Evaluating Quikon® Med as a Coccidiocide for Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract

Isospora amphiboluri is the most common coccidian isolated from captive bearded dragons. This parasite can cause severe, debilitating disease in juvenile dragons. Most treatment recommendations for I amphiboluri are anecdotal and based on the administration of coccidiostatic compounds. Essential oil extracted from oregano (Origanum vulgare) has been successfully used as a coccidiocide in poultry and may prove efficacious for reptiles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial herbal product (Quikon® Med) against I amphiboluri in juvenile bearded dragons. Twenty-four juvenile bearded dragons were included in this study and divided into 3 study groups. Group 1 received 6-g Quikon® Med/1-L 0.9% saline solution during the first treatment and 24 g/L during the second treatment. Group 2 received 3 g/L during the first treatment and 48 g/L during the second treatment. Group 3 served as the control during both treatment periods and received only 0.9% saline solution. The treatments were all dosed at 10 mL/kg/d to simulate maintenance fluid intake. Because all of the dragons remained positive after using the first treatment concentration of the commercial product, a second treatment interval was initiated, increasing the Quikon® Med dose. Dragons treated with Quikon® Med had significantly (P < .05) higher body weights than the control dragons at the end of the study; however, the treatment had no effect on the coccidia status of the dragons.

Key words: bearded dragon, coccidian, oregano, Pogona vitticeps, treatment