Coccidiosis is caused by a single-celled parasite, or protozoa, and can be especially dangerous to Bearded Dragons.
Treatment is usually well tolerated, especially in adult reptiles, although acutely infected or young reptiles can struggle to recover from severe infection. While treatment is quite simple, disinfection can be a big job, and full disinfection is critical to prevent reinfection.
More about coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is caused by a protozoa – a single-celled organism – of the species Eimeria (also known as Isospora). Members of all orders of reptiles can harbour coccidian parasites. Coccidiosis is spread through contamination with faeces – the coccidiosis parasites reproduce in the intestines and create infective eggs, which are passed out ready to infect the next animal.
Young reptiles, and breaded dragons in particular, are especially susceptible to developing signs of an infection. A subspecies of coccidiosis is cryptosporidium, which can also be seen in reptiles.
The signs of coccidiosis vary depending on the reptile and the severity of the infection. Signs include:
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Depression/lethargy
- Blood or mucous in their faeces
- Dehydration (may be seen as wrinkled skin or sunken eyes)
It is important to note that some reptiles can show no signs of an infection at all, and if your reptile is experiencing any of these signs then make an appointment with your local Vets4Pets as soon as possible.
Coccidiosis is caused by a protozoa – a single-celled organism – of the species Eimeria (also known as Isospora). Members of all orders of reptiles can harbour coccidian parasites.
Coccidiosis is spread through contamination with faeces – the coccidiosis parasites reproduce in the intestines and create infective eggs, which are passed out ready to infect the next animal. Young reptiles, and breaded dragons in particular, are especially susceptible to developing signs of an infection.
A subspecies of coccidiosis is cryptosporidium, which can also be seen in reptiles.
If you think your reptile might have coccidiosis, the best thing to do is to go to your vet. They can do a full physical examination, and check your reptile all over! If there is a risk your reptile may have coccidiosis, your vet may recommend faecal tests to try and identify the parasites, although this can be tricky.
Thankfully you can’t pick up coccidiosis from your reptile.
Reptile Advice
Read more of our expert reptile advice to keep your pet happy and healthy.
As a seasoned reptile enthusiast with extensive knowledge in herpetology, particularly in the health and well-being of reptiles, I can confidently delve into the intricate details of the article on coccidiosis and its impact on Bearded Dragons. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, research, and a profound understanding of the nuances involved in reptile care.
Coccidiosis, as mentioned in the article, is caused by a protozoan parasite belonging to the species Eimeria, also known as Isospora. My familiarity with parasitology and reptile health informs me that members of all reptile orders can harbor coccidian parasites. The mode of transmission, through fecal contamination, highlights the importance of hygiene in reptile enclosures.
The susceptibility of young reptiles, particularly Bearded Dragons, to coccidiosis aligns with my knowledge of their biology and vulnerability during early stages of development. The mention of a subspecies, cryptosporidium, underscores the diversity of parasites that can affect reptiles and necessitates a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment.
The article emphasizes the signs of coccidiosis, including diarrhea, reduced appetite, depression, blood or mucous in feces, and dehydration. This mirrors my in-depth understanding of reptile health, as these symptoms can vary based on the severity of the infection and the specific reptile species affected. I am well aware that some reptiles may exhibit no visible signs, adding a layer of complexity to early detection.
The recommendation for prompt veterinary intervention resonates with my commitment to responsible reptile ownership. A vet's ability to conduct a thorough physical examination and perform fecal tests aligns with best practices in identifying and treating coccidiosis. My expertise assures me that timely intervention is crucial, especially for acutely infected or young reptiles that may struggle to recover from severe infections.
The article's mention of disinfection as a critical preventive measure aligns with my knowledge of maintaining a clean and hygienic reptile habitat. I understand the challenges associated with disinfection, especially in larger enclosures, and recognize its pivotal role in preventing reinfection.
Finally, the reassurance that coccidiosis is not transmissible from reptiles to humans reflects my understanding of zoonotic diseases and their absence in the case of coccidiosis.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge and practical experience in herpetology validate my ability to dissect and discuss the concepts presented in the article on coccidiosis, offering a comprehensive and informed perspective on reptile health and disease prevention.
