Poo question

[KeeperKelsey]

So yeah it's a poop question. I know lots of people have asked before but does runny poo always mean parasites? My guy spike will go back and forth. More solid poo for like 2-4 days then back to runny then solid again. He still has an appetite and is pretty active. He's gotten a little more sluggish but I thought it's because he is shedding. Still likes to explore outside his tank and always eats all of his veggies.

His tank is a 20 gallon (I want to get a bigger one soon) he's 11 months 16". Basking side is 100-105 and cool side is room temp like 78-80.

Here's a photo of spike and his poo ?

 

[diamc]

I would say that is a very runny poop. Would be a good idea to have it checked for parasites especially since he is sluggish too.

What greens and feeders are you giving him?

A 20 gallon tank seems quite small for him at 16". Would recommend a larger one very soon.

When in his tank, where does he spend most of his time?

 

[KeeperKelsey]

He eats collard greens everyday and butternut squash. Then I rotate other veggies like green beans and sweet peppers. Also meat pieces from nature zone reptile bites. He usually is on the warm side of his tank basking.

Like I said he still eats everything and is pretty active. His poop keeps switching from solid to runny. I dunno what that means.

I won't be able to take him for two weeks. I go on a business trip Monday. I'm taking him with me. Gunna sneak him into the hotel. Lol just hope he doesn't poop in the room ?

 

[TheTechimals]

That poo does look pretty runny, and it is possible that Spike has parasites.

Next time he poops, see if there is any undigested plants/food in it. That is a good sign of parasites.

 

[KeeperKelsey]

Yeah it was runny today too and there looks to be undigested pieces of veggies. His bugs seem to digest though. Maybe some superworms shells. Is there a way to treat parasites myself like with probiotics? Or no. I guess I should take him to get checked out but I go 3 hours north tomorrow for a business trip and I take him with me ? Will he be okay to travel? Maybe there is a vet up there. Any suggestions? Thanks guys!

 

[CooperDragon]

A slight parasite load is somewhat normal but it shouldn't be affecting him quite that much. If it doesn't clear up soon then it's more likely parasites than an upset stomach. Probiotics can help him fight them off to an extent, but if the parasite load is high then it's best to hit them with some medication. It's a good idea to have an exam and fecal test done just to see what you're dealing with. An experienced reptile vet will be able to determine if the parasite load (if any) warrants treatment vs wait and see.

 

[KeeperKelsey]

Hey guys so Spike has parasites. Pinworms and coccidia. ?

The vet gave me Panacur for his pinworms and Albon. Should I try to ask for Ponzuril instead or do you think Albon will be okay as long as I give probiotics?

Also is it necessary to clean his cage every day even if he doesn't poop in it? Thanks!!

 

[CooperDragon]

Those are fairly common. Did the vet mention if the parasite count was unusually high or not? The Ponazuril or Toltrazuril would be easier on his system than Albon. I'd ask the vet about them as an option and ask their advice on it. If he isn't pooping in the tank, then you probably don't need to clean it daily. I'd up the cleaning frequency overall though. Maybe give it a thorough cleaning every week or twice a week using ammonia/water mixture or a steam cleaner. Keeping everything nice and sanitary will help prevent reinfection.

 

[KeeperKelsey]

Thanks. Yeah I got the Ponzuril yesterday. I haven't given him any yet though since I am on a business trip in a hotel for another week. I don't have much to clean his tank. I was going to start Saturday when I can clean more often. He should be okay until then right?

His count was pretty high 30+ Plus the pinworms. I gave him the Panacur yesterday. He's still eating and active. Just has diarrhea from the parasites. So I hope he'll be okay for a couple more days until I start treatment. Yeah my mom has a steam cleaner she says I can use. Should I just clean the cage with that and then bake all the furniture? Thanks again!!

 

[CooperDragon]

He'll be OK for a few days. The steam cleaner will be helpful. You can steam the tank and plastic/composite furniture, and you can rinse&bake the wood furniture and tile/ceramics.