Site Menu
 

  Home
  About  Dr. Gecko
  Link To Dr. Gecko
  Contact Dr. Gecko
   
  Captive Husbandry
  What Is A Gecko?
  Selecting A Gecko
  Housing Your Gecko
  Feeding Your Gecko
  Breeding Geckos
  Gecko Behaviors
Health & Medical
  Common Problems
  Medical Techniques
  Special Topics
  Therapeutics
  Veterinary Care
 

Glossary Of Terms
  References Cited
 

Therapeutics: Parasiticides
  Introduction
  This section was designed to provide you with a basic look into the more common medications used when dealing with internal parasites leopard geckos.  

It is important to remember that when using medications of any kind, that the leopard gecko be kept within its Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone to ensure the proper uptake and distribution of the medication.

When dealing with medical problems, proper personal hygiene, quarantine and disinfection techniques are absolutely necessary.  Treating the gecko alone without treating the environment will NOT eliminate the problem!

Please choose from the following drugs:

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common medical techniques and procedures.
  Fenbendazole - Panacur
  What is the brand name for fenbendazole?
  • Fenbendazole is more readily known as Panacur.

What is fenbendazole used for?

  • Fenbendazole belongs to a class of drugs known as anthelmintics and is a broad spectrum drug that is primarily used to treat nematode parasites. 

  • Anthelmintics (dewormers) tend to have a broad spectrum of activity, are non-toxic when used properly, easy to administer, relatively cost effective and fast-acting.

  • Used to eliminate various gastrointestinal parasites.

  • It has a direct effect on both migrating larvae and adult parasites.

What are the potential side effects and precautions?

  • It is a relatively safe drug when used properly.

  • Not uncommon to see dead worms in the stools after treatment.

  • Regurgitation may occur after administration - very rare though.

How is fenbendazole administered?

  • Although fenbendazole is available over-the-counter, it should never be administered to your leopard gecko without the guidance and supervision of your veterinarian.

  • Successful treatment of internal parasites will require more than one single dose - fenbendazole is not effective when given as a one-time dose.  To eradicate most nematodes, a minimum of 3 doses are required.

  • Typically administered orally (PO) using either as a suspension (using a round-tipped feeding needle) or as a paste.

  • Standard dosage is typically 25-50 mg/kg (or 10-20 mg/lb) given orally once every 7 days.

  • May also be given as 50 mg/kg split into 3 consecutive daily doses and then repeating the entire regimen in 10 days.

  • The duration of the treatment period will depend on the condition being treated, the gecko's response to the drug and any other conditions that may arise.

  • Be sure to complete the recommended treatment plan/prescription even if you notice your leopard gecko is feeling better.
  Metronidazole - Flagyl
  What is the brand name for metronidazole?
  • Metronidazole is more readily known as the prescription drug Flagyl.

What is metronidazole used for?

  • It is both an antibacterial agent and antiprotozoal agent that is used to treat (and sometimes prevent) bacterial infections and treat certain parasitic infections.

  • Commonly used to treat susceptible bacteria, infections and parasites such as Giardia, Amoebiasis and Trichmonas.

  • It is not effective against viruses.

  • This drug is metabolized by the liver and excreted into the urine via the kidneys.

What are the potential side effects and precautions?

  • Should not be administered to gravid leopard geckos.

  • Because it has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, it should not be used in geckos exhibiting signs of central nervous system problems, with the exception of bacterial menengitis/encephalitis.

  • Should not be administered to geckos with compromised hepatic (liver) function or if it is used, it is usually with a decreased dosage.

  • May be toxic at too high of a dosage.

  • Adverse effects could include: neurological problems, lethargy, paresis (weakness) and liver problems.

  • Signs of an overdose/toxicity could include neurological problems such as head-tilts, abnormal movements, tremors, disorientation, seizures, ataxia and more.

How is metronidazole administered?

  • This drug should never be administered to your leopard gecko without the guidance and supervision of your veterinarian.

  • Successful treatment of internal parasites will require more than one single dose - metronidazole is not effective when given as a one-time dose.  

  • Commonly administered in conjunction with an antibiotic.

  • Typically administered orally (PO) using as a suspension using a round-tipped feeding needle.  But it may also be administered IV or IM.

  • Standard dosage is typically 25-50 mg/kg (or 10-20 mg/lb) given orally once and then repeated in 3 or 4 days.

  • May also be given periodically at the same dose daily for 5 to 7 days for more serious problems such as Giardia and Amoebiasis.  

  • The duration of the treatment period will depend on the condition being treated, the gecko's response to the drug and any other conditions that may arise.

  • Be sure to complete the recommended treatment plan/prescription even if you notice your leopard gecko is feeling better.

Note:

  • Metronidazole may actually act as an appetite stimulant when being used to treat/eliminate bacterial populations and various protozoans.
  Praziquantel - Droncit
  What is the brand name for praziquantel?
  • Praziquantel is more readily known as the prescription drug Droncit.

What is praziquantel used for?

  • The control and elimination of cestodes (tapeworms).

  • The treatment of trematodes (flukes).

What are the potential side effects and precautions?

  • Adverse reactions could include anorexia, diarrhea and vomiting.

  • Inflammation and swelling may occur at the site of injection (if the drugs are administered IM).

How is praziquantel administered?

  • This drug should never be administered to your leopard gecko without the guidance and supervision of your veterinarian.

  • Successful treatment of internal parasites will require more than one single dose - praziquantel is not effective when given as a one-time dose.  

  • Typically administered orally (PO) using as a suspension (crushed tablet mixed with a liquid) using a round-tipped feeding needle.  But it may also be administered IV or IM.

  • Standard dosage is typically 5 mg/kg.

  • The duration of the treatment period will depend on the condition being treated, the gecko's response to the drug and any other conditions that may arise.

  • Be sure to complete the recommended treatment plan/prescription even if you notice your leopard gecko is feeling better.
  Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine
  What is the brand name for trimethoprim/sulfadiazine?
  • Trimethoprim/sulfadiazine is more readily known as the prescription drug Bactrim.

What is trimethoprim/sulfadiazine used for?

  • Are anti-bacterial and anti-coccidial in nature.

  • Can kill or suppress various intracellular parasites such as Coccidia and the microorganism responsible for Toxoplasmosis.

  • Not effective against Pseudomonas.

What are the potential side effects and precautions?

  • Some vets may choose to not administer these drugs to gravid geckos.

  • Should use caution when administering these drugs to geckos with impaired renal (kidney) function and severe dehydration.

  • Should not be used in geckos with hepatic (liver) impairment or even select blood disorders.

  • Side effects could include anorexia, diarrhea, anemia, liver inflammation and more.

How is trimethoprim/sulfadiazine administered?

  • This drug should never be administered to your leopard gecko without the guidance and supervision of your veterinarian.

  • Successful treatment of internal parasites will require more than one single dose - trimethoprim/sulfadiazine is not effective when given as a one-time dose.  

  • Typically administered orally (PO) using as a suspension (crushed tablet mixed with a liquid) using a round-tipped feeding needle.  But it may also be administered IV or IM.

  • Standard dosage is typically 50 mg/kg or 20 mg/lb orally for three consecutive days and then continued every 48 hours as needed.

  • Many veterinarians will advise the administration of additional fluids while these drugs are being used.

  • The duration of the treatment period will depend on the condition being treated, the gecko's response to the drug and any other conditions that may arise.

  • Be sure to complete the recommended treatment plan/prescription even if you notice your leopard gecko is feeling better.

Copyright 2002.  All Rights Reserved.  Disclaimer.