Can a regular vet treat parasites or should I go to a reptile specific doctor?

[bberry820]

I was doing my routine cage cleaning and I noticed what I am almost certain are parasites in the bottom of one of my plants. Sometimes my chameleon will walk around on the bottom of the enclosure for no reason and will step in the water containing these worms. I want to get him checked out ASAP but I want to make sure I take him to a vet that can treat him. Is a normal vet sufficient for this treatment or is a reptile specific vet needed? Also does anyone have any recommendations on a reptile vet in south west Florida?

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi. Usually only a vet experienced with reptiles will see and treat reptiles. There are several great vets experienced with chameleons here in Florida, but I’m not sure about who is closest to your area. I go to Dr Bruce Bogoslavsky in Orlando https://myavho.com/ In the keys there’s https://marathonvet.com/ that I believe Dr Mader is at.

 

[jannb]

I would recommend a reptile vet with chameleon experience, to make sure they can properly ID the parasite and give the proper meds for that particular parasite and the correct dose. Where do you live? I might be able to recommend a good vet.

@MissSkittles Dr. Mader retired a year and a half ago.

 

[Kaizen]

I was doing my routine cage cleaning and I noticed what I am almost certain are parasites in the bottom of one of my plants. Sometimes my chameleon will walk around on the bottom of the enclosure for no reason and will step in the water containing these worms. I want to get him checked out ASAP but I want to make sure I take him to a vet that can treat him. Is a normal vet sufficient for this treatment or is a reptile specific vet needed? Also does anyone have any recommendations on a reptile vet in south west Florida?

Reptile vets are recommended. Dosage and kinds of medication are different for chameleons. Try : https://arav.org/

 

[Kaizen]

Reptile vets are recommended. Dosage and kinds of medication are different for chameleons. Try : https://arav.org/

Further to my last, many of the most common parasites do not have an adult phase outside their host. They often just shed eggs, and are often microscopic. If your Cham is sick, by all means go to the vet, but what you’re seeing might not be a chameleon parasite.

 

[bberry820]

I would recommend a reptile vet with chameleon experience, to make sure they can properly ID the parasite and give the proper meds for that particular parasite and the correct dose. Where do you live? I might be able to recommend a good vet.

@MissSkittles Dr. Mader retired a year and a half ago.

I live in Fort Myers

 

[bberry820]

Further to my last, many of the most common parasites do not have an adult phase outside their host. They often just shed eggs, and are often microscopic. If your Cham is sick, by all means go to the vet, but what you’re seeing might not be a chameleon parasite.

Here are what they look like. They were in the plant water

 

[jannb]

I live in Fort Myers

My chameleon friend used this bet in Ft. Myers.

Dr. Medlin
(239) 225-9778

 

[Beman]

Those are from the plants.... Not the cham. I second what @Kaizen said above.

 

[bberry820]

My chameleon friend used this bet in Ft. Myers.

Dr. Medlin
(239) 225-9778

Dr. Medlin has actually treated my animals previously so Im glad for the referral

 

[bberry820]

Those are from the plants.... Not the cham. I second what @Kaizen said above.

Thank you that is very reassuring!

 

[TayloredExotics]

Might be nematodes; can't really tell size from your picture

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Further to my last, many of the most common parasites do not have an adult phase outside their host. They often just shed eggs, and are often microscopic. If your Cham is sick, by all means go to the vet, but what you’re seeing might not be a chameleon parasite.

There's no way to tell without proper identification by someone qualified.

A fecal test can be done by any veterinarian (and are often done by vet techs).
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fecal-flotation

For treatment, I would go to the most experienced with chameleons or reptiles that I could find.

 

[JacksJill]

Those are earthworms from the plants but getting your chameleon checked for parasites is always a good idea. Jannb knows all the best vets. You want a vet who sees reptiles enough to keep current on newer medications and dosages for chameleons.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Don't all earthworms have a prominent clitellum?

 

[JacksJill]

The darkened area in the second photo is in the right location to be the clitellum.

 

[MissSkittles]

Don't all earthworms have a prominent clitellum?

The darkened area in the second photo is in the right location to be the clitellum.

Come on folks! This is a family friendly forum here.

 

[kinyonga]

Earthworms is exactly what I first thought when I saw the clitellum...but I don't know all the chameleon parasites well enough to know for sure... so didn't say anything. Glad @JacksJill confirmed it for me!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I'm not sure that it is. It may be in the right place, but is not what I'd call prominent—even enlarging by 400%. Also, there's no similar marking on the first pic.

I'd still take a sample to a vet for a fecal exam.

 

[kinyonga]

After looking online, I think only leeches and earth worms have a clitellum...and it's not prominent until the worm is sexually mature.

I suppose the only way to know what it is is to take it to someone who would know or keep it and see what happens with it.