Preliminary Notes on Ivermectin to Control Foleyella Microfilaremia in Panther Chameleon, Furcifer pardalis

Abstract

ABSTRACT A wild-caught specimen of panther chameleon, Furcifer pardalis, with signs of skin discoloration and mild ataxia was infected with the filarial nematode, Foleyella furcata. Monthly treatment with low doses of ivermectin was initiated and the patient treated and monitored for four months. The microfilaremia was markedly reduced after the first treatment and virtually disappeared after the second administration of the drug and the patient improved dramatically. Despite these encouraging results it's impossible, to date, to claim an adulticidal effect of this therapeutic plan. Caution should be paid on side effects caused by the death of microfilariae and supportive therapy should be warranted. Further studies are needed to fully understand the activity of ivermectin on Filaria sp., nematodes in chameleons.