Coccidiosis in Bearded Dragons
Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg
5 cited drugs treat Coccidiosis in bearded dragons: Sulfadiazine, Sulfadimethoxine, Sulfamethazine, Toltrazuril, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole.
Protozoal infection of the intestinal tract caused by Eimeria, Isospora, and related coccidian organisms. Significant cause of diarrhoea, weight loss, and mortality in young livestock, poultry, and reptiles in particular.
The overview above describes Coccidiosis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to bearded dragons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Sulfadiazine
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15–25 mg/kg | q24h | 7-14 days | Coccidia/protozoa (with trimethoprim) | Weak | Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Sulfadimethoxine(Albon)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 50 mg/kg | q24h x 21 days | Coccidia | Moderate | 478. Walden M, Mitchell MA. Evaluation of three treatment modalities against Isospora amphiboluri) in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). J Exot Pet Med. 2012;21:213-218. / 477. Walden M. The Epidemiology of Coccidia in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), Louisiana State University, Dissertation, Baton Rouge, LA; 2008:1-145. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.232 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2012.06.008 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles). |
Sulfamethazine(Sulmet)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, IM | 25 mg/kg | q24h x 21 days | Coccidia | Weak | 396. Rockwell K, Mitchell MM. Antiparasitic therapy. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1165-1170. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.232 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Toltrazuril(Baycox)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5–15 mg/kg | q24h | Coccidiosis | Weak | 73. Doneley B. Caring for the bearded dragon. Proc North Am Vet Conf. 2006;1607-1611. — Source: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1407Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole(Bactrim, TMS)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15–25 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infections, coccidia | Extrapolated | Gibbons PM, Klaphake E, Carpenter JW. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, ed. Exotic Animal Formulary. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2013:83-182. — Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1404Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.