Cryptosporidiosis in Bearded Dragons

Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg

2 cited drugs treat Cryptosporidiosis in bearded dragons: Halofuginone, 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 bearded dragons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Halofuginone(Halocur, Stenorol)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	0.05–0.1 mg/kg	q24h	7-14 days; may require repeated courses	Cryptosporidiosis	Weak	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed

Full Halofuginone dosing in Bearded Dragons →Calculate for this bearded dragon →

Ponazuril(Marquis)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	10–30 mg/kg	q24-48h	30+ days	Cryptosporidiosis	Weak	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed

Full Ponazuril dosing in Bearded Dragons →Calculate for this bearded dragon →

All drugs cited for Cryptosporidiosis →All drugs for Bearded Dragons →

Other conditions in Bearded Dragons

Bacterial Infections Endoparasites Sedation Pain Management Systemic Fungal Infections General Anesthesia Coccidiosis Ectoparasites

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.