Parasites + Age + Brumation

[Goodtruant]

Our beardie has had chronic problems with coccidia. We gave him 3 doses of Toltrazuril 3 weeks ago, and his poops got 100% better....but we've gone through this 4 times, and the coccidia returns a few weeks later. This is the first time we've tried the Toltrazuril though, hopefully it does the trick. He had a clear fecal test a week later. For the first time he kept eating through the treatment, which was great.

For the past 5-7 days he hasn't touched any food, and he will pretty much sit with his head poking our of his hide 75% of the day, taking naps from time to time. The temp has dropped overall in the viv, just because the house is cooler in the winter. About 4 days ago he had his last bowl movement, which was quite small. Now I think he may have been clearing his system out to start a 'burmation'. He's only about 10 months to a year old...is he too young to start burmating?

I'm a little worried about the coccidia returning while he's in this lazy state...and especially if he goes in to full brumation. And since he has not had a bowl movement, we haven't been able to do a fecal (we have our own microscope, and have done it many times). I don't think he'll be having a movement anytime soon either. Not sure if I have a choice here.....but what can I do?

He weighed about 380g 7 days ago, now he weighs about 370.

 

[AHBD]

How's he doing ? He's big enough to go into brumation, and I think it's good to give a break from the meds. He could also be hiding because he's not happy about being given the meds. Did you by chance give a pro biotic [ like sy yogurt, Acidophiliz+ or Benebac ] to restore the good gut flora that the meds. would destroy ? It's a good idea so that his immune system will stay stronger.

 

[Goodtruant]

Thanks for the reply.

Here's an update.

After a couple of week of Draper just lounging around, he just 'woke up' one day. He was hyperactive. He ate a ton and ran around his viv like a wild man. This lasted for about a week or a little longer. I was able to get a stool sample and he was clear of parasites!

Then he started slowing down again. He started slowing down his eating again about 10 days ago. For the past 3 days he didn't eat at all, and today he never got out of his hide. I took a look, and gave him a rub on the back...he flinched a little, but didn't open his eyes. He's pooped almost everyday for the past week.

It looks like he's shutting it down again. I don't mind it so much this time since he seems very healthy, and I got the clear stool sample.

I think I'll set the timer for a shorter daytime cycle, and maybe only run the UVB every other day....or just make sure it's on when he's out and about.