Coccidia in bearded dragons, Protozoa known as coccidia, cause intestinal tract infections called coccidiosis, which can harm both humans and animals. In bearded dragons, this infection can significantly impact their health. Adult bearded dragons typically tolerate treatment, but young ones may struggle to recover.
Bearded dragons are sensitive and can fall ill easily if they experience discomfort, a poor diet, or other issues. Diseases and illnesses spread rapidly among them.
Causes of Coccindia in Bearded Dragons
Coccidia spreads through feces. If your bearded dragon encounters infected stools, it may step on them, or its tail might swish through and touch the feces. As it moves around the enclosure, it can leave infected footprints behind.
When you feed your bearded dragon, food that falls into these contaminated areas may come into contact with feces. If your pet eats that food, it will ingest the coccidia parasite. This process, known as oral transmission, is the most common way coccidia and similar diseases spread among animals.
Other causes can be:
- Poor diet
- Unhygienic environment
- Overcrowded enclosures
Symptoms of Coccidia in Breaded Dragons
Coccidia is a microscopic parasite that invades the gastrointestinal tract. Isospora amphiboluri, a species of coccidia, commonly affects bearded dragons. This disease can be life-threatening, especially for lizards in captive or enclosed environments. Coccidia spreads through infected feces, and once ingested, it lays eggs along the intestines.
The symptoms of coccidia are:
- Watery dropping/feces
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Swollen abdomen
- Slow growth
- Dehydration
- Weight Loss
- Stress
Diagnosis and Common Tests Performed By Veterinarians
Fecal Flotation
Going to the vet for professional care is the best option when your pet is sick. The vet will review your bearded dragon’s medical history and perform a physical exam to assess its condition.
Fecal flotation is the most common test for detecting coccidia in bearded dragons. It checks for intestinal parasites by examining your pet’s fecal matter under a microscope for parasite eggs.
Sometimes, eggs may not be visible, so a more sensitive fecal flotation test is used. This test identifies mature eggs of the parasite. The number of oocysts helps the vet make an accurate diagnosis.
As coccidia parasites vary, your vet may conduct additional tests to identify the specific parasite affecting your bearded dragon.
Passive Flotation
This test uses a disposable kit. Start by placing a small sample of feces into the container. Add the flotation solution and gently mash the feces to break it down. Fill the container to the top, ensuring not to spill any.
Allow the container to sit for 15-20 minutes so the particles settle at the bottom. Any parasite eggs will float to the top of the liquid solution, sticking to the coverslip. Carefully remove the coverslip and place it under a microscope to observe the eggs.
Centrifugal Flotation
This technique is commonly used because it effectively identifies parasite eggs. A feces sample is placed in a centrifuge tube, and a chemical solution is added until the meniscus forms slightly rounded. A coverslip is then placed over the sample, which is spun at 1000-1500 RPM for 3-5 minutes. Afterward, the sample is examined under a microscope.
This method reduces the time required for debris and eggs to separate and settle.
Antigen Testing
Antigen testing can quickly identify the type of parasites, even before parasite eggs are present. These enzymes detect parasite antigens from the secretions of adult bearded dragons before the eggs hatch.
Other Tests
Besides the tests mentioned above, the vet may conduct additional tests to identify coccidia.
- X-rays
- PCR test
- Blood test
- Blood count
- Plasma testing
How to Treat Coccidia in Bearded Dragons?
It’s best to treat coccidia in bearded dragons early. As it progresses, the parasite strengthens, and the dragon’s body weakens, making it harder to fight the infection. Although coccidia can seem challenging to treat, you can eliminate it by following a specific treatment plan with a medication called Albon, prescribed by a vet after diagnosis. Administering the drug may be challenging, but it’s essential for recovery. Keeping your bearded dragon’s environment clean and hygienic throughout the treatment and recovery process is crucial. Prevent relapses by maintaining good hygiene for both you and your pet.
5 Tips to Protect your Bearded Dragon Against Coccidia
Keep a Clean Environment
Your bearded dragon’s enclosure must remain clean to prevent bacteria from spreading. Leftover food can attract insects and flies, which carry diseases. Clean up any waste immediately and sanitize the area to eliminate coccidia bacteria.
Change the water bowl daily. Although bearded dragons don’t drink much water, they still need fresh water each morning. Dust and particles accumulate in the water during the day, which can be ingested. Also, clean the food and water bowls daily, as they are essential for your dragon’s health.
Regular Fecal Checks
It’s essential to check your bearded dragon’s poop occasionally. You might notice discarded shells of hatched eggs from a parasite.
Isolate-Infected Bearded Dragons
If you have more than one bearded dragon and one becomes infected, quarantine it immediately. This will help prevent the disease from spreading to your healthy bearded dragon. During this time, keep them apart. To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant and maintain personal hygiene. Please do not use any items that were used with the infected bearded dragon, and store them separately. Take all necessary precautions.
Avoid Stress
Most stress for bearded dragons comes from sudden changes in their food or enclosure. You can identify your bearded dragon’s needs and provide for them. Avoid forcing your bearded dragon to do anything. Instead, encourage its natural behavior and allow it to be.
Don’t Overcrowd Enclosures
If you have 2-3 bearded dragons, it’s best not to house them together in one habitat. Bearded dragons can grow 16-24 inches long and weigh 0.6-1.1 pounds, so they require ample space to move and stay active.
Use separate cages for each, or one large cage. However, larger cages pose a higher risk of contamination due to the concentration of bacteria. Clean and disinfect the cage regularly with chemicals to maintain a safe environment.
Conclusion
Coccidia is a dangerous parasite that can seriously harm bearded dragons. Exposure to it can lead to severe illness or even death. Early signs of coccidia infection include eggshells from hatched parasite larvae in the colon. Other symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, watery stool, and a swollen abdomen.
To prevent infection, ensure your bearded dragon’s cage or enclosure stays clean. If any of these symptoms appear, take your pet to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ
Can I catch coccidia from my bearded dragon?
You cannot catch coccidia from your bearded dragon. It is not a zoonotic disease.
Can coccidia kill a bearded dragon?
Yes, it’s possible. If left untreated, coccidia can potentially kill your bearded dragon. Coccidia has a 15% mortality rate in young bearded dragons.
Is coccidia common in bearded dragons?
Coccidia is commonly found in captive bearded dragons, particularly in the United Kingdom.