Reptiles are covered with parasites. Parasites are similar to a weed. They latch on and don’t want to let go or die off.
Parasites live inside and outside the reptile. There are three types of parasites that live inside the reptile’s stomach.
- The commenoal organism is an asset to both the carrier and the organism. It breaks down food so the carrier can have the nutrition.
- The Saprophytic Organism doesn’t help the carrier; neither does it cause harm either. The organism likes living in Salmonella and Ecoli.
- A parasitic organism is harmful to the carrier because the organism could be a lungworm in destroying tissues or a tapeworm that strips the nutrition before the carrier can absorb it into their body.
Many reptiles carry these parasites. They all are kept at bay by a healthy living environment, and immune system. When the reptile stresses it causes the immune system to weaker and parasites try to take over. When the reptile is starved or dehydrated the reptile becomes weak and internal parasites try to take over.
Reptile parasites are very small and unable to unless it is under the microscope.
The symptoms your reptile will show if there infestation are changes in skin color, personality, change, lack of appetite, eating well but no weight gain, and a very strong odorous stool. It is recommended you not handle the reptile’s stool. If you would like to have your reptile tested, take them to a reptile veterinarian, who knows most on the animal. By doing this they will know if your reptile has any parasites that need to be treated or not.
Parasites and infestation of your reptile can be prevented. If you clean your reptile’s living environment and make sure they are nutritionally sound, their immune system will stay strong to fight off or keep the parasites at bay. The temperature and climate needs to be regulated. If a change is too drastic it will cause parasites to fester because the reptile will become ill.
All precautions are necessary when it comes to reptile maintenance to prevent parasites. The healthier you keep your reptile the happier it will be. The less worry of parasites the less your reptile will suffer and have a longer quality life.
Remember any changes in temperament, skin color change, odor in the stool, and no weight variance or extreme weight loss, call your veterinary as soon as possible, for treatment.
