Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian. Javier G. Nevarez

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       Isospora spp. have a direct life cycle, with infective stages passed in the feces of the host. Infections are confined to the intestines.

       Most reports of illness associated with Isospora infection are from captive animals that have been housed under suboptimal conditions with infection often further complicated by concurrent disease.

       Isospora infections are not commonly reported in chelonians.

       High stocking density

       Unsanitary conditions

       Maladaptation of wild animals entering captivity.

       None reported, but may be related to gastrointestinal upset.

       Breeding colonies at high stocking density are at greatest risk.

       Poor hygiene and stress are likely to predispose to infection and disease.

       Examination of feces for presence of oocysts using light microscopy.

       Molecular techniques such as PCR may aid in species delineation but are unlikely to improve treatment efficacy or prognosis.

       Protozoa may also be seen in biopsy or necropsy samples.

       Fecal samples should be stored in 2–3% of aqueous (w/v) K2Cr2O7.

       Gross lesions may be mild and unapparent in many cases.

       Histologically, there may be small intestinal villous atrophy with intracytoplasmic coccidia within enterocytes.

       Ensure that animals are well hydrated, especially if medicating with sulfa drugs.

       In cases of anorectic animals, force-feeding with easily digestible proteins should be initiated.

       Direct feeding by stomach tubing can be performed in some species.

       Placement of an esophagostomy tube should be considered for chronic management.

       Supportive fluid therapy should be provided.

       Remove and isolate sick individuals and reduce stress by providing optimal living conditions and hygiene.

       Thorough cleaning of cage to reduce environmental contamination of oocysts.

       Ensure that quarantine protocols have been adopted for all new arrivals.

       During quarantine, all animals should be subjected to repeated clinical and fecal examinations.

       Keep stocking densities as low as possible, especially in stressful conditions such as breeding colonies.

       Ponazuril 30 mg/kg PO q48h for 2 treatments, or 30 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 treatments, then repeat for 2–4 treatments 2 weeks apart.

       Toltrazuril 15 mg/kg PO q48h for 30 days.

       Sulfadimethoxine СКАЧАТЬ