- Joined
- Jun 5, 2016
- Messages
- 136
I have 3 radiated tortoise been quarantining for 3 months. Just did a stool O&P showing moderate (11-30) Nyctotherus and moderate (11-30) Entamoeba coli-like. Unclear how old they are, CB born probably mid 2018 (~ 6 months is my best guess). They are active and eat but growing very slowly. 2 were 43 grams in 10/2018 and now 54 grams 1/2019, 1 was 45 gram and now 66 grams 1/2019. They are in a 4x2 AP cage, soaked daily for 30 minutes, fed daily.
I've read on this forum and various internet research papers that these are usually and commonly found non pathogenic commensal parasites, but if issues with appetite or anorexia/weight loss one should treat these with Flagyl. Im not sure if their slow growth is due to these parasites or maybe just started dry from the breeder? Treating doesn't come without risk either, but may actually help them, so I'm a little unclear of which direction to go.
Also how would you feel if after a 3 month quarantine combining these tortoises with a 4th radiated tortoise (CB 2018, weighs 106 grams) that did not have these same 'commensal' parasites. Am I obligated to treat if I want to combine the group in the future?
Thanks
EDIT:
Maybe also Im assuming this is slow growth for radiateds owning leopard tortoises for 2 years that are now hitting 2 lbs...?
I've read on this forum and various internet research papers that these are usually and commonly found non pathogenic commensal parasites, but if issues with appetite or anorexia/weight loss one should treat these with Flagyl. Im not sure if their slow growth is due to these parasites or maybe just started dry from the breeder? Treating doesn't come without risk either, but may actually help them, so I'm a little unclear of which direction to go.
Also how would you feel if after a 3 month quarantine combining these tortoises with a 4th radiated tortoise (CB 2018, weighs 106 grams) that did not have these same 'commensal' parasites. Am I obligated to treat if I want to combine the group in the future?
Thanks
EDIT:
Maybe also Im assuming this is slow growth for radiateds owning leopard tortoises for 2 years that are now hitting 2 lbs...?
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