Panacur question

[dreadyA]

Am I able to purchase panacur without a prescription?
& is it recommended to be 100% positive my chelonia is infected? Or can I treat just for precaution?
Thanks in advanced

 

[egyptiandan]

Yes you can purchase Panacur over the counter It's fine to worm your tortoises twice a year if they are getting outside.

Danny

 

[dmmj]

My chapter of the CTTC will be having a deworming clinic this month and should also be having a silent auction.

 

[PeanutbuttER]

But, if you bought the panacur over the counter how do you know how much to give? Is there any table or anything that lists how much to give them by weight?

 

[dmmj]

It all depends on the weight of the tortoise or turtle. Not being a vet I could not tell you.

 

[Itort]

Panacur (fenbendazole) can be purchased at farm/ranch supply under the name of Safeguard.According to Merck Veternary Manual ninth edition the dosage is 10-25 mg/kg for 3-5 days orally and then again in 10 days same dosage for 3-5 days.

 

[tortoisenerd]

My personal opinion is that you should have each tort's poop tested twice a year and only treat if they are infected. Meds like Panacur are very tough on the tummy...my tort was sluggish and I suspected his tummy hurt for about a week. You also want an expert's opinion on the dose as because it comes in different strengths, you need to be VERY careful about any info on the internet you read about dosage. Yes though, you can get it yourself without a prescription. But no, I would not do it. Is there a reason you suspect worms? Best to have a test done for < $20 because there are dozens of parasites besides worms, and the Panacur would only treat worms. Also, if the tort did have worms in a number high enough to warrant treatment (for small amounts I would not treat, and just re-test periodically and keep an eye on it as small numbers of parasites are normal and healthy for the tort), you would want a second test done awhile after the meds to check the numbers have gone down.

 

[Tom]

I agree with Kate on this one. Caution is warranted.