reptile - Articles
Roundworm infection
Introduction
- Cause: infection with roundworms. Reptiles may be affected by oxyurids and ascarids.
- Signs: low burdens may be asymptomatic, heavy burdens may lead to weight loss and gastrointestinal signs, eg diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration. In reptiles, oxyurids are considered commensal in low numbers.
- Diagnosis: fecal parasitology (flotation, direct smear), identification of adult worm in feces/ vomitus.
- Treatment: fenbendazole, ivermectin (not chelonians, skinks, or indigo snakes), levamisole.
- Prognosis: usually good with treatment and addressing the environment.
Presenting signs
- Roundworms rarely cause disease in this species.
- Heavy burdens may lead to weight loss, poor coat and enteritis.
- Heavy burdens of oxyurids Oxyuriasis or ascarids in reptiles may lead to anorexia Anorexia, rectal prolapse Cloacal organ prolapse or intestinal obstruction Gastrointestinal obstruction. Low numbers of oxyurids in chelonians are thought to have a beneficial effect, stimulating GI motility and aiding digestion.
Acute presentation
- Small reptiles may present with intestinal obstruction Gastrointestinal obstruction due to very heavy parasite burden.
- Intestinal or cloacal prolapse Cloacal organ prolapse may also be seen with heavy burdens
Geographic incidence
- Most roundworms found worldwide.
- Baylisascaris procyonis (the raccoon roundworm) is found in North America (the geographical range of the raccoon.
Public health considerations
- Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, can infect a wide range of vertebrate animals, including humans, in which it may cause larva migrans.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- In snakes, the nematodes of concern are the Ophidascaris spp, Rhabdias spp and Strongyloides spp Snake parasitology overview.
- Oxyurids Oxyuriasis and strongyles are common in lizards Lizard parasitology overview and chelonians Chelonia parasitology overview and have a direct lifecycle in these species.
Predisposing factors
General
- Poor husbandry Chelonia husbandry Lizard husbandry Snake husbandry and hygiene, especially for parasites with direct lifecycle.
- Numerous animals in an enclosure, eg pet shops.
Pathophysiology
- Roundworms may have a direct or indirect lifecycle.
- Roundworm infections in most species are often subclinical but in heavy burdens clinical signs may be seen due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- In snakes, Ophidascaris spp infest the gastrointestinal tract, often causing abscesses
. - Rhabdias spp are known as lungworms in snakes and lizards because they migrate to the lungs and can cause respiratory signs Lower respiratory tract disease.
Epidemiology
- May see outbreaks of disease in groups with parasites with a direct lifecycle, from contamination of the environment.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Tang P K, Pellett S, Blake D & Hedley J (2017) Efficacy of a topical formulation containing Emodepside and Praziquantel (Profender® Bayer) against nematodes in captive tortoises. J Herpetol Med Surg 27 (3), 116-122 BioOne.
Other sources of information
- Eatwell K & Hedley J (2019) Parasitology In: BSAVA Manual of Reptiles. 3rd edn. Eds: Girling S J & Raiti P. BSAVA, UK. pp 411-442.
- McArthur S M, McLellan L & Brown S (2004) Gastrointestinal System. In: BSAVA Manual of Reptiles. 2nd edn. Eds: Girling S J & Raiti P. BSAVA, UK. pp 213.