Mites, parasites, etc.

[Dirty]

How can I tell if my reptile has worms/mites/parasites/etc.? Is this something that can be done at home? Is it safe to assume that if an animal LOOKS healthy, then it IS healthy?

[lolaophidia]

External parasites can be visually diagnosed. Mites are usually found when the snake is soaking, since the mites will drown and fall off. They also tend to hide in the heat pits (if the snake has them) or around the eyes. Ticks can be anywhere on a snake and you'll see them once they feed enough to swell over the scales.

With many internal parasites, they can be difficult to detect without having a fecal sample tested at your vet.

I would not say it's "safe" to assume they're healthy. Buying captive bred animals from breeders you trust is a good start though. I've had seemingly healthy animals die and taken them in for necropsies to try to determine the cause to make sure it wasn't something contagious. One scare with IBD or Cryptosporidium is enough to make me very cautious! Quarantine (3 to 6 months) is required before introducing any new animal into your general population to try to identify any potential infectious diseases. Find a good vet, because you never know when you'll need one.

[Cruciform]

If you have access to a microscope at home or at school, you can do a fecal float yourself for cursory examinations.

Details on how to do a float can be found in the book Understanding Reptile Parasites: A Basic Manual for Herpetoculturists & Veterinarians. It's available on Amazon.

[tHeGiNo]

How can I tell if my reptile has worms/mites/parasites/etc.?

That depends on which parasite we are talking about. E, those which live on the exterior of organism, can generally be viewed by the naked eye, Ophionyssus natricis for example (the snake mite). This is only in reference to common ailments to reptilians. In regards to endoparasites, those living in the organs or tissue of an organism, there are common signs that may suggest their presence, but require further examination to be certain. These include but are not limited to loose stools, anorexia and depression.

Is this something that can be done at home?

For the most part, no, unless you are trained and have a microscope.

Is it safe to assume that if an animal LOOKS healthy, then it IS healthy?

Not necessarily. Often times, a reptile may be carrying a parasite, but because husbandry conditions are suitable, and stress is not present, they may not yet take a toll on the system. If you suspect your reptile may have parasites, a simple trip to the vet can ease your worries. An examination may cost no more then $50.00 and a fecal is usually in the $5.00 to $10.00 mark.