Parasite identification help

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Posted by Ed on July 22, 2001 at 21:31:57:

I need help identifying a parasite. Under the scope, they are what I refer to as fast movers.Freely moving and squeezing through passages, in a constant state of movement.
They're tiny, even under 100 x 1.25 magnification.
They look like little ovules with a small
flagellate tail that doesn't seem to be used for locomotion. It looks as if the little guys are covered with cilia, which is used for locomotion.
Here's the big stumper. They infected ( assumed ) a cornsnake
( unknown to me, first victim ), and within 5 days of displaying a non-interest in food, the animal was found dead.
( Otherwise healthy ) A second animal, Cal King began displaying the food refusal, but no parasites could be located in the stool. The animal resumed normal feeding after 4-5 days
and began regurgitation within 48 hours after consuming the food items. This time the parasite was located in very large quantities in the direct stool smear. 2 days later the cal
king was observed to be suffering a blotting and some respiratory distress. Discharged nasal mucus was also observed under the scope. Once again very large numbers of the
same parasite could be found within the mucous of the animal.
Treatment with Flagyl ( 50 mg per kg ) was started 3 days ago, without any reversal of the
symptoms.
I'm unfamiliar with this parasite that seems to be attacking the mucous membrane of the animals, both the digestive tract and respiratory tract.
I really screwed up. I believe I introduced this disaster via an imported animal that I was looking at to purchase. I didn't purchase the animal, nor did the animal get within 15 miles
of my collection, BUT, I did use one of my large feeding tweezers to pick the animal up. I later realized that I didn't sterilize those tweezers when I returned home with them. I
know the odds weren't too great for the parasite transfer, but it is the only source I can think of.
That animal later died !!!!! ( A tree viper which later displayed respiratory distress prior to death )
Should I use a higher dosage of Flagyl ?
What is this parasite?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Ivomectin ???
Please e-mail me.

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: I need help identifying a parasite. Under the scope, they are what I refer to as fast movers.Freely moving and squeezing through passages, in a constant state of movement. : They're tiny, even under 100 x 1.25 magnification. : They look like little ovules with a small : flagellate tail that doesn't seem to be used for locomotion. It looks as if the little guys are covered with cilia, which is used for locomotion. : Here's the big stumper. They infected ( assumed ) a cornsnake : ( unknown to me, first victim ), and within 5 days of displaying a non-interest in food, the animal was found dead. : ( Otherwise healthy ) A second animal, Cal King began displaying the food refusal, but no parasites could be located in the stool. The animal resumed normal feeding after 4-5 days : and began regurgitation within 48 hours after consuming the food items. This time the parasite was located in very large quantities in the direct stool smear. 2 days later the cal : king was observed to be suffering a blotting and some respiratory distress. Discharged nasal mucus was also observed under the scope. Once again very large numbers of the : same parasite could be found within the mucous of the animal. : Treatment with Flagyl ( 50 mg per kg ) was started 3 days ago, without any reversal of the : symptoms. : I'm unfamiliar with this parasite that seems to be attacking the mucous membrane of the animals, both the digestive tract and respiratory tract. : I really screwed up. I believe I introduced this disaster via an imported animal that I was looking at to purchase. I didn't purchase the animal, nor did the animal get within 15 miles : of my collection, BUT, I did use one of my large feeding tweezers to pick the animal up. I later realized that I didn't sterilize those tweezers when I returned home with them. I : know the odds weren't too great for the parasite transfer, but it is the only source I can think of. : That animal later died !!!!! ( A tree viper which later displayed respiratory distress prior to death ) : Should I use a higher dosage of Flagyl ? : What is this parasite? : Any input will be greatly appreciated. : Ivomectin ??? : Please e-mail me.

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