Tips On Coccidiosis In Bearded Dragons

June 30th, 2009

Coccidiosis in bearded dragons is a condition caused by protozoans called Coccidia. Healthy dragons commonly have these protozoans albeit in relatively small amounts. Small amounts normally don’t cause any problems. However, a severe infestation can easily lead to problems. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Coccidiosis.

Cause

There is only speculation as to why dragons become infected with these protozoans. Some speculate that it can be passed from the mother during egg development. This would explain why normally healthy beardies have trace amounts of them. Oocysts, the immature form of Coccidia, can also be ingested by crickets and other insects and be passed to your dragon upon consumption.

Symptoms

A healthy dragon’s immune system will usually keep Coccidia in check. However, if it’s compromised by stress, parasites, or disease, the infestation may become severe and cause problems. Dragons with this condition usually experience diarrhea and stomach pain.

Bleeding of the digestive system walls is also common. Food displacement is also common. This may cause your beardie to experience malnutrition. Weakness and lethargy are other symptoms.

Diagnosis

Coccidiosis is usually an easy condition to diagnose. A stool sample from your bearded dragon will be analyzed. If the symptoms were indeed caused by Coccidia, then treatment will need to begin immediately because Coccidia are very contagious.

Treatment

Your beardie will need to take sulfur drugs to treat this condition. If he’s affected with this condition, you will need to keep your dragon in an isolation tank until it’s resolved. The tank needs to be kept extremely clean and sterile until the condition has been treated.

There are many things all owners need to learn about caring for bearded dragons. This includes things like bearded dragon enclosures. One of the greatest resources you’ll find to learn everything is bearded-dragon-care.net. So, stop by today to start learning everything you need to know.

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