List of Parasites in Reptiles

Like cats and dogs, reptiles can be the host of a variety of different parasitic infections. Some of these parasites live on the outside of the body, while others can infect the stomach, urinary tract or other areas of the body. Some parasites are harmless, but others can cause severe illness or death if left untreated.

  1. Nematodes

    • There are a number of different nematodes that can cause infestation and illness in reptiles, but the most common are pinworms, roundworms and hookworms. Pet reptiles can develop an infestation from eating live prey such as mice that have the worms in their bodies, or they can get it from being exposed to infected wild-caught reptiles. The symptoms of intestinal parasites are vomiting, abnormal bowel movements, diarrhea and weight loss. Sometimes the worms can be seen in the animal's stool. In some cases the worms can infect the lungs and cause respiratory infection or death. A veterinarian can treat the infection with de-worming medication.

    Ticks

    • Ticks are usually easy to see without the aid of a magnifying glass. These small, flat, round creatures are usually brown or black in color and can be found attached to the skin of reptiles. They feed on blood and become engorged as they eat, so they are easier to see after they have fed. Ticks are dangerous because they carry infections such as Lyme disease that can be transmitted to humans, and they can cause anemia in reptiles. A tick can be removed by grasping it by the head with a pair of tweezers and pulling firmly outward. It can then be killed by dropping it in a small container filled with rubbing alcohol.

    Mites

    • Mites are much smaller and harder to detect than ticks. They may cause crusting or open lesions in the skin. Some of the other symptoms of a mite infestation are loss of appetite or frequent rubbing against objects in the cage. Treating mites can be tricky. The standard treatment is a medication called Ivermectin, but this substance is lethal for turtles and tortoises. Soaking the animal in water for twenty minutes will drown the mites on the body, but will not affect mites on the head. Another option is to coat the reptile in olive oil, which will will suffocate the mites.

    Flagellates

    • Flagellates are a microscopic type of parasite that can invade a reptile's body. They cause urinary infections in turtles and intestinal diseases in snakes. Infestations can occur if turtles of different species are kept together in the same area or if their enclosure stays too warm during the night. A severe infestation can cause diarrhea, weight loss and dehydration. A veterinarian can diagnose a flagellate infection by examining the animal's urine or feces. The infection can be treated using antiprotozoal medication such as metronidazole.