when they are being guaranteened for the precaution of them having parasites.. how often do they actually have the parasite.

i am taking them to the vet tomorrow to find out... but everyone ive talked to has never encountered it. i dont have worries really.. im just wondering.

After you have been here awhile, you will see quite a few gliders have parasite infestations. And if they are not treated promptly and properly - they slowly kill their host. Parasites can be highly contagious - spreading from your gliders to your other animals, and even to you if you arent careful.

It is best to get both fecal float and fecal smear.

most gliders never get parasites. it all depends on how they are housed, fed, cared for,& loved.giardia can come on when a major stressful situation occurs. the reason for the 30 day scheme, is that it will take about that long for your baby to get used to everything new. a vet visit should be done when you get the glider,& in the 30 days, because giardia can show up thru that period of time,& if it hasn't, then most likely they will never get it.
josefine

Josefine, it's not true that if it doesn't show up now and in 30 days that they most likely don't have it. There have been multiple people on other boards that had to have multiple fecal exams before discovering that their glider had parasites.

quote:

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Originally posted by WintersSong

Josefine, it's not true that if it doesn't show up now and in 30 days that they most likely don't have it. There have been multiple people on other boards that had to have multiple fecal exams before discovering that their glider had parasites.

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WintersSong, I totally agree with you.

Josephine, by telling new people this, you are really doing them an injustice - making some think fecals are not that important when they are EXTREMELY important. Fecals should be done every single time your gliders go to the vet.

Adding to above, parasitic cysts can lay dormant for months.

Also added, that the cysts live outside in soil and water, on food and on surfaces. So it's very important that you wash your hands frequently. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/ My boys have a fecal done once a year.

How much are fecal exams usually?

Yes, gliders can and do get parasites, it is common.

And even if it wasn't, vet checks are still necessary to check for other illness and stool checks can help check for other problem, my vet checked for nutritional content and actually made a recommendation that I adjust their diet for more fiber as their stools were a little loose.... A quick adjustment and they are now optimal poopers

and my fecals cost $45 per glider.... ^.^

quote:

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Originally posted by JanaeAshley

How much are fecal exams usually?

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The price for wellness exams and fecals vary from state to state and vet to vet. When checking prices in St. Louis, I got 4 vary different prices. It is advisable to call the exotic vets in your area.

I agree - parasites are much more common than people think. They can be picked up anytime you go outside, and if you have dogs and/or cats that go outside, they can be tracked in. The gliders don't need to come in direct contact with your other pets, either.

There are some "common" parasites, and there are others that are much much more serious. Any time you acquire a new glider, you risk bringing not only the "common" parasites in, but also the more dangerous ones. Even people who keep meticulous care of their animals can have an outbreak and not realize it until they perform fecals. And -- how much more common when you acquire gliders from less-than-ideal circumstances.

Edit to add: my vet charges $22 for a fecal - which includes both the float and smear. Also - if you have multiple gliders in one cage, you can collect fecals from EACH glider, then have them run as one exam. If one glider is sick, chances are they all need to be treated.

To take a fecal sample to the vet, take your gliders out and collect FRESH poo in a baggie. The sample must be taken to a vet within an hour in order for the results to be most accurate.

Ok :) thanks. ill give the vets a call

ok. this was something i was just curious about. i was unable to get my girl in today..vet was completely booked up. i never asked about the price.. probably do that tomorrow. thank you all for the information.

i mentioned that it depended on husbandry,cleanliness,diet,stress. if they are healthy after the 1st 2 exams, then they most likely would be. i have gone thru the WHOLE giardia killer w/my 1st 2 gliders. my 3rd glider never ever tested positive, but i had to continually give him the meds,too. on the last nite,of the last round, my 2nd one passed,in my hands,rite after the last was given her(giving meds for giardia is a VERY LENGTHLY regime).
josefine

quote:

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Originally posted by josefine

most gliders never get parasites. it all depends on how they are housed, fed, cared for,& loved.giardia can come on when a major stressful situation occurs. the reason for the 30 day scheme, is that it will take about that long for your baby to get used to everything new. a vet visit should be done when you get the glider,& in the 30 days, because giardia can show up thru that period of time,& if it hasn't, then most likely they will never get it.
josefine

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"i mentioned that it depended on husbandry,cleanliness,diet,stress. if they are healthy after the 1st 2 exams, then they most likely would be. i have gone thru the WHOLE giardia killer w/my 1st 2 gliders. my 3rd glider never ever tested positive, but i had to continually give him the meds,too. on the last nite,of the last round, my 2nd one passed,in my hands,rite after the last was given her(giving meds for giardia is a VERY LENGTHLY regime).
josefine"

I'm confused "30 day scheme"?

She means the 30 day quarantine.