Cryptosporidiosis in reptiles

Re: Cryptosporidiosis in reptiles

Mark Rowland — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:40:09 GMT

I think the things you have to consider here are the needs of the client and the Tegu:

In a case like this I would probably want to do repeat faecal samples and a gastric lavage rather than intestinal biopsies which may not give you anything new. If intestinal biopsies are positive then you are there. But if negative, would you still be confident reintroducing it? I dont think I would be. Also if the species is phylogenetically predelected to the stomach then intestinal biopsies will be of no use.

What are you trying to achieve with the TMS. Elimination? you wont be successful. Reduction of shedding? Even if you achieve this, shedding will recommence as soon as the TMS is stopped. Are you therefore suggesting TMS forever (if it works). If this Tegu is positive for a pathogenic crypto, it will likley become clinical at some point and will then require euthanasia. You may then have a cross owner on your hands who may feel he has been putting his snakes through unacceptable risk. Remember, the oocysts are VERY stable so disinfection is unlikley to completely eliminate the parasite.

The Tegu needs a chance to clear its name so to speak so i would isolate and do several repeat tests using acid fast on faecal and gastric lavage. Cheaper and more effective imo than surgery. Cover yourself though. You will not be able to say to the client that it is definately clear of the parasite. The problem in this case is that species identification is difficult. There will be molecular tests available (they are in the US at present) which will clear this up.

I have had a 2nd op case like this where undiagnosed cryopto in a monitor went on to affect a bearded dragon and some of the owners snakes with fatal consequences so you have to treat carefully and to me I would consider this animal to be highly suspicious until you have got tests to the contrary and then wouldnt be 100%. i would go with isolation, several repeat faecals, gastric lavage and rehomong if still positive but clinically well or back with the client with no hard and fast guarantees.

But thats just me

Re: Cryptosporidiosis in reptiles

Marie Kubiak — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:55:12 GMT

How was this tegu diagnosed? If only on presence of oocysts in a faecal sample then there is a significant chance that these could be artefacts from prey item infections.

I would be reluctant to consider euthanasia in a clinically healthy animal without taking intestinal biopsies to actually confirm an active infection and even then would be reluctant. I have had good success in these atypical species with oral TMPS - it doesn't completely eliminate infection but reduces shedding of oocysts which makes these animals lower risk in a collection though isolation and barrier hygiene is still always recommended.

Marie

Re: Cryptosporidiosis in reptiles

Mark Rowland — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:42:42 GMT

Hello Violaine

Crypto is occasionally seen in reptiles other than geckos or snakes. Regurgitation is the most common sign followed by neuro signs. This tegu will be a risk to the others and the disease is devastating as you know in a snake or a gecko if clinical. Its incurable, I wouldnt bother with the TMS. If anything I would go with probiotics. There is likleyhood for transmission, but studies are lacking sadly.

This tegu should really be rehomed or poss pts if the diagnosis is confirmed. It shouldnt be near the others imo. Shame to pts a tegu, they are nice reptiles. Cant they rehome it?

Hope yo are well, where are you working now?

Goodluck, Mark

Re: Cryptosporidiosis in reptiles

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:28:44 GMT

I have no idea about the reptile aspect of the question (I just googled to see what a tegu was) but if that animal is positive and shedding then likely all the others are carriers too. With calves once you have the infection it is almost impossible to treat but the environment is likely contaminated forever.

I wouldn't be in a rush to kill the asymptomatic carrier.

I found the following article that seems well written