pinworms and poss. coccidia

Well, I had a float done yesterday. It came up positive for pinworms which I expected and possibly coccidia. They said they are sending out the sample and I should have the results today. They were not sure what they were seeing but described it as "ghost-like".

A couple of questions though. I have searched the forums for info on Panacur which the vet gave me. 1ml for five days. I've read that it causes dehydration and diarehea and it also destroys some of the intestinal bacteria helpful in breaking down food. So do I feed, or do I wait and if so approx. how long.

Also do I disinfect the cage as well?

Thanks

It's always better to be on the safe side. You snake will be cleansing it's system of parasites and their eggs, so I would definitely disinfect after the next bm or two.

Now about the feeding... hmmm. I would suggest calling your vet, but I think it would be easier on your snakes digestive tract to skip a feeding.

Thanks. In general I normally clean the tub after a bowel movement. I will however disinfect the tub to be on the safe side.

I think it may be just as well to skip this week's feeding. I haven't started the treatment yet b/c I wanted to have some more info.

Ivylea,

Kashmire had internal parasites and was treated with Panacur back in July. I waited one week after his first dose to offer food. I also waited a week after his second dose to offer food. So basically, Week 1 - Panacur, Week 2 - Feed, Week 3 - Panacur, Week 4 - Feed (and then offer food once a week after that).

I also thoroughly disinfected his enclosure after each dosage.

They should give him 2 doses - two weeks apart.

Hmmm, just read that he has 5 days of dosages (all in the same week?). In that case, I'd give him his medication, and then give him a full week after the last dosage before offering food. Disinfect the enclosure after the last dosage.

I was actually hoping you'd respond b/c of your past with Kashmire. I believe it was your posts I was checking on prior to posting my own. I figured you had a recent history with parasites (none of your own :) ) and could give me your take on what you did.


Thanks

My pleasure! And thank you to Joanna for alerting me to your thread!


I know I was freaked out when Kashmire got them, but having gone through it, it's not as big an ordeal as I made it out to be in my head!

Adam can attest that I was convinced that Kashmire would not survive! LOL

It's good you got her tested and that you're getting her treated!