Amphibians Can Get Roundworms Too

Did you know that amphibians can get roundworms too?

Sometimes people think that pets like amphibians, reptiles, and fish don't have the same health problems as other pets. However, these pets are often more susceptible to bacterial and parasitic infections. This article will discuss the parasitic infection of roundworms in amphibians.

Roundworms or pseudocapillaroides xenopi are a parasite that infect different animals including amphibians. They are called roundworms because they appear to look like a tiny worm, although they usually are only seen in skin samples under a microscope.

Many symptoms of roundworms in amphibians include visible signs on their skin. These signs include sloughing of the skin, rough, pitted or blotchy skin that may appear to be gray or a color different from the amphibian's normal skin. Infected amphibians may also appear to have skin sores. Behavioral symptoms of roundworms include lethargy and loss of appetite.

The roundworms themselves are not typically life threatening to an amphibian, however all parasites can greatly compromise an animal's immune system therefore leaving the animal more susceptible to contracting secondary infections that could prove to be fatal.

As soon as you spot any abnormal changes in your amphibian's skin you should probably seek treatment. Parasites can sometimes not only cause additional infections but transmit diseases and infect other pets.

Early treatment is the best way to get parasites out of your amphibians life. The earlier the treatment, the quicker your amphibian will probably recover and be back to its normal self. Medications that kill worm parasites as well as antibiotics to treat any other possible infections are the most common treatments for roundworms.

Parasites such as roundworms can be transmitted through contact with other infected amphibians, water, food and sometimes even things such as plants. To prevent infections keep pets separate, frequently clean enclosures and water, don't introduce plants or objects from the wild, and be careful with the food you feed your amphibian pet.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.