Important question about Kevin please help!

[Jay ray]

So Kevin's bowl movement had two worms that were living just now. He was treated two weeks ago with a dewormer the vet gave us and I have never seen anything in his droppings until today...and in my dismay I scooped up the poo examined it and flushed it...damn! Anyways should the worms be expelled like that? He is on two other antibiotics currently Enrofloxacin and itraconazole...we also treat his burn with flamazine cream....any insight on this new development?

 

[Alexl]

First: Which worm species did your chameleon have? Of cause dead worms leave gut via feces, but there shouldn't be living worms inside two weeks after a successfull treatment. Seems it wasn't that successfull, cause most nematodes need somewhat more than two weeks for a whole life cycle including such a high parasite burden you can see adult worms in feces with the naked eye. Was there a second treatment in between? Normally you don't deworm only once. Antibiotics do nothing against worms, they fight bacteria. Which was the dewormer you gave your chameleon?

What you need to do now: Take your chameleon's next feces to your reptile vet or your chameleon for a cloacal flush. Thereby your vet can identify the parasites you've seen and give your chameleon proper treatment again. Did you clean and disinfect the cage? Otherwise your chameleon can reinfect himself again.

 

[kinyonga]

I have seen chameleons expel live worms when they are being treated for parasites. If you had kept the worms the vet might have been able to I'D them easier. Are you supposed give the chameleon a second dose about now (two weeks after the first dose)?

Why is he on itraconozole?

 

[Jay ray]

Kevin has a serious burn and he did have a respiratory infection....I will be going to the vet tomorrow

 

[Lovereps]

Just wondering how Kevin is doing. Poor little guy has had it rough.

 

[Jay ray]

Kevin is doing quite well although we are really struggling to put on weight...any suggestions? He is currently still having bug smoothy and lots of water but not gaining weight...he is free of parasites so we are still a little worried...his thermal burn is still on the mend also he has had a really rough go of it!!!

 

[tony19]

Poor guy hope he makes a full recovery.....

 

[Lovereps]

Perhaps another fecal exam is needed to be sure all the parasites have been eradicated.
It often takes more than a single deworming treatment to kill off all the nasties.
Also, it depends on the type/types of parasites but some can reinfect the same cham if eggs or larvae are present in the enclosure and others cannot.
The best type of fecal matter is super fresh, as both a fecal smear and a fecal float can then be done.
Is Kevin underweight? Maybe he is using more calories than usual because he is burning them to heal both the parasite damage and his burn.
Out of curiousity, did your vet prescribe Metronidazole or Fenbendazole?

 

[Jay ray]

Fennel was the prescription and we did do two rounds of it...I agree he may be burning more calories healing both situations it's just a constant worry for us...though his strength is amazing and he is extremely active! Thanks for replying I have had such great help from a few key members on this forum i am sure the help provided from good advice has saved Kevin's life

 

[Jay ray]

Oops sorry fenbendazole...I am a chef so that's a funny error

 

[Lovereps]

No worries, I knew what you meant.
FWIW, another fecal just to be safe, is a wise investment.
I'm glad he is feeling so much better!