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RE: I need some help!
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by theemojohnm on March 28, 2009
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Jon, I honestly have been looking up potential culprits since you sent me those pictures, and figured that i would post here rather than anhswer emails.
Quite honestly, I think that those dar colored "leech-like" parasites could be a number of different things. Everything from tapeworms to roundworms could be described in several diffetrent forms during the larval stage I suppose.
I will admit, this is a bit of a bizzare one, but, as karl has already stated, I too suspect toungueworm.
Do you know where this animal came from orginally? My first thoughts would be a wild-caught specimen, but still, as many 'reputable dealers' are proving nowadays, there is stilll a great possibility of these critters infecting captive-bred stock.
The only thing that sounds unusual to me, is that the animal is stil feeding, and shows no sign of illness or lethargy. This has me stumped a bit. I have observed similar parasitic infections in Nerodia (Northern watersnakes particularly), but they are almost excluviely freshwater leeches, and soley external. You say these critters were easy to remove from the inside tissue of the mouth? I am quick to conclude some sort of larval stage of intestinal "fluke" or tapeworm, but tongueworm does sound more likely.
Where exactly did you obtain this animal from, and what information do have have regarding where the specimen originally came from?
As far as I know (having limited experience in dealing with this particularl culprit), tongueworms is almost indefinitely fatal. However, you state that the animal is currenlty feeding, and shows no behavioral signs of major illness.
I hate to offer such a diagnoses, bu6t I enjoy this specimenas long as possible. There is still much that is unknown about reptilian parsites, and I suppose there is a slight chance the animal may make a full recovery.
Still, I would encourage isolating this specimen from th rest of your collection, as spread of parasites (and underlting disease) is a very critical concern.
I originally would have suggested not tampering with the delicate tissue on the inside of the animals mouth, but, if these critters seem easily removed, I don't see any harm (as long as you are careful) in removing as many of these critters as youmcan see. Although, no matter what they are, there are surely many more ready to hatch, and may be many in their larval or pupil stages ready to take over.
I really do feel bad in that this is the only adbvice I can give. Sometimes, you just have to let things thing run their course.
Hopefully, these "leech-like" parasites are something easily removed or curable and are not detrimenatl to the animals long-term health.
Do update us on the snakes progress.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola.
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RE: I need some help!
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by TheFifthDay on March 29, 2009
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I know that it was WC from Southern Kansas.
I'll keep everyone updated, but as of now he seems perfectly fine.
Thanks again,
Jon Short
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RE: I need some help!
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by theemojohnm on March 29, 2009
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Wow, that is what I get for trying to type after 20 hours straight with no sleep.
Ignore the typos, LOL.
Good luck with the snake Jon.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola.
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RE: I need some help!
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by TheFifthDay on March 29, 2009
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It's just so weird.. The snake is active, eating well for a racer, and very healthy (other than the fact it has some type of parasite).
You would never think this snake has parasites..
All I can do is hope for the best.
Thanks,
Jon Short
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RE: I need some help!
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by TheFifthDay on April 1, 2009
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Good news... They aren't tongue worms.
I sent some to a reptile vet and he said thay are flukes.
If anyone can teach me a little about these critters I would be really greatful.
Thanks for everything,
Jon Short
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RE: I need some help!
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by agkistrodude on April 2, 2009
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Flukes are very common especially in indigo snakes,hognose snakes king snakes and garter snakes. They are acquired by the ingestion of an affected intermediate host. As snails are a common intermediate host, flukes are often seen in aquatic turtles and reptiles that eat frogs and fish. Flukes found orally, within the respiratory system or on superficial tissues rarely cause damage.Affected snakes occasionally have a gaped mouth.Renal flukes have been reported in king snakes, indigos tropical ratsnakes, bushmasters, and boas, and can cause a chronic interstitial nephritis or kidney damage. Diagnosis is by observing adult flukes in the mouth, cloaca, or feces. Ova can be found in the feces, but less commonly. Fluke eggs are large , yellow-brown eggs with a solitary operculum at one end. Flukes are treated with Dronci(praaziquantel) at 5-8 mg/kg. Adult flukes observed in the mouth etc., can be gently rolled up with a cotton swab and disposed of. Transmission can be prevented by freezing food items like frogs and amphibians for at least three days prior to feeding.
This info provided by "Understanding Reptile Parasites" A Basic Maual For Herpetoculturists and Veterinarians by Roger J. Klingenberg D.V.M.
Take care, Marty
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RE: I need some help!
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by theemojohnm on April 3, 2009
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See now, something like a liver fluke was my original suspicion, but thought it was a bit odd how you described them.
Hmmm... You say they were easy to remove?
Anyways, I'm glad they aren't tongueworms.
Take Care,
-John Mendrola.
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