Fecal results: Coccidia present (U. fimb) "How to treat Coccidia"

[mcahal]

I got the results, positive for coccidia. I've been trying to find a post here about what questions to ask the vet and how you've successfully treated this parasite.

Since the vet just left a message, should I call him back with any questions? He's 'researching' how to treat it. Is there something I can tell him by any of you having successfully getting rid of this problem to the point of a healthy animal? Thanks so much for helping me with my new guys as much as you have. I'm so glad GU is here for me!

 

[luevelvet]

All WC Uroplatus come in with a mangerie of parasites. Coccidia is very common and can be treated, however, it will return. Husbandry will determine when and how bad, but it can be managed with biannual fecal exams and treatment if necessary. Quarantine them and make sure to keep the cage as clean as possible. Use disposable cage accessories. IE, paper towels on the bottom and branches that you're ok with burning once this is over. Remove all feces once you see it! Just repeat to yourself, "Now, not later!".

We can't assume any authority over a vet's opinion etc, but if they're open to suggestions, we've had great success with Toltrazuril. Ponazuril has also been known to work in the past. The key is to keep it conservative and ensure they have access to water at all times. Provide a bowl but don't stop spraying the enclosure as a bowl of water is no replacement for their natural instincts to drink from leaves etc. Hydration is one of the most important aspects in getting them through this. You may also want another fecal examined in a month or two to make sure the treatment is actually working. We've also had cases of certain individuals not responding to one particular med over another.

Once they've been treated and showing little to no oocysts in a fecal exam, you will want to dispose of any branches, soil, plants that may have been infected during the treatment. If you must keep anything, sterilize, sterilize, sterilize!

Good luck!

Luis

 

[mcahal]

Thanks so much Luis. I have been trying to move them to a larger cage, but I think I will once again wait until this phase is over.

 

[thorrshamri]

I agree with Luis. There are treatments for pet birds against coccidia which work well on geckos. They contain sulfamids and the doses must be very carefully respected, as sulfamids have potent side effects if overdosed. The interesting thing with birds drugs is that it is adapted to small animals and perfectly suited for geckos. You should keep the enclosure of the infected animals far from your other healthy reptiles and use an anti-bacterian soap each time you do the daily routine tasks. Coccidia will indeed always come back and will never be 100% eliminated, but this usually does not compromise the breeding potential of your geckos.

 

[mcahal]

Coccidia will indeed always come back and will never be 100% eliminated, but this usually does not compromise the breeding potential of your geckos.

Thorr, this was exactly my next question! While I want to keep these guys as pets to watch and enjoy, I'd like to do my part in keeping the species numbers up, so that was on my mind.

 

[pakinjak]

My personal experience with coccidia as it pertains to Uroplatus is probably not the standard one. Since I began keeping the genus a few years ago, I've lost several animals and had several positive fecals for coccidia. The odd thing is that not one of the animals that I know are infected with coccidia have died, ever. My personal feelings on the matter are- yes, treat when the case is dire enough. yes, treat when the animal is healthy enough that the meds won't do more harm than good. No, coccidia in Uroplatus is not the great destroyer of collections in and of itself.

Hydration and starvation are the greatest evils for fresh imports if you ask me. Pathogens are secondary. It doesn't mean they're not a problem, what it does mean is that if a gecko is dehydrated and not fed for a while during the course of being exported from Mada to the states, it's very stressful and hard on the animal's body. We pick them up here in the states weakened from the experience and with good intentions proceed to feed them heavily the day after we get them with the intentions of getting them back into shape. The problem is that the pathogens can bloom from said prey items while the gecko is still in bad shape and overcome the animal while it's weak. Hydration and a slow rise in food offerings is key in acclimating WC Uroplatus, in my opinion.

I didn't mean to write a book, but my collection is a living example that Uroplatus can live just fine after a positive coccidia test. Coccidia is just part of a larger picture that needs to be considered to avoid missing the forest for the trees.

 

[mcahal]

Hydration and starvation are the greatest evils for fresh imports if you ask me. Pathogens are secondary. It doesn't mean they're not a problem, what it does mean is that if a gecko is dehydrated and not fed for a while during the course of being exported from Mada to the states, it's very stressful and hard on the animal's body.

You know I appreciate all your insight Kevin

Between FB and GU, I know I'm getting the info I need to help these guys out.