Cryptosporidiosis is a life-threatening condition in reptiles that is caused by parasites. The disease affects all types of cold-blooded animals, including snakes, tortoises, chameleons, geckos, and large lizards. It leaves reptiles in a great deal of discomfort, causing rapid weight loss, stomach bulges, and diarrhea. Cryptosporidiosis is highly contagious; it is best to get your pet to a veterinarian if you suspect they’re infected. Here’s what to know about preventing this condition and managing its symptoms.
1. Symptoms Include Vomiting, Lethargy, and “Stick Tail”
All reptiles can become infected by tiny protozoa that belong to the Cryptosporidium family. It targets the digestive tracts of ectotherms, including the small intestine and stomach, where it causes uncomfortable and often fatal symptoms. As the parasite migrates, it impacts normal digestion, causing extreme weight loss. When cryptosporidiosis affects the stomach, reptiles cannot keep food down and show no interest in their favorite treats. In addition to a lack of appetite, affected animals will vomit and suffer from lethargy. You may also see a bulge in the abdomen.
In other cases, the small intestine is infected, and you’ll notice symptoms of diarrhea, stunted growth, and anorexia. In lizards (such as leopard geckos), weight loss is first noticed in their tails, causing a symptom known as “stick tails.” Their tails become extremely thin, and eventually, only their bones will show through their skin. Snakes will constantly regurgitate their food. The inability to keep anything down eventually leads to starvation. If you think that your pet reptile is infected with cryptosporidiosis, it will need veterinary treatment, along with nutritional support and a clean environment, to make a full recovery.
2. Cryptosporidiosis in Reptiles Spreads Rapidly
Cryptosporidiosis is highly contagious and spreads between different reptile species. It is present in the stool of an infected animal, where the oocysts (an infectious parasite found in cat feces) can linger in the environment for years.
When an unsuspecting reptile comes along and ingests the parasite, it becomes infected. Poor husbandry, such as improper cleaning of the reptile tank, overcrowding, and a lack of light, heat, and humidity, will increase the risk of infection. If you have one enclosure that is affected, it should be placed in isolation and handled with disposable gloves. You can inadvertently spread the parasite between pets if you don’t take precautions.
If you are concerned about getting infected with cryptosporidiosis, the good news is that humans cannot contract the parasite from reptiles. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply the highest hygiene standards. In fact, you should discard all reptile bedding and items that your pet has soiled and thoroughly wash your hands after handling.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Can Destroy Cryptosporidiosis
Unfortunately, if you experience a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in your reptile’s enclosure, there are limited ways to destroy the parasite. Only steam-cleaning or specific disinfectants will be effective in ridding the environment of this parasite. When cleaning your home, strict measures must be followed to avoid transferring the oocysts from one habitat to another. If you allow your reptiles to free-roam, prioritize cleaning and tank maintenance throughout your property.
Products (like bleach) will not destroy the parasite, but you can use hydrogen peroxide and bromine. Contaminated items must be soaked in a hydrogen peroxide solution for a minimum of 20 minutes to eliminate active oocysts. All surfaces should be cleaned with these solutions, but do not expose reptiles to these strong chemicals; otherwise, they could suffer burns and respiratory complications.
4. Treatment Depends on the Condition’s Severity
Reptiles affected by cryptosporidiosis must receive veterinary treatment. Upon seeking treatment, a reptile vet will examine your pet and may offer an organism-inhibiting drug, which can reduce the parasitic load. Most ectotherms require strict husbandry to prevent reinfection, but for animals that are unwilling to eat, the prognosis is grim.
You can help your pet reptile recover by ensuring they have access to proper UV lighting, temperature, and humidity levels. Nutrition is important for recovery, and reptiles benefit from gut-loaded insects. For lizards, such as geckos with intestinal damage, veterinarians may recommend liquid diets. The soft food is easier to digest and gives lizards time to heal from the irritation caused by the parasite.
In addition to medication and dietary changes, keeping cages clean and disinfecting accessories and surfaces will manage the spread of infection. The veterinarian will create a tailored healthcare program based on the severity of your pet’s symptoms.
5. Prevention Involves Keeping a Clean Enclosure
Cryptosporidiosis will infect reptiles when they ingest the parasite through environmental contaminants. To prevent this life-threatening disease, invest in keeping your reptile’s enclosure clean, and avoid overcrowding. Once cryptosporidiosis infects one animal, it’s incredibly hard to manage the spread to others. As a general rule, infected snakes should be quarantined for three months and infected lizards for one month. During this period, observe your pet’s eating patterns, weight gain, and general behavior.
Most importantly, keep the enclosure of your pet reptile clean and free of debris. A spacious habitat that is properly maintained will reduce the likelihood of infection. Reptiles that are comfortable and have a healthy habitat are better equipped to fight infections.
6. Cryptosporidiosis Can Affect Lizards and Snakes
As previously mentioned, all reptiles can contract cryptosporidiosis, but some species are more at risk than others. Fat-tailed geckos, leopard geckos, chameleons, and monitors are susceptible to the parasite. Snakes, like the corn snake and the king snake, are also prone to parasitic infections.
If your pet reptile has cryptosporidiosis, time is of the essence regarding their recovery. Good nutrition and medication provided by a veterinarian can alleviate discomfort and offer the best chance of recovery.
