to worm or not to worm?

[argus333]

who on here worms there tortoises? i used to do it once a yr then i stopped as i read it could be bad. i would just do panacure 2 doses 2 weeks apart once a yr. all has been fine but 1 sulcata just tested positive for hook worms. all others have nothing. 2 leopards and 2 other sulcata. live outside. ive been trying pumpkin seeds ground up but dont really know amount.

 

[wellington]

My leopards is 2 1/2 years and I have never wormed him. Unless there is a sign I need too, I won't. I don't believe in medicating for nothing. If they have something, then medicate. That's my opinion.

 

[deadheadvet]

It's really important to have the type of nematode identified, not just hookworms. Make sure the sample is sent out to a reference lab and get it analyzed before throwing meds at the tortoise, may really be nothing.

 

[argus333]

ok cool no problem.

 

[Leo1986]

I had to deworm my Leo's because of a huge worm burden... All young torts and failed to gain weight despite appetite. Checked a fecal sample... Wall to wall pins...dewormed with panacur (which was not easy) and they are going gangbusters....
I owe a lot of thanks to the wisdom of the people on this forum!

 

[AnnV]

So when a fecal is checked, is there a specific "tortoise" test that has to be run. At specified labs only?
I have a veterinary hospital right next to my shop. They are not exotics specialists. But they can probably send out fecals for me.

 

[Yvonne G]

When I first got into turtles and tortoises I was taught to worm my animals twice a year with Panacur. I have since learned to stop that practice. Now I don't worm at all. If I notice an animal is a bit off, I'll take in a sample to be checked for worm eggs. Now I only worm if there is a reason to. No more preventative de-worming for me.

 

[jshaw9_]

So symptoms are no weight gain and the eggs in their 'poop'??

 

[deadheadvet]

Direct smear is probably most important for water turtles because they are more prone to protozoal infections. We send off all fresh fecal samples to a reference lab. Has to be fresh as in tortoise just defecated. Then refrigerated. Reference lab will get higher yield on positives and identify the parasites. Then you can decide to treat or not to treat. Obviously the best way to get a fresh sample is to soak these tortoises for 20-30 minutes. Collect the feces in a clean container and have the vet send it out.

 

[Dizisdalife]

I don't medicate without a diagnosis. My sulcata did have pin worms when he was less than a year old and was treated with panacur. Since then I take a fecal sample to my Vet every 12 to 18 months just to be sure. A friend is a Vet Tech and he does his own exams at home (he has several tortoises and other reptiles). He offered to teach me how, but I since it is only once a year or less I prefer to have a Vet/Lab do it.