Fecal test

[Reptilelady]

Hello everyone,
I called a few vets and found one vet that will be able to do it alone without having to see the vet, thank goodness! The fecal test will cost around $50. Does that sound right to you guys? Also, I really would like to have peace of mind just in case if there is or isn't going on with my beardie that might be causing him to act this certain way... His appetite has only been really good in mornings and basks then once afternoon hits hiding in cave and or sleeping during the afternoon-evening Wondering what is the best way to collect his sample on newspaper or paper towels then put in plastic baggie okay? Thanks!

 

[Reptilelady]

Also, tried feeding him crickets this time: Was not impressed in fact I literally either hand feed him or use the tongs to get his attention. After he ate about 10-15 crickets, I gave him some BSFL's and went crazy for them. I just don't know why he would be sleeping or take naps in the afternoon? :? Hence why I want to get this fecal test done to rule out anything that might be causing this.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would be cautious with a vet who will do the test without an exam. It's standard for a vet to want to do a basic exam and meet the patient before doing diagnostics. In the long run you'll probably be better off establishing a relationship with a vet who will insist on that.

$50 for a fecal test on it's own sounds a little high but the prices really vary quite a lot depending on where you are and prices in my area seem comparatively low so keep that in mind with my advice. I think I paid about $25 for the last fecal test I had done and a standard exam costs about $40.

It sounds like he is OK but may just be getting tired with the seasonal change which I've seen. With so many of them going into brumation lately, this season seems to be hitting harder than usual in general so may have him getting sleepy in the afternoons. I'd let him sleep if he wants to but keep the lights on the same schedule and keep offering food on a regular schedule.

 

[Reptilelady]

The vet wanted to charge $65 for an exam + $50 for the fecal test done. I live in southern CA area so it's probably why it's so much $$ :lol:

He doesn't come off like anything is wrong but as we all know beardies can hide their symptoms very well so I rather just have the fecal test done then ill have peace of mind whether he is clean or if they do find something better to catch it early than too late I suppose.

Heres a photo of him highly unimpressed with the crickets.

Just to make sure he is in fact not lost his appetite I gave him some BSFL's and he gobbled them up no problem. He has been flaring out his body and beard a lot. Could possibly be hormones? Also, his shed been like that for a month now so I am sure it has been bothering him as well.

 

[CooperDragon]

That would certainly explain the price difference between there and Iowa =). It's better to get the test done for peace of mind even if he seems OK otherwise. I like to get a fecal test done as part of a routine checkup yearly. Even when healthy, some baselines can be recorded which give a better idea of issues and treatment if something does change down the road.

He looks not amused by the cricket but not annoyed enough to do anything about it =). The puffing beard and body are pretty common with shedding.

 

[Reptilelady]

Good news though. I gave the sample to the vet this morning and it ended up costing $28 dollars He is not a fan of crickets. I put them in the cup, show them and he will eventually eat them but only by hand/tongs or shown in the cup. He is a very spoiled dragon and prefers only the good stuff! :lol:

I will keep you all posted but least I have peace of mind now and will find out tomorrow. Thank goodness they were able to do the fecal check least I won't have to worry as much thinking this or that, etc.

 

[Reptilelady]

Update: They were unable to test the fecal sample due to BSFL's :lol: :shock: They said they need another newer clean sample in order to be tested. Should I hold off on the BSFL's for a bit so I can give to them?

 

[CooperDragon]

Odd. Yeah I'd hold off on them for a bit. If they're coming through undigested, you might want to offer them one at a time so they can be chewed up. That will help them be digested properly.

 

[Reptilelady]

Yeah, I'm going to be feeding him the roaches for a day or so then try giving them the sample. Is that normal that they are coming out undigested?

 

[CooperDragon]

It's common but not harmful. It just means that they weren't digested thoroughly so maybe eaten too quickly and not chewed properly.

 

[Reptilelady]

Ahh okay. That makes sense. Is it possible to get impacted from the BSFL's? When I say impacted not like cant go to the bathroom but yeah having a hard time getting them all out. I have not been feeding him any of the BSFl's for like 3 days in a row but still finding it his poop. Like today, he went but not very many like last time but a few. I did go to the vet to drop it off so I am hoping they will be able to test it this time. I have been noticing that his appetite has decreased and not as interested in food either. Usually, he would chase after them or be like "OMG I want to eat them!" Now if I show him its more like just hand feed me or I'm not going to chase after them unless its right in my face. This is my first time having a beardie so it's all new to me and quite scary really. I just want to have his fecal checked in case it might be parasites. I definitely don't want him to get worse. I will keep you posted once I hear anything that they find or didn't find.

P.S. *These last couple days only been able to feed him once a meal a day* :?

 

[Reptilelady]

Btw, my beardie weighs approx 300grams.. I feel like he might be a tad overweight considering he is 6/7 months old at 17 inches long. Thoughts?

 

[CooperDragon]

They are pretty soft and aren't known to cause impaction issues. It may take several days for them to pass through the digestive system though. He is a good weight and you'll see the appetite fluctuate from time to time. Just keep offering on a regular basis and he'll take food when he wants it. He's nice and healthy looking so I don't think it will be a problem at all if he isn't hungry for a while.

 

[Reptilelady]

Ok, thank you. I was worried that more was coming out of him even though I put off the BSFl's off for a few days :shock: Still have not fed him any as I am waiting to hear from the vet about the fecal sample test in case they do need another sample :lol: Hopefully not as already been twice now. Speaking of which, I need to find a good exotic reptile vet so I can establish that relationship. What was that website that listed the certified vets? I remember I commented a while ago but at that time did not need to see a vet.

 

[Reptilelady]

*UPDATE* Just got the call back from the fecal sample and the vet said it does show moderate pinworms. Whats the best way to go about this?