Cryptosporidiosis in Ball Pythons
Reptile · Python regius · typical adult weight 1.00–2.00 kg
3 cited drugs treat Cryptosporidiosis in ball pythons: Azithromycin, Paromomycin, Ponazuril.
Protozoal enteric infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. — significant in calves, lambs, foals, reptiles (notably leopard geckos via C. saurophilum), and as a zoonotic concern. No reliably effective antiprotozoal in many species; supportive care remains the mainstay.
The overview above describes Cryptosporidiosis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to ball pythons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Azithromycin(Zithromax)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 10 mg/kg | q2-7d (skin q3d; respiratory tract q5d; liver/kidn | Mycoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other susceptible organisms | Moderate | Coke RL, Hunter RP, Isaza R, et al. Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius). Am J Vet Res. 2003;64:225-228. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.212 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Reptiles.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — CORROBORATED 2026-08-06 by independent literature: Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius). (American journal of veterinary research, 2003). doi:10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.225. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.225. The paper reports this drug at this dose in this species: "nistration of a single dose. Animals 2 male and 5 female ball pythons. Procedures Using a crossover […]". This is a second source alongside the book already cited; it corroborates the figure and does not by itself establish that the dose is correct. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Paromomycin(Humatin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 100 mg/kg | q24h × 7 days, then 2x/wk × 3 mo | Cryptosporidiosis | Weak | Cranfield MR, Graczyk TK. Cryptosoporidiosis. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:756-762. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.229 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530 |
Ponazuril(Marquis)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q48h | Ongoing; poor response in many reptiles | Cryptosporidiosis | Weak | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.2 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rodents). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
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.