Recommendations

[bitterbeauty]

So I got a microscope for Christmas (I know I know I am a science nerd). I would love any book recommendations from you guys on reptile parasites/ health etc. In the near future I would like to attempt doing a fecal float myself just so I can keep an eye on my collection. I would of course get a vets opinion if I were to see anything abnormal (I would also need medicine from the vet as well if it were anything).

As far as fecal floats go I would need to do more research. I know they are preformed with a sodium nitrate solution. But I have also read that a saturated sugar solution can be used just as effectively.

Opinions and recommendations welcome! Especially from Bonnie because I remember she said she does her own fecal floats. :main_yes:

 

[gothra]

Understanding Reptile Parasites by Roger J. Klingenberg D.V.M. is a good one, its very easy to read, with many pictures of the various parasite eggs. It also explains how to do fecal floats and smears.

 

[bitterbeauty]

Oh okay. Thanks Bonnie! That book is affordable too! I just looked it up.

 

[Dom3rd]

i just got that book both the first and 2nd edition

 

[snared99]

So I got a microscope for Christmas (I know I know I am a science nerd). I would love any book recommendations from you guys on reptile parasites/ health etc. In the near future I would like to attempt doing a fecal float myself just so I can keep an eye on my collection. I would of course get a vets opinion if I were to see anything abnormal (I would also need medicine from the vet as well if it were anything).

As far as fecal floats go I would need to do more research. I know they are preformed with a sodium nitrate solution. But I have also read that a saturated sugar solution can be used just as effectively.

Opinions and recommendations welcome! Especially from Bonnie because I remember she said she does her own fecal floats. :main_yes:

Sodium nitrate is a Ok solution but not the best for reptiles, you will end up not being able to find certain parasites. The float works by specific gravity of the parasite, ex- flukes are heavy(and bigger) thus take longer to float and sometimes work float unless centerifuged. My suggestion is Zinc sulfite, reason is when you are doing these long enough you will be able to pick out giardia/coccidea, and you will need a better solution to better ID these parasites. If you need any more info pm me, i have done thousands of Floats at a Exotics vet and a zoo. take care.

 

[bitterbeauty]

Sodium nitrate is a Ok solution but not the best for reptiles, you will end up not being able to find certain parasites. The float works by specific gravity of the parasite, ex- flukes are heavy(and bigger) thus take longer to float and sometimes work float unless centerifuged. My suggestion is Zinc sulfite, reason is when you are doing these long enough you will be able to pick out giardia/coccidea, and you will need a better solution to better ID these parasites. If you need any more info pm me, i have done thousands of Floats at a Exotics vet and a zoo. take care.

Wow okay. Thanks so much for that information! Im so grateful for people on this forum like you who have such great experience.