Parasite Test Necessary?

[aterbrock2203]

I recently bought my first leopard gecko from a local pet store (not one of the big name stores). The one I bought is probably about 5-6 months old and appears to be in very good health. Should I automatically collect feces for a vet to test for parasites or wait to see if the health of the lizard deteriorates in any way? I have a friend who recommended getting a fecal test done on all new reptiles.

 

[sausage]

It’s totally up to you I would say.
All reptiles will be infected with some types of parasites which don’t tend to affect them until something sparks a change in the immune system i.e. stress and weather (stress being the big one).
I would say yes to be safe rather than sorry but that’s up to you.
Do you have any other reptiles? as if you do it’s probably a good idea just to rule out anything being passed to the rest of your collection.

 

[mörten]

Its quite easy and effortless too to leave a fecal sample at the vet, so why not? You just bring the fecal sample and drop it off and wait for the lab results

 

[aterbrock2203]

Sausage - No, our new Gecko is our only reptile.

Morten - If only it was that easy. Every reptile vet we have called in the area is requiring an exam as well before they will test the feces. I guess they have to make their money somehow... I'm a little worried about taking her to the vet and causing additional stress while she is adjusting to her new home.

 

[sausage]

Vets wanting to check your animal first is a universal thing, they still do it for all types of furry animal too. one check up wont hurt and its not that much tbh.

 

[Leoringo]

Hey, I can't figure out how to post threads so I'm just going to ask on here. I've had my Leo for about 3-4 months now, she is housed in a 10gallon and the enclosure is cleaned out weekly and her poop daily, she is also fed 5 mealworms a day. But I've noticed her getting more lethargic when eating and never really eats all her mealies any more, but I really got worried when I saw clear stuff in her poop and I'm worried it may be parasites. Anyone have suggestions if I should take her into the vet? (My friends gecko may have parasites but even though they've never met is it possible they could have traveled to my girl?)