Parasitology in Snakes, Lizards and Chelonians

Parasicic disease is one of the most common diseases in amphibians and reptiles. This text provides an overview for the reptile keeper of the many parasites found in reptiles, their biology and appropriate provisions derived from it. Different approaches to diagnosis and treatment are required depending on the life cycle of each parasite, some of which may be harmful to the keeper.
The text is aimed to provide the reptile keeper with Information for the early recog-nition of health problems in the animals in his care. Thereafter, consultation with a skilled veterinarian is imperative.

Various examination techniques, with faecal analysis being only one of them, are then used to reach a diagnosis and to identify the most successful treatment. This will often include efficient disinfection of all respective enclosures. The reptile keeper may get involved in the treatment measures depending on the proximity to the veterinary practice and his specific knowledge and understanding of the Situation. Most impor-tantly, parasitic disease requires fast, competent diagnosis. Losing valuable time due to inappropriate treatment by the keeper must be avoided.