Merianna
New member
Hello everyone! 
This will be my first time posting on here. My name is Merianna Caprina, I am a biologist living in Boston in college for medicine (I am undecided whether for premed or prevet) regardless, I have a large background with studying and working with the peskiest, grossest, ugliest, nastiest parasites. Parasites themselves are not categorized into any taxonomy, they're not just a microbe nor a worm nor a fungus, instead, it is anything that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. So with that being said, if you think you are experiencing a type of parasite or a parasitic issue, it could be one of many many things. PLEASE NOTE: This is for those who are housing ONE gecko in a tank. This does not give optimal advice for those with 2+ geckos in a tank together, but advice may still help.
Captive animals are very susceptible to contracting pathogens and microorganisms. This is not the end of the world, because most of those germs and little crawlies are harmless to your pets. The issue is when a harmful creature does come into contact with your pet, and infests them. Let me also state that pretty much every living thing is or has carried some amount of parasites in their lifetime, it is the load of the parasites that is what will make them show symptoms of being sick. If your pet is being exposed to a high amount of these organisms, they will be exhibiting symptoms.
These symptoms may include but are not limited to:
Lethargy
Stinky poos
Weird bowel movements
Visible worms in bowel movements
Visible organisms in bowel movements
Vomiting
Coughing
Bloating
Sunken eyes
No growth
Excessive yawning
Dark coloration that was not there
Weight loss
Small tail
Darkening hands and toes
Weird coloration and weird visibility of unusual things inside of the belly
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Refusal to eat
Depression (if you think you can detect it)
Staying in the cool part of the tank
Drinking a lot, in excess (This is because they are trying to make up for their empty belly, so they do abnormal activities like this, of course it is okay for a gecko to drink a lot but if it seems a weird amount take note)
Pacing in tank
Constantly trying to get out of the tank
Any other off or odd behavior
Now take this in mind, but don't worry. I am not stating that if you see any of these displayed it definitely means your leo has a parasite, but it is a red flag to note and watch. If you deem your leo in need of immediate care, please, PLEASE go to the vet!
When you think or your leo has or your leo is diagnosed with a parasite infestation, what does this mean? Well, it means that 1. Somehow, some way that organism got into your tank. Whether it was from your hands, your kids, foreign bug (from outside not what you bought) being eaten by leo, tainted water (you know sometimes how towns can call off water usage cause e.coli? there's always a chance of a trace amount of something coming through the tap, very very minute but it isn't always something to jump in and rule out. We humans are very skilled in carrying parasitic loads from our sources because of our size and how we maintain water for us. This doesn't mean a tiny leo with different chemical and genetic composition will always be alright consuming what we do, we always have to keep our minds open to what may be the root cause. The most common cause is probably from the feeder insects you have bought eating the feces or urea of your gecko and your gecko eating that insect. 2. Please do not beat yourself up too bad! You do not deserve to hate yourself because of this, it is an honest mistake and your intentions are most definitely still pure and good if you care enough to be searching all the web and on this forum for help. You know you love your little leo, honest mistakes and slip ups happen. 3. This means it may be a time for change, as in, new hygiene habits for your leo's habitat and tank. Maybe your temperature and humidity is sub par? Maybe you don't change substrate enough? Maybe you accidentally leave your insects in the tank too often and they are uneaten and hide under the substrate? Maybe you aren't changing the water daily or removing fecal matter and waste material? Whatever you can come up with, take notes and keep it in mind to change that. 4. You will need to take care of your leopard gecko's health issue as soon as possible. Although like stated that we all carry a load of parasites, overload is very dangerous and lethal to your gecko. If the issue is not taken care of in a timely manner, your gecko will die from parasitic infestation. This means that you will need to take the right precautions, and whether that is going to a veterinarian or trying it at home is up to you. This is the same scenario as with humans, some of us will try typical medical care, and others will try alternative/herbal/non doctor. Either way, you need to make sure you are following the directions of the path you take.
So, should I continue feeding my gecko while I know he/she is infested with parasites? This is up to you, but personally I would say YES. This will help pass some of the parasites that are inside your leo, and better out than in. The reason that this option is open to a yes or no is that leo's have a good amount of tail fat, and if you are waiting for a vet appointment or treatment to come in the mean time you will have the option to feed or withhold. To withhold food is to deprive the parasites of food, but also your leo, but this may be problematic because they may try to eat him/her. To feed is to feed the worms too, but if your leo can pass the food, it may pass the worms or organisms inside of it as well. Either way, with a parasite infestation, do not expect your gecko to be putting on any weight back until the infection is cleared up because of the creatures inside depriving your poor leo of it's nutrients and fat from the food, so it is still a good idea to continue feeding.
I think my gecko has parasites/ I know my gecko has parasites but will not eat! How do I help? First and foremost is to decide the route of treatment, vet or alternative, and secondly buy something to feed the leo with. I have had success personally with Zilla's Caloric Supplement & Appetite Stimulant. Another well recommended product is Fluker's Repta+Boost. If you use any nutritional supplement of your choosing, be sure that you ask questions from the seller/provider and see reviews to ensure your security with the product. I would recommend feeding this supplement amply, so about 2-3 times per day if your gecko is eating nothing else. I have had success in doing 3 ml of the Zilla 2-3 times per day until seeing a vet or alternative product arrival to remove the parasites. Also, if you can not afford or not obtain these nutrition replacements, refer to some forums about baby food. It is debatable but some will say turkey baby food, and others chicken baby food to feed your leo, but ultimately neither are that great. But it's better to feed them this than have them eating nothing.
I can not afford a vet/want the alternative treatment for parasites of leopard geckos, what is it? I see a lot of people recommend trying reptaid and continuing to feed the gecko to hopefully clear the issue up. Is this successful? That's up to you and how you feel about the people who back it ultimately. There are other products similar to reptaid that you will come across, and DIY at home parasite treatments for herps, but ultimately it is not for anyone but you to decide whether you want to treat at home or through a veterinarian. Some have claimed success at home with Panacur, which is lovely to hear, but a misdiagnosis or an overdose is a definite roadblock while trying to cure at home with anti-parasites. You may think you have worms and treat with Panacur, while you have a fungus or some type of spore disease and need a different medicine, meanwhile your leo is still sick in the incorrect treatment for pinworms while she needs something for fungi, and is being dosed with a medicine that will not result in her treatment and will be stressed from the medicine for nothing, while still being affected by her disease in need of care.
Now that I have my diagnosis and my leo is in treatment, what do I do with myself??? You are to wait. Yes, this is going to feel like forever and I'm sorry, we're all sorry. It is grueling to see a loved one sick or in pain, so it feels so long to you because of this. But assured with proper treatment and support and care, your leo should recover fully and be fine from thereon out if the tank is kept and maintained properly (this is not a definite, it is definitely a rare statistic you would have the issue with a clean tank but anything is possible!) Patience is key to recovery, so as long as everything is in order, try not to obsess over it or overdo things or take your leo out too much or poke and prod or stare or any overly protective stuff. They love you, you love them. Give them the time and rest they need to recuperate!
What should I do with my tank now that my leo is getting better? Clean this tank! Clean the living hell out of it! So, you're going to want to probably have a makeshift couple of hides made of plastic tupperware or something for this, the fun part: cleaning everything and possibly having to buy new stuff to ensure the ickies are all gone! If you plan on keeping everything, wash them in hot hot water with soap, and bleach these things. Soak them in bleach and wash over again, vinegar works as a cleaning agent as well. Whatever floats your boat to clean these off. But just make sure they're sterile, and be sure to wash any caustic chemicals you've cleaned with off really well before putting them back in your leo tank. This probably will take about a day to fully soak and dry and clean these off for safe usage by little leo again. Also, throw away the makeshift stuff just to be sure.
What are the possible parasites that my leo had? EW!? The most common parasites you'll see in lizards are roundworms, according to PetMD. Other common parasites are hookworms, pinworms, fungus, and a lot of protozoan species. Fungus is probably the rarest considering a captive herp probably doesn't come into contact with such a thing much unless in a damp and or dark area.
So how do I prevent this from ever happening again? You can do the best you can to prevent this from happening again by regular cleaning of the tank, heat management, keeping clean fresh water (change this every day), take any uneaten insects out of the cage, help your leo have a happy stress free shed, take note of any differences examined in your leo and carry out accordingly, if you see any complaints or concerns of customers from the insect supplier you use, make your mind up for yourself whether you want to continue buying from this supplier or not. Try to vary the diet as well, and make sure you are giving your calcium and D3 vitamins, and any supplement you can deem safe and beneficial, if you want to do that as well. Also, make sure your leo's environment is comfortable.
Thank you guys for reading, if I am missing any statements or points please add onto this. Also, if you feel to critique my post or disagree, that is perfectly fine! We all have our perspectives here, it is up to you guys to choose what is right and healthiest for your leo, and I know you all care very very much and are passionate about them. Be well!
External sources:
Parasite | Define Parasite at Dictionary.com
Reptile Parasites | petMD
One of my leopard geckos seems to have a parasite problem (weight
Healing the Sick: A Leo's Story - Gecko Time - Gecko Time
Lizard Health - Discussion of Basic Health and Disease Issues Affecting Leopard Geckos
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=2387
http://www.reptaid.com/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26342508
http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/coccidia
This will be my first time posting on here. My name is Merianna Caprina, I am a biologist living in Boston in college for medicine (I am undecided whether for premed or prevet) regardless, I have a large background with studying and working with the peskiest, grossest, ugliest, nastiest parasites. Parasites themselves are not categorized into any taxonomy, they're not just a microbe nor a worm nor a fungus, instead, it is anything that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. So with that being said, if you think you are experiencing a type of parasite or a parasitic issue, it could be one of many many things. PLEASE NOTE: This is for those who are housing ONE gecko in a tank. This does not give optimal advice for those with 2+ geckos in a tank together, but advice may still help.Captive animals are very susceptible to contracting pathogens and microorganisms. This is not the end of the world, because most of those germs and little crawlies are harmless to your pets. The issue is when a harmful creature does come into contact with your pet, and infests them. Let me also state that pretty much every living thing is or has carried some amount of parasites in their lifetime, it is the load of the parasites that is what will make them show symptoms of being sick. If your pet is being exposed to a high amount of these organisms, they will be exhibiting symptoms.
These symptoms may include but are not limited to:
Lethargy
Stinky poos
Weird bowel movements
Visible worms in bowel movements
Visible organisms in bowel movements
Vomiting
Coughing
Bloating
Sunken eyes
No growth
Excessive yawning
Dark coloration that was not there
Weight loss
Small tail
Darkening hands and toes
Weird coloration and weird visibility of unusual things inside of the belly
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Refusal to eat
Depression (if you think you can detect it)
Staying in the cool part of the tank
Drinking a lot, in excess (This is because they are trying to make up for their empty belly, so they do abnormal activities like this, of course it is okay for a gecko to drink a lot but if it seems a weird amount take note)
Pacing in tank
Constantly trying to get out of the tank
Any other off or odd behavior
Now take this in mind, but don't worry. I am not stating that if you see any of these displayed it definitely means your leo has a parasite, but it is a red flag to note and watch. If you deem your leo in need of immediate care, please, PLEASE go to the vet!
When you think or your leo has or your leo is diagnosed with a parasite infestation, what does this mean? Well, it means that 1. Somehow, some way that organism got into your tank. Whether it was from your hands, your kids, foreign bug (from outside not what you bought) being eaten by leo, tainted water (you know sometimes how towns can call off water usage cause e.coli? there's always a chance of a trace amount of something coming through the tap, very very minute but it isn't always something to jump in and rule out. We humans are very skilled in carrying parasitic loads from our sources because of our size and how we maintain water for us. This doesn't mean a tiny leo with different chemical and genetic composition will always be alright consuming what we do, we always have to keep our minds open to what may be the root cause. The most common cause is probably from the feeder insects you have bought eating the feces or urea of your gecko and your gecko eating that insect. 2. Please do not beat yourself up too bad! You do not deserve to hate yourself because of this, it is an honest mistake and your intentions are most definitely still pure and good if you care enough to be searching all the web and on this forum for help. You know you love your little leo, honest mistakes and slip ups happen. 3. This means it may be a time for change, as in, new hygiene habits for your leo's habitat and tank. Maybe your temperature and humidity is sub par? Maybe you don't change substrate enough? Maybe you accidentally leave your insects in the tank too often and they are uneaten and hide under the substrate? Maybe you aren't changing the water daily or removing fecal matter and waste material? Whatever you can come up with, take notes and keep it in mind to change that. 4. You will need to take care of your leopard gecko's health issue as soon as possible. Although like stated that we all carry a load of parasites, overload is very dangerous and lethal to your gecko. If the issue is not taken care of in a timely manner, your gecko will die from parasitic infestation. This means that you will need to take the right precautions, and whether that is going to a veterinarian or trying it at home is up to you. This is the same scenario as with humans, some of us will try typical medical care, and others will try alternative/herbal/non doctor. Either way, you need to make sure you are following the directions of the path you take.
So, should I continue feeding my gecko while I know he/she is infested with parasites? This is up to you, but personally I would say YES. This will help pass some of the parasites that are inside your leo, and better out than in. The reason that this option is open to a yes or no is that leo's have a good amount of tail fat, and if you are waiting for a vet appointment or treatment to come in the mean time you will have the option to feed or withhold. To withhold food is to deprive the parasites of food, but also your leo, but this may be problematic because they may try to eat him/her. To feed is to feed the worms too, but if your leo can pass the food, it may pass the worms or organisms inside of it as well. Either way, with a parasite infestation, do not expect your gecko to be putting on any weight back until the infection is cleared up because of the creatures inside depriving your poor leo of it's nutrients and fat from the food, so it is still a good idea to continue feeding.
I think my gecko has parasites/ I know my gecko has parasites but will not eat! How do I help? First and foremost is to decide the route of treatment, vet or alternative, and secondly buy something to feed the leo with. I have had success personally with Zilla's Caloric Supplement & Appetite Stimulant. Another well recommended product is Fluker's Repta+Boost. If you use any nutritional supplement of your choosing, be sure that you ask questions from the seller/provider and see reviews to ensure your security with the product. I would recommend feeding this supplement amply, so about 2-3 times per day if your gecko is eating nothing else. I have had success in doing 3 ml of the Zilla 2-3 times per day until seeing a vet or alternative product arrival to remove the parasites. Also, if you can not afford or not obtain these nutrition replacements, refer to some forums about baby food. It is debatable but some will say turkey baby food, and others chicken baby food to feed your leo, but ultimately neither are that great. But it's better to feed them this than have them eating nothing.
I can not afford a vet/want the alternative treatment for parasites of leopard geckos, what is it? I see a lot of people recommend trying reptaid and continuing to feed the gecko to hopefully clear the issue up. Is this successful? That's up to you and how you feel about the people who back it ultimately. There are other products similar to reptaid that you will come across, and DIY at home parasite treatments for herps, but ultimately it is not for anyone but you to decide whether you want to treat at home or through a veterinarian. Some have claimed success at home with Panacur, which is lovely to hear, but a misdiagnosis or an overdose is a definite roadblock while trying to cure at home with anti-parasites. You may think you have worms and treat with Panacur, while you have a fungus or some type of spore disease and need a different medicine, meanwhile your leo is still sick in the incorrect treatment for pinworms while she needs something for fungi, and is being dosed with a medicine that will not result in her treatment and will be stressed from the medicine for nothing, while still being affected by her disease in need of care.
Now that I have my diagnosis and my leo is in treatment, what do I do with myself??? You are to wait. Yes, this is going to feel like forever and I'm sorry, we're all sorry. It is grueling to see a loved one sick or in pain, so it feels so long to you because of this. But assured with proper treatment and support and care, your leo should recover fully and be fine from thereon out if the tank is kept and maintained properly (this is not a definite, it is definitely a rare statistic you would have the issue with a clean tank but anything is possible!) Patience is key to recovery, so as long as everything is in order, try not to obsess over it or overdo things or take your leo out too much or poke and prod or stare or any overly protective stuff. They love you, you love them. Give them the time and rest they need to recuperate!
What should I do with my tank now that my leo is getting better? Clean this tank! Clean the living hell out of it! So, you're going to want to probably have a makeshift couple of hides made of plastic tupperware or something for this, the fun part: cleaning everything and possibly having to buy new stuff to ensure the ickies are all gone! If you plan on keeping everything, wash them in hot hot water with soap, and bleach these things. Soak them in bleach and wash over again, vinegar works as a cleaning agent as well. Whatever floats your boat to clean these off. But just make sure they're sterile, and be sure to wash any caustic chemicals you've cleaned with off really well before putting them back in your leo tank. This probably will take about a day to fully soak and dry and clean these off for safe usage by little leo again. Also, throw away the makeshift stuff just to be sure.
What are the possible parasites that my leo had? EW!? The most common parasites you'll see in lizards are roundworms, according to PetMD. Other common parasites are hookworms, pinworms, fungus, and a lot of protozoan species. Fungus is probably the rarest considering a captive herp probably doesn't come into contact with such a thing much unless in a damp and or dark area.
So how do I prevent this from ever happening again? You can do the best you can to prevent this from happening again by regular cleaning of the tank, heat management, keeping clean fresh water (change this every day), take any uneaten insects out of the cage, help your leo have a happy stress free shed, take note of any differences examined in your leo and carry out accordingly, if you see any complaints or concerns of customers from the insect supplier you use, make your mind up for yourself whether you want to continue buying from this supplier or not. Try to vary the diet as well, and make sure you are giving your calcium and D3 vitamins, and any supplement you can deem safe and beneficial, if you want to do that as well. Also, make sure your leo's environment is comfortable.
Thank you guys for reading, if I am missing any statements or points please add onto this. Also, if you feel to critique my post or disagree, that is perfectly fine! We all have our perspectives here, it is up to you guys to choose what is right and healthiest for your leo, and I know you all care very very much and are passionate about them. Be well!
External sources:
Parasite | Define Parasite at Dictionary.com
Reptile Parasites | petMD
One of my leopard geckos seems to have a parasite problem (weight
Healing the Sick: A Leo's Story - Gecko Time - Gecko Time
Lizard Health - Discussion of Basic Health and Disease Issues Affecting Leopard Geckos
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=2387
http://www.reptaid.com/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26342508
http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/coccidia
