Weight Loss? Start here...

[NeoScales]

Wow, thanks Neoscales, that is really informative, thanks again.

Sure, anytime! I'm glad you found the read to be interesting and feel free to spread the word.

[geckogirl]

It seems as though this amoeba/flagellate would be detectable in fecal analysis. Would cytology or direct smear be better for detection of this "cootie"?

[Jillie]

Very informative....I'm glad to be learning all of this prior to owning my first crested so that I can be better prepared. My question is can you store the medicine or do you have to make up a new batch each time a crested gets sick? I'm asking because if it can be stored I would like to have some waiting on hand in case the cresteds I bring home turn out to have it. I'm a Girl Scout and was always taught to be prepared and improvise!
In either case it may takeme a bit to find the ingredients. Looking forward to the article on how to mix the compound, Randy!
I want to thank this forum again, it is one of the most informative and responsive forums I've seen!

[genevieve]

Randi,

I have one that I think has Entameoba. Went downhill quick over the last 48 hours. I have been administering .9%NaCl subcutaneously and tube feeding GGD. What is the recommended dosage per gram? I will get it compounded up tomorrow, I hope the little one makes it that long. What is the prognosis once dehydration is noted?

Genevieve

[Dr Alan]

Originally Posted by geckogirl

It seems as though this amoeba/flagellate would be detectable in fecal analysis. Would cytology or direct smear be better for detection of this "cootie"?

Missed this post previously.

Detection? Iffy and problematic; very hit or miss. Traditional fecal flotations will not pick up this one unless cysts are present, and that is most freqently not the case. Direct fecal smear might detect motile organisms, but again not always. In humans, Entamoeba infections are increasing identified by serology (looking for specific antibodies in blood serum) and this is obviously not going to be helpful in small reptiles; nor is the PCR testing that is being developed for human infections. Also in humans, fecal cultures are commonly used to ID and classify Entamoeba-related illnesses, but from the standpoint of practical reality (costs and timelines) this is also not a viable venue for sick geckos. So antemortem (before death) diagnosis is unfortunately in many cases going to be based on signs and symptoms alone. Post mortem diagnosis can be accomplished by doing what NeoScales did: necropsy and histopathology. Again, costs are going to be seriously limiting in a lot of cases. While a necropsy per se should not cost a lot for a one ounce animal, histopathology lab costs per animal might range from $75-125, depending on the number of samples submitted and sections required.