[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
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.
They can be visible and are not large. They usially do not pass as adults. Also, oxyurids rarely cause bloody stools, or any symptoms for that matter.
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.
Do not rule out the possibility of a dual infection. No where is it written that one can only ahve a single worm species in one's colon . . .
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.
If these folks did not critically examine the worns or the eggs, I would politely file their info away with a grain of salt. There are some parasites of insects (grasshoppers and such in particular) that can look like oxyurids but are simply passing through - for someone to assume that this is what you have is placing the proverbial cart in front of a horse you may or may not even own.
Oxyurids are tough to clear, but easy to knock back. I would take a swipe at them just to be safe.
I would also have a fecal occult blood done on the next few stools to see if blood loss is ongoing.
I'm just trying to figure out what these worms might be, so I can get an idea of how contagious they are.
I would have the adult worms looked at. The best preservative for parasites is alcohol. Ask your vet to pass them on to a parasitologist - prefereably a veterinary parasitologist and ahve them IDed as best as can be done (at least to the genus level)
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.
Yep - bleeding is not normal for this species, especially bleeding from the cloaca - it is a problem, not only is the animal losing protein, iron etc, but there is a open portal for bacterial entry.
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.
If and when she is being treated for oxyurids and other parasites (and the beutiful thing is that most of the things that kill pins also get other nasties as well - particulalry nematodes. I would change the substrate at least daily. This will keep parasites with a direct life cycle from getting our of control too fast.
Keith
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