[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Thank you for the reply.
> The vet did not say what family the parasite was from. He just called it "whip
>worm". I guess I'm just a little curious as to how this suddenly showed up since
>they were treated for parasites right after I brought them home, and this one
>apparently was not present at that time.
>From what you are saying, a fecal analysis was done at that time and the geckos were
>treated for the specific parasites found. Is that right? Were follow-up fecals done?
>Some parasites may not be shedding when the fecal is done the first time, so even if
>it was there it may not have been "caught" then. This is one of the reasons why
>follow up fecals are so important.
> I asked if I should change out their substrate, and he said it was not necessary.
Big UH OH! I hope you misunderstood him, or he should take some reptile medicine
courses ASAP. If a parasite is found or even suspected, the substrate would be the
first thing to be trashed. The terrarium and everything in it should be sterilized.
Paper towels should be used as a substrate until a clean fecal is produced. Parasites
have a million places to hide in the substrate. They are usually passed into the
substrate by feces. The geckos walk on the substrate, may walk on the feces, lick
feet, presto, reinfested after the
treatment is done. This is just ONE scenario, there are many others.
> I just want to make sure they do not get it again after being treated this time.
>It is very expensive for me to take them to the vet as he specializes in reptiles.
Indeed, so it pays to have good advice and medicine in this department.
So where do parasites come from? Here are some scenarios:
*In one or more geckos when purchased from the pet store.
*Living in the food items.
*Living in the substrate of the food items.
*Living in the water in the reptile cage.
*Transported from one reptile kept in the facility to another via human hands or via
other shared items like crickets.
*Living in unsterlized terrariums or cage furniture from a previous reptile.
How's that for starters!?
My best tips for keeping a clean gecko environment.
*Sterilize everything you use in the reptile terrarium. If you cannot and it was used
with
other reptiles, throw it away.
*Use only paper towels with new acquisitions. This way you can see the feces and if
they
are not firm and healthy looking you will know it right away. You can also keep close
track of how much food the new guy is actually eating. If they do not pass these two
tests within two weeks, poops and eats well, then you had better get a fecal done
soon.
*Use latex gloves or wash hands between contacting different reptile terrariums.
*NEVER RECYCLE FOOD BETWEEN TERRARIUMS! Toss uneaten food.
*Quarantine is always a smart idea.
*Keep food bins clean and sterilize them on a regular basis.
*Geckos from these situations should be quarantined:
- Pet shops (I hate to say all but this is a good bet for parasites).
-Wild caughts.
-Captives bought from unknown breeders at reptile show.
-Geckos bought from people who are not willing to disclose their husbandry practices.
Please add to these tips and lists and and I will make a care sheet out of it.
Julie Bergman
http://www.geckoranch.com
GGA lifetime member
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