Cryptosporidiosis

 

Protozoa cause many infectious diseases in reptiles, one of which is a very serious parasitic infection called Cryptosporidiosis. This protozoan infection increases the thickness of the intestinal and stomach inner linings, thereby reducing their ability to function properly. Lizards are generally infected in the intestines, while in snakes the infection is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, cryptosporidiosis is untreatable in reptiles.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Thickening of the ridges along the lining of the gastrointestinal tract

 

Causes

 

An infection with the protozoa Cryptosporidium is due to your reptile’s contact with the following:

• Infected feces
• Infected regurgitated food
• Other infected reptiles

 

Diagnosis

 

If your reptile has Cryptosporidiosis, the veterinarian should locate a mass along its gastrointestinal tract during a physical examination. X-rays and endoscopic examinations, including gastric biopsies, are also valuable in confirming the diagnosis. It is advisable to bring any of your reptile's regurgitated food to the veterinarian, as well as stool samples from the animal.

 

Treatment

 

Although there is no medication to treat Cryptosporidiosis, the veterinarian may recommend supportive therapy to reduce your reptile’s symptoms and prolong its life, however, it will ultimately depend on the animal’s condition and symptoms.

 

Living and Management

 

It was once suspected that Cryptosporidiosis could be spread from reptiles to humans or other animals; this theory has since been disproven. The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium does, however, cause similar infectious diseases in humans and animals.

 

Prevention

 

Keeping your reptile separate from any new (or infected) reptile may help prevent the spread of Cryptosporidiosis.