Intestinal Parasites in Russian Tortoises
Pinworms, Roundworms, and Deworming
Russian tortoises can carry several types of intestinal worms. Two of the more important groups are oxyurids (pinworms) and ascarids (roundworms).
Oxyurids / Pinworms
Oxyurids are very common in tortoises. In small numbers, they may cause little or no trouble and can sometimes be found in otherwise healthy animals. Heavy infestations, however, may contribute to poor appetite, weight loss, abnormal stools, or general poor condition.
Ascarids / Roundworms
Tortoises can also become infected with ascarids, although they are generally encountered less frequently than oxyurids. Heavy ascarid infections can be more serious and may cause intestinal irritation, obstruction, poor growth, or weight loss.
Ascarid eggs are also very resistant and can remain infectious in the environment for long periods, making good enclosure hygiene important.
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole (Panacur®) is commonly used by veterinarians to treat several intestinal nematodes in tortoises, including oxyurids and ascarids.
A commonly used veterinary regimen is approximately:
Fenbendazole: 50 mg/kg by mouth, with a repeat dose approximately 14 days later.
For example, a Russian tortoise weighing 1 lb 13 oz (approximately 0.82 kg) would receive approximately 41 mg of fenbendazole per dose.
If using a 100 mg/mL suspension, that would equal approximately:
0.41 mL by mouth per dose.
A Fecal Examination Is Still Important
Whenever possible, a fecal examination should be performed before or during treatment. Not every tortoise with a few oxyurid eggs necessarily requires aggressive deworming, and identifying the parasite helps determine whether treatment is appropriate.
A follow-up fecal examination may also be useful after treatment, particularly when parasite numbers were initially high.
Important
Deworming medications should be given under veterinary direction. Accurate body weight and correct drug concentration are important when calculating the dose.
Ivermectin should generally be avoided in turtles and tortoises because serious toxicity can occur.
