[gecko]Pinworms

[olivia]

My three adult leopard geckos have pinworms.  I just started treating one 
of them    over the weekend, and I was really surprised that I could see 
the worms shed in her feces.  One of the worms measured just under one 
centimeter.  They were skinny and white, but somewhat translucent.  They 
were also accompanied with bloody stools.  I didn't think pinworms in 
reptiles would be visible, so I'm perplexed as to what exactly I'm dealing 
with.  There was some confusion with the vet tech who performed the fecal, 
because she told me it was a nematode but wasn't prepared when I asked what 
type.  My vet was the one to call me back and say they had found oxyurids.

I've had people tell me that these are pinworms but of the insect variety, 
while others have said that they sounded more like hookworms.

I'm just trying to figure out what these worms might be, so I can get an 
idea of how contagious they are.  I didn't think they were causing any 
harm, because my adults have never shown any symptoms of being 
sick.  However, she is pooping out quite a bit of blood with the worms, so 
they must have been doing some damage.  This gecko is kept alone, weighs 56 
grams, and hasn't had any problems gaining weight.  I purchased her as a 
gravid gecko, so I've successfully hatched the two clutches she laid for 
me.  (They're really cute.)  Just to be on the safe side, I do clean and 
sterilize the tank as part of her treatment, but I haven't been doing this 
everyday.  However, I do clean her food and water bowls and remove her 
feces daily.

Any comments would be appreciated.  Thank you!

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