parasites

Question
QUESTION: Hello there my ig has internal parasites. I've gone to the vet and got medicine but it seems like its not working. I clean cage wash food and water dish everyday. What am I doing wrong? It just keeps having bad diarrhea. Is there anything I can do? I also wash food thoroughly before feeding. How long does it take for medicine to work? It also eats. A lot.

ANSWER: Hi Phil,
Iguanas and other reptiles always have a small "load" of pin worms.  They actually need these for proper digestion.  It is when there are too many that it causes a problem.
As to medications, it depends on what type of parasite your ig has and the medication/dosage prescribed as to how long it takes to work, or if the proper medication was used for the type of parasite involved.  A good chart for meds/dosage can be found at
http://www.anapsid.org/resources/rxdose.html  I do want to mention that iguanas should never be given Ivermectin.
Chances are, you aren't doing anything wrong... Most medications for parasites need repeat treatments, some 2 wks apart, some 4 wks apart to eliminate both the adult(active) and eggs.
Igs are suppose to eat A LOT  many will eat a gallon or more a day.
As to having loose stools (true diarrhea is watery, multiple, frequent poops) you may want to ask the vet about prescribing some Flagyl for your ig.  Some foods are known to tighten up loose stools... plain, canned pumpkin is one of them..BUT...do not use much as that too much (Tablespoonful, adult, 6-10 lb ig) can have the opposite effect.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Diana! Never would of known all of that. And that chart was very helpful! And the canned pumpkin never even would of thought. But I'm too afraid I might over do it and make it worse ha. But I took stool sample to vet thinking the doc was in (should of called first!) Now I'm expecting a call on Monday instead of today and was wondering if that stool will be bad to examine because its kind of old by the time he looks at it. Also I just had bath/potty time and my little guys stool was formed. When this morning it wasn't. Now last night was last day for medicine so is it possible that it was medicine that was giving it messy stool? I'm really curious and trying to figure it out! Also since medicine it gained and kept its weight so that's good sign right? Thank you so much Diana and taking time to answer my questions. :)

Answer
Hi Phil,
yes, the medication can cause the loose stools..but generally it wouldn't firm up that quickly..but, heck..anything is possible!  
If the vet won't be checking the sample til Monday, then chances are, it will be useless by then...too much of a time span.  The fresher, the better.  Even if it is going to be a few hours between collecting the sample and getting it to the vet, it should be put in the fridge.
Also, when igs are given medications, their much needed gut bacteria levels can drop.  When this happens, they don't digest their foods properly so their gut bacteria needs a boost. It is the same as when humans take antibiotics and eating yogurt is recommended.  With the iguanas, its best to use a pro biotic. To replenish the needed gut bacteria you can use one of the following products.. bene bac...labeled for birds, approved for reptiles. nutri bac, acidolophliz+ or plain, human grade Acidophilus...... one capsule will dose for at least 2 days. most often 3-4 days of treatment is recommended but there is no problem with giving for a longer period of time on any of the products. They can also be given on a regular basis 2-3 times a week. BeneBac ..most larger pet stores should carry it...especially if they have birds... Acidophiliz+ I think Pets Mart carries it..if not....on line at www.reptilesupply.com
Hope this helps you out...or I should say helps you and your iguana out!!