Sick Dragon

[pomicter]

My son purchased a dragon since late August 2010. He was ok for a couple of weeks and has had coccidea since then. I have been working with a Vet that specializes in reptials and have had my dragon on Albon for about 3 months on and off. It will not go away. The last time he was on Albon I had plastic liner at the bottom of the cage and 1 plastic log. I am a stay at home mom so as soon as he goes to the bathroom I change the plastic liner and I bleach that everyday along with his log. I also bleach the 70 gal. tank every two days. Right now we have a phone call into a repital specialist at the University of Georgia (not due back until January 17 2011). Any ideas on what may be causing this? I was thinking too much D3. Any thoughts?

 

[AHBD]

I've never heard that too much D3 would cause a reccurrence of coccidia....how is the poor guy's appetite ? That's waaaaayyy too long on albon I think. Is he getting run down ? Is he on a probiotic to help him since the albon is harsh and destroys the good gut flora? Also, how was he acting before he started the treatment? Was he sickly ? Just wondering about the wisdom of keeping it on so much albon. I hope someone else has some input for you....and I hope that he still is a reasonably healthy dragon, and that all goes well.

 

[AHBD]

Probiotics that promote healthy gut flora. Flora being the bacteria.

 

[pomicter]

Besides his bathroom issues he is fine. He was 15g when we brought him home and now he is 190g and about 15 inches long. He eats about 100 crickets a day and organic spring mix. The vet was going to try and get some poop from a healthy dragon so that I could feed it to him (the love of a mother for her son). I would prefer to do this with out drugs. When he was in the process of this his wife had a baby and he is out of the office for awhile. Any other thoughts out there. If I purchase the probotic how much do I give him? And for how long?

 

[AHBD]

Using a product like Benebac ....it should have directions on the container. But if you contact one of the moderators, they can probably be of more help to you about that.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Do you know the coccidia levels that he has do you know, have they given you any levels after the fecal has been done?
That is quite awhile to be on & off of the Albon.
The probiotics such as acidophiliz, benebac, or non dairy soy yogurt are all good. He still has an excellent appetite right now which is great.
Where are you purchasing your crickets?
I would not recommend feeding healthy feces to your dragon just to help increase the normal bacteria gut flora. The primary reason is due to Adeno virus which is somewhat prevalent among bearded dragons. If your dragon is negative & feces from a positive dragon is fed, then your dragon will most likely become infected via oral fecal ingestion.


Tracie

 

[pomicter]

I purchase it through the local pet shop by me. I buy them bulk. I can not find a dosage amount to give to spike. It does not have a dosage amount on the container. I bought Acidophiliz. The levels were too high to count. It did not decrease after any if the times we medicated.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Maybe you should inquire about a drug called Ponazuril, it is an anticoccidial drug which is much more effective, less harsh on the system & usually wipes the coccidia out in 1 or 2 doses, MAX. The UK & other areas use it quite a bit. It is a little expensive for vets to stock because not much is needed when they prescribe it so it isn't always cost effective. However, in this case I would think the vet should look into an alternative since the Albon is not decreasing the count.
Ok, the acidophiliz can be given daily & there is usually no set dose on it. It is liquid correct? You can give up to 1ml, daily if needed. A good maintenance daily is .5ml or so to help out his tummy.


Tracie

 

[pomicter]

Thanks!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You are very welcome. Please let me know if the vet was able to get the Ponazuril for you. I think in this case, it is warranted.
Keep us posted, thanks!

Tracie

 

[pomicter]

Tracie,

The vet I use has never used this drug before. They have the dosage for dogs, cats and horses but not for Spike. Instead of me waiting for them to do research, do you know where I can tell them to go so that they have the information? Both Spike and I have been dealing with this too long!

Amy

 

[Drache613]

Hello Amy,

I will see what I can gather for you & get back with you on here. Are you looking for the dose correct?
If so, the dose for reptiles is 20mg/kg once, maybe twice. That is it. This drug is highly effective against coccidia.
Here is a link where a vet is on a forum, recommending it with the dose.

http://www.alexhuereptiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18158

I hope this helps out!

Tracie

 

[Masick]

I read that you fed spring mix. I could be wrong, but doesnt that have spinach in it? if so, spinach is a no no for beardies. It binds with the calcium and makes them pass it rather than digest it. Make sure it does not have spinach in it.

Masick

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Any updates for us please? I hope your dragon is doing better.

Tracie

 

[pomicter]

The vet that I am working with is only on Mon and Friday. She has a dosage amount and is working on getting the drug. Since it is New Years Eve the place was not open. She is going to call Mon morning. Keeping fingers crossed that I can get it sometime next week. I will let you know once it happens. Poor little guy has been sick enough. It is a New Year and hopefully we can get him feeling better!