Breeder Sold Me A Chameleon With A Parasite
- Thread starter Banders675
- Start date
Banders675
Member
Banders675
Member
Health guarantee
I was assured that the animal was in good health and if any problems came up to contact them. Well we can see how that worked out now didn't we. So moving along.
Metronidazole
give 0.26cc by mouth once a day for 14 days.
Here is a bit of the email from my vet
"Irie's fecal results showed Entamoeba cysts, which can be commensal or pathogenic parasites of the gastrointestinal tract. The type of Entamoeba that can be pathogenic is E. invadens. Unfortunately, it is difficult to speciate Entamoeba - you either need to have a skilled pathologist review the sample, or a PCR DNA test (not yet commercially available), to tell the difference between commensal or pathogenic Entamoeba. I will usually treat reptiles for Entamoeba if they are carnivorous and symptomatic with Metronidazole (Flagyl) once daily for 14 days. If you notice any neurologic signs, lethargy or inappetance while Irie is taking this medication, please stop giving it and call our office right away."
I was assured that the animal was in good health and if any problems came up to contact them. Well we can see how that worked out now didn't we. So moving along.
Metronidazole
give 0.26cc by mouth once a day for 14 days.
Here is a bit of the email from my vet
"Irie's fecal results showed Entamoeba cysts, which can be commensal or pathogenic parasites of the gastrointestinal tract. The type of Entamoeba that can be pathogenic is E. invadens. Unfortunately, it is difficult to speciate Entamoeba - you either need to have a skilled pathologist review the sample, or a PCR DNA test (not yet commercially available), to tell the difference between commensal or pathogenic Entamoeba. I will usually treat reptiles for Entamoeba if they are carnivorous and symptomatic with Metronidazole (Flagyl) once daily for 14 days. If you notice any neurologic signs, lethargy or inappetance while Irie is taking this medication, please stop giving it and call our office right away."
ChamFreak
Avid Member
I think you have every right to be concerned on this and perhaps the breeder is busy or traveling due to the weekend (most are closed I would assume) I am sure that if a breeder is at a trade show they would make the situation right.
I am no vet however, sounded to me as if the cause could have been cause from more than one thing. People stated good facts, I agree that parasites could be from crickets but I am sure the breeder would want to protect his reputation and assist you in your time of need.
I think you have the right to panic, I would to but in my humble opinion I would say its the weekend, the breeder could be busy and would give him/her a chance to respond to make things right and after all, you do have the medicine needed to get your new baby on the mend (congrats btw) and see how things turn out monday
I am no vet however, sounded to me as if the cause could have been cause from more than one thing. People stated good facts, I agree that parasites could be from crickets but I am sure the breeder would want to protect his reputation and assist you in your time of need.
I think you have the right to panic, I would to but in my humble opinion I would say its the weekend, the breeder could be busy and would give him/her a chance to respond to make things right and after all, you do have the medicine needed to get your new baby on the mend (congrats btw) and see how things turn out monday
Banders675
Member
the show was in July
The show was in July. We started noticing the stool the day after we got him. He was already around 10 months old. I tried to contact the breeder. No response. We took him to the vet, they asked for a stool sample and it took a while for us to be home to get a fresh one. Now here we are trying to decide what to do. I'm worried the medication could damage him, but on the other hand not giving it to him could kill him. Both my other chams are fine. This guy is the sweetest and friendliest of the bunch and its horrible to have to deal with this.
The show was in July. We started noticing the stool the day after we got him. He was already around 10 months old. I tried to contact the breeder. No response. We took him to the vet, they asked for a stool sample and it took a while for us to be home to get a fresh one. Now here we are trying to decide what to do. I'm worried the medication could damage him, but on the other hand not giving it to him could kill him. Both my other chams are fine. This guy is the sweetest and friendliest of the bunch and its horrible to have to deal with this.
Chase
Chameleon Enthusiast
Have you tried sending a private message here in the forums?
Your time line is confusing me a little bit. How long have you had the medicine? What is stopping you from giving it to him now? Every medication has side effects. A lot of people use Flagyl without problems.
Chase
Seiryu
Established Member
Agreed, I'm a bit confused too.
I think this is what happened?
Banders bought a chameleon in July from someone on the forum. Day 1 it had runny stool so they took it to the vet. Now it's 2 months later and they are making a post about it because in 2 months the breeder has not responded.
Is that correct Banders?
Or was it. Chameleon bought in July, day 1 it had runny stool, but you just recently took it to the vet. Meanwhile breeder hasn't responded in months?
Chase
Chameleon Enthusiast
Either way, it still is weird. If it's the first scenario, why just now posting. they've also had the medication for two months and still haven't given it?
If it's the second scenario, why wait so long to take it to the vet if you thought there was an issue?
Banders675
Member
Dates
The show was July 20th, we brought him home and noticed the stool the next day. At first I thought he was dehydrated so I emailed said breeder, then watched him for a few days. Everything was fine he ate like horse and he was drinking water. I gave it a few days still his stool was runny. Then my girlfriend thought she saw bubbles coming from his mouth. We thought ok he has a RI so I called into work and took him straight to the vet on a Saturday morning.They gave him an injection, prescribed trimethoprim and panacur liquid, we left that day with a container for a stool sample. We gave him that medication for a week. He finished the medication and it took us a while almost 2 weeks to catch him while he was pooping. He is very sneaky and will not go if being watched, if he sees you near the cage he is more conserned with you letting him out than anything. When we finally got the sample we rushed it straight to the vet and it took them a week to get the results. That brings us to my post date. I got the medication the next day.
So the original vet visit was mid-late August. We thought the stool was due to diet or deytration. We gave it a few weeks, then went to the vet. So no we have not had the medication for months, we will be starting the medication tonight.
The show was July 20th, we brought him home and noticed the stool the next day. At first I thought he was dehydrated so I emailed said breeder, then watched him for a few days. Everything was fine he ate like horse and he was drinking water. I gave it a few days still his stool was runny. Then my girlfriend thought she saw bubbles coming from his mouth. We thought ok he has a RI so I called into work and took him straight to the vet on a Saturday morning.They gave him an injection, prescribed trimethoprim and panacur liquid, we left that day with a container for a stool sample. We gave him that medication for a week. He finished the medication and it took us a while almost 2 weeks to catch him while he was pooping. He is very sneaky and will not go if being watched, if he sees you near the cage he is more conserned with you letting him out than anything. When we finally got the sample we rushed it straight to the vet and it took them a week to get the results. That brings us to my post date. I got the medication the next day.
So the original vet visit was mid-late August. We thought the stool was due to diet or deytration. We gave it a few weeks, then went to the vet. So no we have not had the medication for months, we will be starting the medication tonight.
Banders675
Member
Vet
if I took my chams to the vet every time I got paranoid about something I'd be broke and the vet would have me committed. Any little thing with these guys and we are on it. We lost our Nosy be 2 Easters ago and have since watched our chams very close.
We emailed the breeder the next day and watched the Cham, we had no idea if he had been feed and watered or what. He even now seems health and happy.
if I took my chams to the vet every time I got paranoid about something I'd be broke and the vet would have me committed. Any little thing with these guys and we are on it. We lost our Nosy be 2 Easters ago and have since watched our chams very close.
We emailed the breeder the next day and watched the Cham, we had no idea if he had been feed and watered or what. He even now seems health and happy.
jannb
Chameleon Enthusiast
Fresh poop is excellent for a fecal but your poop doesn't have to be that fresh.
You also don't have to take it straight to the vets. I collect mine from the floor within an hour or so and put it in the frig in a ziplock back. I do my fecal later that evening when my husbands home from work to help me and I have even sent poop overnight to my vet and it's the next day when he does the fecal.
ataraxia
Avid Member
So, no health guarantee then. Part of owning a reptile is periodically doing fecals and treating. This is just another day in the park. Nothing cheap about owning a chameleon "."
As stated from other members. Flagyl is fine to give. I would suggest treating this animal as the veterinarian suggested.
As stated from other members. Flagyl is fine to give. I would suggest treating this animal as the veterinarian suggested.
Seiryu
Established Member
I agree, just treat the boy. You've already taken him to the vet. Flagyl shouldn't have any effect on him. Keep him well hydrated during treatment and if he starts going off food for a few days, then you possibly have something to worry about.
It seems odd the breeder wouldn't contact you though in a 2 month period and obviously if you are not happy with the way he does business, simply stay away from him for future purchases.
The other thing too is the poop might have looked fine at the breeders facility, but the stress of the show, the move and all of that could have caused the parasites to come forward. The breeder likely just didn't know.
It seems odd the breeder wouldn't contact you though in a 2 month period and obviously if you are not happy with the way he does business, simply stay away from him for future purchases.
The other thing too is the poop might have looked fine at the breeders facility, but the stress of the show, the move and all of that could have caused the parasites to come forward. The breeder likely just didn't know.
Lovereps
Avid Member
All other issues aside, I would expect a reply in response to my emails.
On the off chance that it is a spam-blocking program that has prevented your emails from reaching him or vice versa, a PM would be wise.
If there is still no response, then you will definitively know that the breeder lacks interest in the problem, as opposed to a case of unreceived emails.
If it is the case, then I would certainly not want to deal with the breeder again nor recommend him to others.
As for the medication, it is the only one that I'm aware of with the ability to combat entamoeba invadens and, if it was my chameleon, I would have done as the vet instructed without delay, unless the vet has failed you in the past--in which case I'd have been looking for a different vet.
I certainly would not have delayed treatment for a month.
After all this time has passed, if he is eating and growing and his poops look ok, I would be inclined to think that he had a commensal amoeba, rather than a pathogenic type.
No harm in asking your vet for an opinion to confirm or refute this.
You already know that the appearance of feces varies depending upon the feeders eaten.
Had the seller taken the time to respond, you would at least have known (maybe) if he had any issues with his chams.
On the off chance that it is a spam-blocking program that has prevented your emails from reaching him or vice versa, a PM would be wise.
If there is still no response, then you will definitively know that the breeder lacks interest in the problem, as opposed to a case of unreceived emails.
If it is the case, then I would certainly not want to deal with the breeder again nor recommend him to others.
As for the medication, it is the only one that I'm aware of with the ability to combat entamoeba invadens and, if it was my chameleon, I would have done as the vet instructed without delay, unless the vet has failed you in the past--in which case I'd have been looking for a different vet.
I certainly would not have delayed treatment for a month.
After all this time has passed, if he is eating and growing and his poops look ok, I would be inclined to think that he had a commensal amoeba, rather than a pathogenic type.
No harm in asking your vet for an opinion to confirm or refute this.
You already know that the appearance of feces varies depending upon the feeders eaten.
Had the seller taken the time to respond, you would at least have known (maybe) if he had any issues with his chams.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Parasites are part of insectivorous herp keeping. I wouldn't be horrified to find out that a new cham had parasites. Most chams carry some as they do get them from their feeders. The particular part of the parasite life cycle when testing happened to occur can affect the test results. They can be missed. The level can bloom with stress. Different feeder producers are more or less careful about their livestock's parasite load too. Do the fecals, get the result, treat as the result dictates. Its something you should do on a regular basis as part of basic health care. If your cham is acting normally, eating and drinking, active, and maintaining weight he will get over this pretty easily.
Banders675
Member
Still no word
We went Sunday and did not see him, heard he was there but he must have left after Saturday. I will never buy from that breeder again.
We went Sunday and did not see him, heard he was there but he must have left after Saturday. I will never buy from that breeder again.
Banders675
Member
After countless vet visits, holding him down to inject meds into his mouth and watching him struggle to fight off the parasites Irie passed away today. The vet was never able to pin point what he had exactly. I never got a phone call or email from the breeder. Out of site out of mind I guess, stay away from (Breeder Name Omitted)!!
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