Not eating because of medicine?

[Mechling]

It has been about a week since I started Caesar on antibiotics for pinworms and coccidia. It has also been a week since he has eaten anything.
Should I force feed him?
I feel terrible. I still give him new food every day but he never touches it. He distrusts anything I put near his mouth, so hand feeding isn't an option. He isn't interested in his crickets.

Will he start eating again after the antibiotic treatment is over? Would he be fine until then? Or should I force feed him?

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. I know that pro biotics will help while he's on meds.

 

[CooperDragon]

Antibiotics often affect their appetite and mood. They can be harsh. I advise offering plenty of water to help protect his kidneys. It can sometimes take a week or two for them to bounce back and get their appetite back in order after the meds are done. I wouldn't force feed though as that could add unnecessary stress.

 

[YoursTruly]

I can vouch for probiotics. They are wonderful in boosting appetite and recovery after a tough bought of medication. I got mine here: http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Acid.html

 

[Mechling]

Well it's two months later and his appetite is still not back to normal. He has lost quite a bit of weight. He will only eat pellets from Petco and the occasional hornworm or waxworm. He won't eat any veggies (not even clover, which was his favorite treat).
I called the vet and the vet tech said that this was normal. Concerned, I even called another vets office. They also said this was "not really a concern, and I need to starve him into eating his veggies"
Does anyone have advice?

 

[Mechling]

Despite our best efforts, Caesar is still not eating anything except Petco pellets.
I am worried because I am currently on vacation and he is being looked after by my mother (who has been well versed in his care needs). I hope this stress won't harm him any more.
I am looking for another Vet who doesn't suggest "starving him into eating" but so far no luck.
He is still loosing weight and will not eat any live food.
When he is coaxed/forced into eating anything, he gets very angry and hostile.
Any advice would be helpful.

 

[AHBD]

Was he eating well before going on the meds. ? Unfortunately some beardies seem to do better with a low level of parasites than they do on the meds.

Can you post pics of how Ceasar looked before the weight loss and after ?

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

I am currently providing Reptophilus from Bug-de-lite after treating my dragons for coccidia for a week.
Richter's appetite was destroyed from the meds, refusing even his favorite treat, superworms. He's had some juice now for 3 days and he's back to being bright eyed and excited about his supers. My little one's appetite wasn't affected much at all, but I think her dose was too low and still has parasites.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend something like what YoursTruly linked or the Reptophilus (the site is down or I'd link it) to help replenish good gut bacteria.