What Reptile Owners Need to Know About Tongue Worms

Let's talk about what reptile owners need to know about tongue worms.

Tongue worms are a parasite that reptile get. It can also be transmitted to humans. This article will discuss tongue worms so reptile owners can be aware of them and make sure they don't get parasites from their pet reptiles.

Tongue worms are typically found in warm climates or tropics, but they can be found in various places around the world. Tongue worms were first found in tropical snakes, but different reptiles and animals can contract them. Tongue worms are parasitic worms that typically infect a vertebrate's respiratory system. When parasites are in an animal's lungs or respiratory system the most common symptoms pneumonia. If the parasitic infection spread or infects organs besides the respiratory system reptiles may have other symptoms.

If left untreated parasitic infections and/or pneumonia can be deadly. Parasitic infections can even spread to a reptile's other organs and cause secondary infections that can also be fatal. Therefore, if you suspect that your pet reptile has tongue worms, you need to seek immediate medical attention from a trained veterinarian. However, remember that tongue worms can be transmitted from reptile to human. Feel free to ask your veterinarian how you can safely transport the reptile to their office.

Your veterinarian will prescribe medication to kill the parasites and may then need to go in your reptile to surgically remove the dead bodies of the parasites. Your veterinarian will also be able to recommend changes that you can make to avoid infections from reoccurring. Most infections whether parasitic, bacterial, or fungal can be prevented by taking the same precautions.

While most infections can be treated, some take a turn for the worse. In severe cases of tongue worm infections reptiles cannot recover and euthanizing them will prevent them from having to suffer.

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.