Took young Bentley to the vet yesterday, she was thrilled at how chubby and alert and loving he was all through the visit. I gave her a small baggie containing a fecal sample and we left, then about 2 hours later I get a call at home from the clinic telling me he's tested positive for hookworm eggs and coccidia. Has anyone else dealt with these problems, and can you give me some helpful insight or advice as to how I should handle them? The vet gave me the appropriate medicine and since yesterday Bentley is apparently constipated, hasn't pooped since Monday night. His little tummy looks pretty full. Haven't fed him all day today, and I bathed him this afternoon. Does the medicine (says on the bottle 'Trimethp/Sulfamthzl) generally cause beardies to poop less, since its supposed to focus on their stomach and intestines?
Did the vet give you a coccidia count ? If it is over 5, than yes treat it, if not, than when the hookworms are eradicated, the coccida should return to normal. Dragons carry coccidia in their gut flora, but over 5 usually means they are really stressed, and adds to their general ill feeling. I am sure someone else will pop in, Drache (Tracy) is terribly knowledgeable about meds and amounts to be given, so I am hoping she will see this and offer her knowledge.
Janie.
She didn't tell me an actual number but did mention that coccidia is naturally occuring but that the hookworm activity was causing the levels to rise. She also said that its possible the worms may have come from his mother or tank-mates before I bought him. I spent my whole morning Googling the two problems, I'm not as freaked out at the thought of parasites inside of him now but I'd love to hear some personal opinions. Drache where you at?