Verm-X for Reptiles: Parasite Control?

[JIMI]

This product intrigues me.
Verm-X | Product - Verm-X For Reptiles

"Verm-X is a 100% natural formulation that helps maintain all areas of intestinal hygiene whilst being gentle on the animal’s gut and digestive system. Verm-X was initially launched for horses in 2002. The concern for the volume of chemicals in use in the day-to-day management of animals brought Paddocks Farm Partnership Ltd to create an extensive range, in consultation with some of the most respected medical herbalists in the world. There is now a successful Verm-X formulations for reptiles!

Some of the many benefits of Verm-X:

Verm-X is ideal for those wishing to explore a natural and more sustainable routine.
The Verm-X smallholder range has gained approval for use in organic systems following assessment by Organic Farmers & Growers Ltd.
All Verm-X products are manufactured under license by expert producers in the UK and Europe to the highest standards. Our pelleted products are produced in one of the UK’s only low temperature pelleting facilities that prevents damage to the ingredients.
Verm-X products are made from unadulterated, non-GM, natural ingredients.
Verm-X provides the widest range of applications, from liquids to pellets, treats, nuggets and powder, making Verm-X easy to feed and highly palatable to the animals.
Verm-X products use packaging that keep the contents fresh, available in a variety of sizes to suit the widest range of animal owners.
Gentler on the digestive system, Verm-X is ideal for senior animals and animals in competition as its natural formulation does not affect performance.
Verm-X is highly palatable.
Being highly cost-effective, Verm-X products are designed with both the animals and their owners in mind.
Fresh extracts and tinctures are processed on-site within hours of being harvested."
Verm-X for Reptiles

So I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that this can be used to help keep your reptile's parasite load in check. I've found that some people on other forums use this and like the product. I'm planning on taking in my first ever fecal sample to my veterinarian (exciting right?:biggrin within these next 2-3 weeks. I think I'm going to ask about this. It seems that it is veterinarian approved. Any thoughts?

Edit: Just realized that I probably should have posted this in the pests and diseases section of the advanced topics discussion because it involves prevention in all reptiles...Oh well!

 

[JIMI]

Found another explanation on a reptile forum:

"So what is verm x? In a nutshell - Natural control of intestinal hygiene, what on earth does that mean?

Verm X is a blend of natural herbs, Herbs that make the guts of your reptile an inhospitable place for parasites.

Being a herbal product you cant overdose, its totally safe and yes it does work! Verm-X has been around for years in the poultry and other pets trade and due to demand they have now launched a reptile version.

So who's it for and how do you use it?

Tortoises - I can see the biggest users of this product being tortoise owners - tortoises are often kept outdoors and nearly always become infested with worms at one point or another in their lives,

Chameleon owners - how many times have you taken your cham outside for some natural UVB and seen him shoot that tongue out and catch a fly, a fly that was probably a few moments earlier feasting on dog poo

Basically any reptile keeper at one point or another is going to potentially introduce parasites into their collection, be it from some dodgy home bred livefoods, rodents, wild caught animals, poor hygiene or just bad luck.

Verm x for reptiles is an excellent addition to your care routine, all you need to do is dust your livefoods with it for three consecutive days a month, or dust it on salads three days a month it can even be used on rodents for snakes. You then need to repeat this routine every month, this gives your reptile continued protection against internal parasites. If they pick up a worm or other nasty it simply will not settle inside the stomach and will be passed through.

Verm x isnt however a miracle alone, it needs to be used as part of a regular cleaning, disinfecting and care routine. Make sure you spot clean the poo out of your animals enclosure as when you notice it, regularly change your reptile substrate and thoroughly disinfect the vivaria with a decent disinfectant cleaner. Make sure water bowls are kept clean and disinfected at all times providing only fresh water. If you follow all of this and use Verm X monthly as part of your care routine then should your animal pick up an internal parasite it will have no where to settle and be quickly eradicated.

I have been using it since it launched a couple of months back and although its too early to make any claims regarding benefits etc, all of our animals have found it very palatable with none rejecting it (even had a taste myself ) , I have used verm x with poultry and rabbits so have no doubts as to how effective this can be when used as part of a regular routine, especially more so for us as we have a fair amount of wild caught stock coming through the shop."

Hmmm....

 

[Aimless]

you can, too, overdose on herbal supplements. anyone stating otherwise has no business giving out dietary advice.

it sounds similar to Reptaid over here. it looks like a general, mild herbal disinfectant. my main concern would be if it kills off normal flora and not just parasites, and without actual science to back it up I would take any claims with a grain of salt.

 

[JIMI]

Thank your for your response, Aimless! Those were my thoughts.
I just found this:
Verm-X Herbal Parasite Control: No Real Evidence to Show it is Safe or Effective | The SkeptVet Blog

I suppose it was too good to be true...

 

[Aimless]

eh, it might be fine. I just don't trust things that haven't actually been tested. a handful of anecdotes from keepers is useful, but not enough to constitute any sort of proof.

 

[JIMI]

With my lack of experience I'd rather not take any risks by playing around with additional supplements and focus instead on providing the proper care as a means of prevention. I've already learned of many signs, so if I ever notice any signs of parasitic infestation or any other illness I'll just take my leo to see a veterinarian instead of playing "animal doctor", even if it does cost me an arm or a leg;-). If I could find actual scientific data backing it up then I'd seriously consider it. I've just been trying to find good products that will make life easier for me and healthier for my leo! I've already invested in an excellent cleaning product today that will surely help deter parasites:biggrin:

 

[Yuk]

I just saw this. I'm willing to try it out and post results sometime I can compare it to panacur. It won't be for a while, and I'd only do it if they needed treatment, but if it gets to that point, I'll be sure to post some pics and observations

 

[hmarie186]

I actually expected it to be a diatomaceous earth product. Aimless is right, herbs can be tricky to dose as well. While a good concept, I'm just not sure the research is all there.