Purging Parasites from the Bearded Dragon

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is susceptible to Isospora amphiboluri, a common parasite. Infection can be asymptomatic or cause signs such as anorexia and weight loss, predisposing the lizard to nutritional and bacterial infections. In this study, each group (n = 11 or 12 bearded dragons) received 1 of 4 treatments q24h for 21 days: saline solution (control), sulfadimethoxine, probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici), or herbal extract (oregano oil). The latter 2 treatments were selected based on suggested efficacy in other species. The lizards were housed individually in plastic boxes with ground corncob substrate; fecal samples were collected daily and cages completely disinfected q2wk; fecal flotation was performed using modified Sheather’s solution and the number of oocysts recorded.

No significant difference in the positive status of the control, probiotic, or oregano oil groups was noted. There was significant difference in positive status and number of oocysts shed over time in the sulfadimethoxine-treated group in weeks 2–4 compared with week 1. Statistically significant decreased shedding in the control group and insignificant decreased shedding in the probiotic and oregano oil groups suggest husbandry may be important in controlling disease, as removal of feces seemed to have prevented reinfection. Use of sulfadimethoxine at 50 mg/kg q24h for 21 days may eliminate or decrease oocyst shedding.

CommentaryIntestinal coccidiosis, a common disease of bearded dragons, can be particularly concerning in juvenile animals. This study may be useful with clients who opt to treat only with herbal supplements. Newer coccidiocidal drugs, such as ponazuril, which has shown promise in a clinical trial1 and in many anecdotal reports, were not discussed. In practice, I recommend the use of either a sulfonamide or one of the newer coccidiocidal drugs rather than an herbal supplement or probiotic.—Sarah Churgin, DVM

SourceEvaluation of three treatment modalities against Isospora amphiboluri in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Walden M, Mitchell MA. J EXOTIC PET MED 21:213-218, 2012.

1. The use of ponazuril to treat coccidiosis in eight inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Bogoslavsky BA. Proc Assoc Reptil Amphib Vet 21:8-9, 2007.