Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms commonly in dogs. Campylobacter in reptiles is thought to be more common than we actually think, acting as reservoirs that can then infect people or dogs.
Blog Post
Coccidia in Bearded Dragons
Ross Ashley Machin - Veterinary Surgeon • Aug 23, 2022
More than one species
The Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the two species of the Pogona genre that we see frequently kept as pets in the United Kingdom.
One of the most common parasites that we come across would be Isospora amphiboluri, a coccidian parasite that colonises the intestinal tract following faecal-oral transmission.
Isospora amphiboluri is the most common species of coccidia that infects Bearded Dragons in the United Kingdom. Symptoms may include anorexia, lethargy, diarrhoea, weight loss and failure to thrive. They may also be asymptomatic, showing no clinical signs at all. Some individuals, especially the very young or those with underlying disease, may become very ill and require urgent treatment. Prognosis is generally considered good in most cases, although more than one treatment course may be required.
Over the last few years we have seen an increase of another coccidian parasite: Choleoeimeria sp.. These are different morphologically to Isospora and may cause more serious disease in reptiles, possibly ascending in to the bile ducts (liver). Treatment is usually indicated and can be ineffective in many cases.
In recent years we have seen a decrease in Bearded Dragons becoming seriously ill due to coccidia overall. We believe this is mainly due to reptile keepers testing their dragons more frequently and especially during the quarantine period following the new pet arrival.
Parasite Testing is an essential tool for any reptile keeper who is concerned about animal welfare. All of our levels of reptile testing will check for these parasites.
