Parasites and loss of appetite?

[onthefritz]

Can parasites cause loss of appetite?

I recently decided to adopt a rescue beardie. He is still in the care of the rescue at the moment as they want him to be 100% healthy before sending him home. When he was acquired he was emaciated, had yellow fungus and open sores all over him. They took him to the vet as soon as they got him a couple of weeks ago to get meds to clear up his fungus and any infection from the sores.

His sores are healing nicely and his fungus seems to be gone. However, they said that he still isn't really eating. He was de-wormed (is that the correct term for beardies?) a couple of nights ago. Should this help his appetite if he had parasites?

I'm so excited to get him home but I'm also nervous that he could still take a turn for the worse before I ever get him. Am I over exaggerating?

 

[DovahDad]

I'm glad to hear he's showing some improvement. As for the continued lack of appetite, I believe various deworming medicines can actually suppress their appetite for a time. It's possible the appetite will improve when the medicine has left his system, and the lack of parasites should help the appetite as well. I understand deworming medicine can destroy good gut bacteria, so some probiotics (like Benebac, Acidophiliz+, or even soy yogurt) could potentially help. I'm not sure whether the rescue would try giving him probiotics, but you could suggest it.

I hope he gets well enough for you to take him home soon. Keep us updated!