and end up in the gut. Might be an issue in the tropics or Florida.