Intestinal Parasites are common in chameleons and other reptiles. Wild caught chameleons have a reputation of having intestinal parasites..although this is true , parasites can effect Captive bred as well as Wild caught Chameleon.
A chameleon may have parasites but not show any symptoms until they have advanced too far.. Early detection is key! That is why it is recommended to have a fecal exam every 6 month to a year so you can treat for the parasites before they get out of hand.
Here is a video on how to do your own fecal floats at home.
Items you will need:
Gloves
Fecal Solution (Fecal-med or Fecalsol) http://www.revivalanimal.com/Fecasol.html?
Eye Dropper Syringe or bottle
http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Transfer-Pipettes-Gradulated-Pack/dp/B005IQTSE0/ref=pd_sim_indust_3
Fecalizer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O1JIFC/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Glass Slides and slip covers
http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-Pre-C...-Coverslips/dp/B005OZ9H9G/ref=pd_sim_indust_5
Microscope capable of 200x and 400x magnification (the one I use is a celestron 44340)
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-443...UTF8&qid=1370713940&sr=1-2&keywords=celestron
"Understanding Reptile Parasites" book or a parasite identification chart
http://www.chameleonforums.com/bookstore/reptile-parasites/
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Parasitechart.html
A fresh stool sample (Fresher the Better!)
A chameleon may have parasites but not show any symptoms until they have advanced too far.. Early detection is key! That is why it is recommended to have a fecal exam every 6 month to a year so you can treat for the parasites before they get out of hand.
Here is a video on how to do your own fecal floats at home.
Items you will need:
Gloves
Fecal Solution (Fecal-med or Fecalsol) http://www.revivalanimal.com/Fecasol.html?
Eye Dropper Syringe or bottle
http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Transfer-Pipettes-Gradulated-Pack/dp/B005IQTSE0/ref=pd_sim_indust_3
Fecalizer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006O1JIFC/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Glass Slides and slip covers
http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-Pre-C...-Coverslips/dp/B005OZ9H9G/ref=pd_sim_indust_5
Microscope capable of 200x and 400x magnification (the one I use is a celestron 44340)
http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-443...UTF8&qid=1370713940&sr=1-2&keywords=celestron
"Understanding Reptile Parasites" book or a parasite identification chart
http://www.chameleonforums.com/bookstore/reptile-parasites/
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Parasitechart.html
A fresh stool sample (Fresher the Better!)
