Bearded dragons are susceptible to several diseases; understanding these diseases may help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. In addition to the diseases listed in this handout, bearded dragons are susceptible to other health problems —see the handout “Bearded Dragons – Problems” for more information.
Pinworms are one of the most common parasites found in captive bearded dragons These tiny worms live in the lower gastrointestinal tract and rob nutrients from their host While pinworms usually don’t cause severe illness, a serious infestation can lead to harmful symptoms.
What Are Pinworms?
Pinworms also known as threadworms or oxyurids, are thin white parasitic roundworms that live in the large intestine. The most common pinworm species that infects bearded dragons is Pharyngodon spp.
These worms have a direct life cycle, meaning they don’t need an intermediate host. Adult female pinworms lay eggs around the reptile’s vent, which pass out of the body through feces. The eggs embryonate and become infective within a few hours in optimal warm temperatures.
When a bearded dragon ingests embryonated eggs through grooming or from a contaminated environment, the larvae hatch out in the intestine and develop into adults.
How Do Bearded Dragons Get Infected?
There are a few ways pinworms can spread to bearded dragons:
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Through infected feeder insects: Crickets, roaches, and other feeders can carry parasites. Wild-caught insects have the highest risk.
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Contact with infected animals: Bearded dragons housed together or with other infected reptiles can pass pinworms through the fecal-oral route.
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Contaminated environment: Eggs can persist in the habitat and reinfect a bearded dragon. Poor sanitation raises infection risk.
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Stress: Parasite blooms often occur when a reptile is stressed and immunocompromised.
Signs and Symptoms of Pinworms
Light pinworm infections usually don’t cause any symptoms. But heavy infestations will make the bearded dragon ill. Here are some signs of a pinworm problem:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Listlessness, lethargy
- Frequent bowel movements
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Dehydration
- Swollen or distended belly
Severely affected dragons can also develop secondary nutritional and metabolic disorders like hypocalcemia and bone disease.
Diagnosing Pinworms
If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your bearded dragon to an exotic vet. They will ask about the lizard’s history and do a physical exam.
To check for parasites, the vet will take a fresh fecal sample and examine it under the microscope. Pinworm eggs have characteristic flattened oval shells with plugs on each end. The number of eggs seen gives an indication of infection level.
Treating Pinworm Infections
Several effective dewormers are available for treating pinworms in bearded dragons:
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Fenbendazole: Given orally for 3-7 days. It stops worm replication but doesn’t kill migrating larvae.
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Ivermectin: Given orally or topically for 2-4 doses. Kills migrating larvae and paralyzes adult worms so they detach from the intestine and pass out.
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Pyrantel pamoate: Given orally for 3-5 days. Good against roundworms and hookworms too.
Your vet will prescribe the appropriate dewormer and dosage for your bearded dragon based on fecal test results. They’ll also recommend probiotics to support gut health during treatment.
In addition to medication, sanitizing the enclosure is critical. Thoroughly disinfect and replace substrates to remove worm eggs. Isolate treated dragons for 2-3 weeks until fecals confirm parasites have cleared.
Monitor for side effects like vomiting, lack of appetite or lethargy. Call your vet if you have any concerns.
Preventing Pinworms
While it’s impossible to prevent pinworms completely, good husbandry and hygiene limits infection risks:
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Buy feeders from reputable dealers: Avoid wild-caught prey.
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Sanitize enclosure: Disinfect surfaces weekly. Replace substrates regularly.
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Wash hands: Before and after handling reptiles.
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Quarantine new pets: House apart from existing reptiles for 1-2 months.
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Annual fecals: Check for parasites at yearly vet visits. Deworm prophylactically if needed.
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Reduce stress: Ensure proper temperatures, nutrition, handling techniques.
With prompt treatment and prevention measures, most bearded dragons recover fully from pinworm infections. Left unchecked though, these parasitic worms can be quite detrimental to a reptile’s health. So observation and quick action are key to managing pinworm outbreaks successfully.
What is infectious stomatitis?
Infectious stomatitis (mouth rot) is not seen in bearded dragons as often as it is in other lizards, such as iguanas. It is a bacterial infection of the gums and/or jawbone that appears as pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums, gum swelling, or excessive thick mucus production. Oftentimes, a material resembling cottage cheese may be seen in the mouth. In advanced cases, infectious stomatitis can also cause swelling of the jaw when the infection invades the bones of the jaw.
Parasites, especially pinworms, motile protozoa (single-cell organisms), and coccidia (Isospora amphiboluri), are common in the intestinal tracts of pet bearded dragons. The pet may show no clinical signs or just mild loose stool formation. These parasites are diagnosed by a microscopic examination of the fecal material by a veterinarian. In advanced cases, parasites may cause foul-smelling feces, profuse diarrhea, and/or weight loss. Pinworms and several types of motile protozoa are common parasites that live within bearded dragons’ gastrointestinal tracts in small numbers. They are probably commensal organisms, in which the parasite benefits from living in the lizard while the lizard is neither harmed nor benefits from the parasite. Problems occur when there are excessive numbers of these intestinal parasites. Mites and ticks may be found on bearded dragons’ skin. These parasites are transmitted from other bearded dragons. They are often seen moving around, under or between scales, around the lizard’s head, and in skin folds.
What is a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, can occur in bearded dragons that are stressed, improperly fed, or kept in poor, cold, or dirty conditions. Respiratory tract infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Infections with any of the above diseases may weaken your bearded dragon’s immune system and allow bacteria to invade the respiratory tract. Affected lizards may sneeze, have discharge from their eyes or nose, bubbles from the mouth or nose, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, open-mouthed breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy. These cases call for immediate attention and aggressive therapy from your bearded dragon’s veterinary team.
Bearded Dragon Care | Parasites & Deworming
FAQ
How do I get rid of pinworms in my bearded dragon?
Once pinworms are diagnosed in a reptile, fenbendazole may be used for treatment, following the recommendations of the Exotic Animal Formulary (by Dr. Carpenter). An overdose must be avoided since leukopenia may be caused by a toxic dose.
How common are pinworms in bearded dragons?
Pinworms and several types of motile protozoa are common parasites that live within bearded dragons’ gastrointestinal tracts in small numbers. They are probably commensal organisms, in which the parasite benefits from living in the lizard while the lizard is neither harmed nor benefits from the parasite.
How to tell if your bearded dragon has a parasite?
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Poor Appetite and Weight Loss:A significant decline in appetite and noticeable weight loss are major red flags.
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Diarrhea and Abnormal Stools:Frequent diarrhea, loose or poorly formed stools, or blood or mucus in the feces can indicate a problem.
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Lethargy and Weakness:A normally active bearded dragon becoming sluggish or weak can be a sign of a parasite burden.
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Vomiting or Regurgitation:If your bearded dragon is regurgitating food, this could be a sign of a parasitic infection.
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Respiratory Issues:In some cases, parasites can cause respiratory problems like wheezing, gasping, or coughing.
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Skin Abnormalities:Itching, restlessness, scratching, or visible parasites (like tiny moving dots or small insects) around the eyes, ears, or under scales can also indicate a problem.
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Behavioral Changes:Some bearded dragons with parasites may exhibit abnormal behaviors, such as aggression or droopy eyes.
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In advanced cases, parasites may cause feces to have a particularly foul odor.
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Dehydration, which can be seen as wrinkled skin or sunken eyes, can also be a symptom of parasitic infection.
What is the most common cause of death in bearded dragons?
Impaction is one of the conditions that frequently causes the death of bearded dragons. In the case of a major impaction, the animal will not be very mobile, and one or both back legs may appear paralyzed. If the impaction is higher in the digestive track, the front legs may also be paralyzed.