How does coccidia affect bearded dragons?

Due to Coccidia, bearded dragons cannot keep up with a proper diet and it often results in dark diarrhea. Coccidia in bearded dragons are difficult to treat but the cure is present. If not treated soon, it can even lead to the dragon’s death.

Can coccidia be treated?

The only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for coccidia is sulfadimethoxine, which must be prescribed by a veterinarian. There are other drugs that are used with some success in the treatment of coccidia, such as ponazuril, which has shown to be effective from the most current published research.

How do I treat parasites in my bearded dragon?

Mites and ticks can be treated either topically or with oral or injectable anti-parasitic medications, as advised by your veterinarian. Environmental cleaning, disinfection, and treatment, is essential, as well, so that parasites do not re-infect the dragon after treatment.

How often does a bearded dragon get coccidia?

That is more than 1 in every 3 bearded dragons infected with coccidia. More than one species of coccidia can be present at any one time. Coccidiosis is responsible for significant mortality in juvenile bearded dragons (Kim, 2002).

What kind of disease does a bearded dragon have?

Coccidia are protozoa and the most common endoparasite detected in bearded dragons. Coccidia in bearded dragons is as prevalent as 1 in every 3 are infected.

What should I do if my bearded dragon has parasites?

Bearded Dragon Care. Depending upon the type of parasite that your dragon is harboring in his digestive tract, his vet will usually prescribe some type of deworming medication, and/or an antibiotic to kill off the parasite.

How often should I give my bearded dragon antibiotics?

For your purpose of use, with your bearded dragon, you can disregard those instructions. After being treated with antibiotics, they need a good jolt of it. Give a full dropperful, once a day, about 3 hours before your dragon’s bedtime.

Is there a cure for coccidia in bearded dragons?

Coccidia in bearded dragons are difficult to treat but the cure is present. If not treated soon, it can even lead to the dragon’s death. After taking notice of the symptoms, it is very important to take the bearded dragon to a veterinarian.

Why do bearded dragons have a high coccidia count?

Bearded Dragons are creatures of habit, and are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Nearly all of them suffer from relocation stress, to some degree, and as a result, their coccidia counts will become higher than normal.

What kind of parasites does a bearded dragon have?

Coccidia are tiny parasites that live in the wall of bearded dragon’s intestine. Coccidia are even present in a healthy bearded dragon, but there are some factors that help Coccidia grow and reproduce quickly. One of the causes of Coccidia is stress.

What should I do with my bearded dragon?

Fabrics may tolerate soaking in boiling water. Remember that the bearded dragons stress is a factor in coccidia. Ensure your bearded dragon has somewhere to hide. Torn up newspaper in a pile may give some comfort for hiding in to reduce stress while other accessories are missing.