Pogona Research Articles

Validation of a sedation scale and assessment of sedative effects of dexmedetomidine-methadone and dexmedetomidine-methadone-ketamine in Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Validation of a sedation scale and assessment of sedative effects of dexmedetomidine-methadone and dexmedetomidine-methadone-ketamine in Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Exploring elbow kinematics in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) using XROMM: Implications for the role of forearm long-axis rotation in non-avian reptile posture and mobility.

The functional morphology and kinematics of the elbow joint remain relatively understudied in squamates. Previous investigations of lizard elbow morphology and kinematics suggest long-axis rotation (LAR) of the radius and ulna during stance allows the manus to remain pronated during forelimb retraction. Using XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology), we explored the range of 3D movements and kinematics of the humerus, radius, and ulna in three adult male Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) during trackway walking. Our data indicate that the elbow joint of P. vitticeps experiences significant rotations in all three dimensions and that the radius and ulna adduct and rotate laterally on their long axes relative to the elbow joint and to one another during stance. These movements allow the distal ends of the radius and ulna to remain in a configuration necessary for manus pronation. These data support previous inferences that the radius and ulna of lizards move independently at the wrist joint. We suggest that independent LAR of the radius and ulna relative to the elbow joint and to one another may be an ancestral mechanism in lizards and perhaps more broadly across non-avian reptiles.

Multicentric Study on Enteric Protists Occurrence in Zoological Parks in Portugal.

Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals play a major role in the transmission of disease, which in turn may result in financial and productive losses. Notwithstanding, studies on the burden and distribution of diarrheagenic protists in zoological gardens are still insufficient. Given the close animal-animal and animal-human interaction in these settings, Public Health concerns under the One Health context are raised. Using molecular detection tools and phylogenetic analysis, the goal of this study was to assess the occurrence of four potentially zoonotic protists-Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.-in animals residing in zoological parks in Portugal. Occurrence of Eimeria spp. was also assessed because of its veterinary relevance. Although Blastocystis sp. represents most of the positive samples obtained (11.6%; 95% CI: 0.08-0.17), all parasites were detected (B. coli (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.01-0.06), and Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Giardia spp. presented the same prevalence (0.5%; 95% CI: 0.00-0.03)). We also describe the first molecular detection of B. coli in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), of Blastocystis sp. in three different python species, and G. muris in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), suggesting the broadening of the host range for these parasites.

Comparison of intramuscular medetomidine versus medetomidine–vatinoxan sedation in bearded dragons (Pogonavitticeps)

ObjectiveTo assess sedation following intramuscular (IM) administration of medetomidine versus medetomidine–vatinoxan in bearded dragons. Study designProspective, randomized, experimental, crossover study. AnimalsA group of 10 (five males and five females) bearded dragons (mean mass ± standard deviation 172 ± 28 g). MethodsAll animals were administered both medetomidine (0.2 mg kg–1) (MED) and medetomidine (0.2 mg kg–1)–vatinoxan (4 mg kg–1) (MED-VAT) IM, with a 14–16 day washout period between treatments. Sedation was assessed using an adapted version of a sedation scale for bearded dragons (scale range 0–12) before (T0), and every 5 minutes from 10 to 45 minutes after treatment administration (T10–T45). Sedation scores were compared: 1) between time points (within treatments) using a Friedman test and Dunn’s post hoc test; and 2) between treatments at each time point using a Wilcoxon paired test. Heart rate and respiratory rate (fR) were analyzed descriptively. At T45, atipamezole was administered IM. ResultsCompared with T0, sedation scores were significantly higher at most time points for both treatments. Highest median (range) scores occurred at T30 for MED [T0, 0 (0–0); T30, 2.5 (1–5); p = 0.0001] and at T35 and T40 for MED-VAT [T0, 0 (0–0); T35, 2 (1–5); p = 0.002; T40, 2 (1–5); p = 0.001]. No significant differences in sedation scores were identified between treatments at any time point. The two protocols caused bradycardia and reduction in fR. All animals were active and ate 1 hour after reversal administration. Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth medetomidine and medetomidine–vatinoxan caused similar mild sedation in bearded dragons (median < 3/12). Inclusion of vatinoxan did not enhance sedation in this species.

Exploring the human-bearded dragon animal bond: A qualitative content analysis of Reddit posts

Abstract The impact of companion animals on humans has been extensively investigated. Previous and current literature has overwhelmingly focused on traditional companion animals, such as cats and dogs. Despite many individuals living with non-traditional companion animals, the research surrounding the impact they have on our lives remains understudied in comparison to traditional companion animals. Bearded dragons are currently the most popular type of reptiles as non-traditional companion animals, yet the perceived biopsychosocial impacts they may have on individuals remain relatively unexplored. The present study aimed to answer the following research questions: (1) What topics do people post to a subreddit forum dedicated to bearded dragon guardians? and (2) What do posts to the bearded dragon subreddit forum suggest about the human-bearded dragon bond? The website Reddit was systematically searched for relevant online subreddit communities targeted toward people with bearded dragons. Posts made by individuals to the chosen subreddit were collected. A conventional qualitative content analysis was performed on 2903 posts, producing five overarching categories: (1) The human-animal bond between bearded dragons and humans; (2) Use of bearded dragon Reddit forum; (3) Health and medical concerns; (4) Psychological effects; and (5) Social effects. Findings provide insight into how individuals with bearded dragons used and engaged with the online Reddit forum as well as how they reported the human-bearded dragon animal bond. The novel findings reported in this study warrant further research to explore the unique bonds formed between humans and non-traditional companion animals, including further investigation regarding bearded dragons and the various effects they may have on human life.

Synovial myxoma with cyst formation in the hip joint of a central bearded dragon.

Degenerative bone lesions are rarely described in reptiles and belong mainly to the broad spectrum of metabolic bone diseases. Here we describe a 7-y-old female central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) with a complex unilateral neoplastic lesion in the hip joint. The animal was presented because of severe progressive swelling of the left hindlimb, apathy, and weight loss. The swelling was soft and surrounded the left femur. Full-body radiographs were performed in 2 orthogonal projections. The main radiologic findings were severe soft tissue swelling centered on the proximal third of the left femur and an absent left femoral head. The caretaker elected euthanasia, and a postmortem examination was performed, followed by subsequent histologic examination. The swelling consisted of variably sized myxomatous proliferations and cysts that invaded the femoral bone. Furthermore, several long bones had lesions consistent with metabolic bone and degenerative joint diseases. Synovial myxomas are rare lesions of the joints that have, to our knowledge, not been described previously in reptiles.

What is your diagnosis? Coelomic mass in an adult male bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

What is your diagnosis? Coelomic mass in an adult male bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

Squamates as a model to understand key dental features of vertebrates

Thanks to their exceptional diversity, teeth are among the most distinctive features of vertebrates. Parameters such as tooth size, shape, number, identity, and implantation can have substantial implications for the ecology and certain social behaviors of toothed species. Despite decades of research primarily focused on mammalian dentition, particularly using the laboratory mouse model, squamate reptiles (“lizards” and snakes) offer a wide array of tooth types and dentition variations. This diversity, which includes differences in size, shape, function, and replacement capacity, provides invaluable opportunities for investigating these fundamental properties. The central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), a popular pet species with well-established husbandry practices, is of particular interest. It features a broad spectrum of morphs and spontaneous mutants and exhibits a wide range of heterodont phenotypes, including variation in the size, shape, number, implantation, and renewal of teeth at both posterior and anterior positions. These characteristics position the species as a crucial model organism for developmental studies in tooth research and for gaining deeper insights into evolutionary patterns of vertebrate dentitions. In this article, we provide an overview of the current understanding of squamate dentition, its diversity, development, and replacement. Furthermore, we discuss the significant advantages offered by squamate species as model organisms for investigating the evolutionary and developmental aspects of vertebrate dentition.

Genetic diversity and host specificity of Blastocystis in reptiles, Eastern Thailand

Blastocystis inhabits the digestive tracts of a diverse range of hosts. Transmission patterns, including host specificity, and the clinical and public health significance of Blastocystis in humans remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in herbivorous and carnivorous reptiles in Eastern Thailand. A total of 501 faecal samples were collected from 363 iguanas, 79 bearded dragons, 50 tortoises, and nine snakes in an animal breeding farm in Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand. Detection and differentiation of Blastocystis was based on amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of specific small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA genes from faecal DNA extracted from the samples. Altogether 101/501 samples (20 %) were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing-positive for Blastocystis, 90 (89 %) of which were from iguanas; the remaining positive samples were from African spurred tortoise (n=6), Bearded dragon (n=3), Leopard tortoise (n=1), and Red-footed tortoise (n=1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the Blastocystis sequences from iguanas were largely similar, and they were distinct from those of the tortoises. Subtype 17 was found in the three bearded dragons and likely reflected Blastocystis from prey animals. This is the largest survey of Blastocystis in reptiles to date. Remarkable differences in Blastocystis colonization rates and genetic diversity were observed between iguanas and other reptile orders, and what was considered Blastocystis colonization was only observed in herbivorous reptiles.

Postprandial effects following a semielemental critical-care diet lead to changes in uric acid, bile acids, and glucose in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

To assess the prandial effects of a semielemental diet on plasma uric acid, bile acid, and glucose concentrations in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). 13 healthy adult male bearded dragons. Following a 72-hour fasting period, blood was collected to measure preprandial uric acid, bile acid, and glucose concentrations. The animals were then gavage fed 1.2% body weight of an omnivore critical-care diet containing 20% protein, 9.5% fat, 2.5% fiber, and 2.39 kcal/mL. Blood was collected for repeat concentrations at 4 and 24 hours. Median (IQR) uric acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 3.8 preprandial (2.8 to 4.3) to 4.7 4 hours postprandial (4 to 7; P = .0001). Median (IQR) bile acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 1.8 preprandial (1 to 3.4) to 9.5 24 hours postprandial (5.6 to 10.4; P = .004). Median (IQR) glucose concentration (mg/dL) was 209 at time 0 (193 to 216), 287 at 4 hours (258 to 312), and 393 at 24 hours (361 to 464). Significant increases were seen between pre- and 4-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), pre- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), and 4-hours- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001) glucose concentrations. Results suggest that postprandial status and diet composition should be considered during the interpretation of some biochemical analytes in the bearded dragon.

Endoparasite Infections in Captive Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Italy.

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard species commonly kept as a pet worldwide. Endoparasites are among the most important pathogens affecting bearded dragons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoparasites in captive P. vitticeps in Italy. Faecal samples from 30 P. vitticeps were analysed by fresh faecal smears, flotation tests, the Mini-FLOTAC technique, and a rapid immunoassay to detect Cryptosporidium spp. To search for microsporidia, PCR and sequencing were performed on the faecal samples. Data were statistically analysed. The overall positivity rate for endoparasites was 83.3% (25/30). The identified endoparasites were oxyurids (17/30, 56.7%), Isosospora amphiboluri (13/30, 43.3%), Encephalitozoon pogonae (4/18, 22.22%), and Cryptosporidium sp. (1/30, 3.33%). The positivity for protozoa was significantly higher in juveniles compared to adults. Moreover, the frequency of clinical signs was significantly higher in the positive animals. The results obtained here emphasize the importance of regular veterinary examinations of captive P. vitticeps, aimed at the diagnosis, treatment, and control of endoparasites. This study is one of the largest surveys on microsporidia infections in living bearded dragons, suggesting that E. pogonae may be widespread in this lizard.

Preliminary Results of Variation in Plasma N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase Concentration Among Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), and Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta)

Abstract N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is a lysosomal enzyme found in renal tubular epithelial cells whose concentration can be measured in blood as a possible diagnostic tool to monitor renal disease; however, no reference values are currently available in reptiles. This study investigated the presence of plasma NAG concentrations in 3 reptile species. Blood samples were obtained from clinically healthy bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps; n = 13), corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus; n = 9) and wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta; n = 13). To further assess renal health, a biochemistry panel was performed for all animals, and renal biopsies were collected from the bearded dragons and snakes, but not from the turtles. Biopsies were not taken from wood turtles to limit the risk associated with anesthetizing an endangered species. Of the 35 animals sampled, 29 were considered healthy and included in the study. Plasma NAG concentrations in the wood turtles were significantly lower than in the corn snakes (P = 0.004) and plasma NAG concentrations in the corn snakes were significantly higher than in bearded dragons (P = 0.038). Wood turtles had the lowest NAG concentrations, followed by bearded dragons and corn snakes. In conclusion, NAG reference intervals should be established for each reptile species and analyte validation is needed for this assay in reptiles. Further research is needed to establish NAG reliability as a diagnostic tool in reptiles.

Sugar-coated survival: N-glycosylation as a unique bearded dragon venom resistance trait within Australian agamid lizards

In the ongoing evolutionary arms race between predators and prey, adaptive innovations often trigger a reciprocal response. For instance, the emergence of α-neurotoxins in snake venom has driven prey species targeted by these snakes to evolve sophisticated defense mechanisms. This study zeroes in on the particular motifs within the orthosteric sites of post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) that confer resistance to α-neurotoxins, often through structural alterations of nAChR. This research examined Australian agamid lizards, a primary prey group for Australian elapid snakes, which are subject to predatory selection pressures. We previously showed that Pogona vitticeps (Central bearded dragon) was resistant to α-neurotoxic snake venoms through a steric hindrance form resistance evolving within the nAChR orthosteric, specifically through the 187–189NVT motif resulting in the presence of N-glycosylation, with the branching carbohydrate chains impeding the binding by the neurotoxins. This adaptive trait is thought to be a compensatory mechanism for the lizard's limited escape capabilities. Despite the significance of this novel adaptation, the prevalence and evolutionary roots of such venom resistance in Australian agamids have not been thoroughly investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, we undertook a comprehensive sequencing analysis of the nAChR ligand-binding domain across the full taxonomical diversity of Australian agamid species. Our findings reveal that the N-glycosylation resistance mechanism is a trait unique to the Pogona genus and absent in other Australian agamids. This aligns with Pogona's distinctive morphology, which likely increases vulnerability to neurotoxic elapid snakes, thereby increasing selective pressures for resistance. In contrast, biolayer interferometry experiments with death adder (Acanthophis species) venoms did not indicate any resistance-related binding patterns in other agamids, suggesting a lack of similar resistance adaptations, consistent with these lineages either being fast-moving, covered with large defensive spines, or being arboreal. This research not only uncovers a novel α-neurotoxin resistance mechanism in Australian agamids but also highlights the complex dynamics of the predator-prey chemical arms race. It provides a deeper understanding of how evolutionary pressures shape the interactions between venomous snakes and their prey.

Hepatic lipid accumulation is associated with multiple metabolic pathway alterations but not dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To investigate associations between hepatic fat accumulation, fibrosis, and plasma values of primary metabolites, biochemical measurands, insulin, and lipoproteins in bearded dragons. 48 adult central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Dragons were sedated with alfaxalone, and a blood sample was collected. Plasma was submitted for untargeted primary metabolomics using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry, a biochemistry panel, and a lipoprotein panel determined by PAGE. Hepatic lipid content was quantified by liver attenuation measurements from CT images and digital image analysis of standardized histologic sections of the liver. Fibrosis was quantified by digital image analysis on Masson's trichrome-stained histologic sections. Severity was determined from pathologic review of liver sections according to a standardized grading system. Statistical associations were investigated using serial linear models adjusted for false discovery rate and multivariate statistics. Both hepatic fat and fibrosis had a significant effect on CT liver attenuation values. Several oligosaccharides (maltotriose, maltose, ribose, trehalose) and alkaline phosphatase were significantly and linearly increased with hepatic lipid content (all q < .05). On partial least square-discriminant analysis, β-hydroxybutyric acid was the most important discriminatory variable between fatty liver severity grades on histology. No significant associations were found with insulin, lipoproteins, and succinic acid. Bearded dragons with hepatic lipid accumulation experienced multiple metabolic pathway disruptions, some being compatible with mitochondrial dysfunction. No evidence of insulin resistance or dyslipidemia was found. Hepatic biopsy and histopathology remain recommended for reliably diagnosing and staging fatty liver disease in bearded dragons.

Transmucosal administration of pentobarbital and phenytoin solution induces euthanasia in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To assess the efficacy of transmucosal euthanasia solution to induce euthanasia. 6 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). An initial dose of euthanasia solution containing pentobarbital and phenytoin sodium was administered transmucosally in conscious lizards (100 mg/kg pentobarbital dose), followed by a second dose 20 minutes later (400 mg/kg pentobarbital dose). The presence of movement, leakage of euthanasia solution, behaviors consistent with oral irritation, respiratory rate, heart rate, palpebral and corneal reflex, and response to noxious stimuli were recorded until death, confirmed by the absence of Doppler cardiac flow and cardiac electrical activity. The time to loss of all parameters was calculated. Postmortem evaluation allowed for histopathologic evaluation of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract to detect potential mucosal damage from the alkaline euthanasia solution. The median time to death was 300 minutes (range, 300 to 360 minutes), median time to respiratory arrest was 30 minutes (range, 30 to 50 minutes), and median time to loss of deep pain response was 30 minutes (range, 20 to 50 minutes). Signs consistent with oral irritation occurred in 4 of 6 (66.7%) lizards, including 2 lizards that exhibited whole-body spasms after euthanasia solution administration. Histopathologic changes indicating peracute mucosal ulceration, suspected to be from caustic causes, were identified in 1 (1/6 [16.7%]) lizard. Transmucosal euthanasia solution administration resulted in clinical euthanasia within 6 hours. This method should be utilized only after premedication with analgesic and/or anesthetic medications due to the potential for acute mucosal ulceration and behaviors that may be distressing in client-owned animals.

Successful Surgical Repair of a Spontaneous Arterial Aneurysm in an Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps )

Abstract A 5-year-old, female, inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented with a firm swelling on the ventromedial aspect of the left mandible. Fine-needle aspiration was consistent with blood aspiration; further investigations were declined. Surgical resection was performed successfully with minimal haemorrhage, and resected tissue was sent for histopathology. This was consistent with an aneurysm, fibrosis, and intraluminal fibrosis. The patient has since recovered well, and there has been no recurrence in seven months.

Cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 54 cases (2007-2022).

To describe the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons. 54 bearded dragons. Retrospective evaluation of captive bearded dragons with antemortem imaging or postmortem diagnosis of cardiovascular disease from 2007 to 2022 from 6 hospitals. The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3% (54/1,655). Physical examination findings were available in 46 cases with change in mentation being the most common finding (n = 28/46 [60.9%]), followed by dehydration (17/46 [37%]), palpable coelomic mass (13/46 [28.3%]), dyspnea (10/46 [21.7%]), and sunken eyes (10/46 [21.7%)]. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 5/34 (14.7%) animals. Diagnostic imaging was only performed on 21 animals, and 10 (47.6%) had cardiovascular abnormalities described. In total, 84 cardiovascular diagnoses were found in 54 animals. The most common diagnosis was myocarditis (n = 14) followed by aneurysms (11), pericardial effusion (9), atherosclerosis (7), epicarditis (7), and myocardial degeneration/necrosis (7). Overall, 62 causes of death were identified in 52 cases, with cardiovascular disease being the most common (n = 18/52 [34.5%]). Only 3/54 animals were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Animals with aneurysms were more likely to die to due cardiovascular disease compared to other types of cardiovascular diagnoses (OR, 43.75; 95% CI, 4.88 to 392.65; P < .001). Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons is challenging given the inconsistent clinical presentation; however, it should remain a differential in animals with nonspecific signs of illness. Antemortem diagnostics are recommended in suspected cases, including diagnostic imaging. Of the cardiovascular diseases described, aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise.

Salmonella Vitkin Outbreak Associated with Bearded Dragons, Canada and United States, 2020-2022.

We identified 2 cases of Salmonella enterica serovar Vitkin infection linked by whole-genome sequencing in infants in Ontario, Canada, during 2022. Both households of the infants reported having bearded dragons as pets. The outbreak strain was also isolated from an environmental sample collected from a patient's bearded dragon enclosure. Twelve cases were detected in the United States, and onset dates occurred during March 2021-September 2022 (isolates related to isolates from Canada within 0-9 allele differences by core-genome multilocus sequence typing). Most US patients (66.7%) were <1 year of age, and most (72.7%) had reported bearded dragon exposure. Hospitalization was reported for 5 (38.5%) of 13 patients. Traceback of bearded dragons identified at least 1 potential common supplier in Southeast Asia. Sharing rare serovar information and whole-genome sequencing data between Canada and the United States can assist in timely identification of outbreaks, including those that might not be detected through routine surveillance.

Analytical Variability and Agreement of Leukocyte Quantification Methods in Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract Hematology is a common diagnostic assay for evaluation of health in veterinary species. Several manual methods exist to evaluate the leukocyte component of reptile complete blood counts; however, there is no single method that has been proven reliable for all reptiles. To investigate the analytical variability and agreement of commonly used leukocyte quantification methods, blood was collected from ten clinically healthy bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and analyzed in triplicate using Natt-Herricks (NH), eosinophilic leukopet (LO), and estimated white blood cell counts on peripheral blood smears made from fresh whole blood or blood anticoagulated with lithium heparin (LH). To investigate inter-observer variability, blood film white blood cell estimates were generated by both a novice veterinary student and a boarded clinical pathologist and analyzed for agreement. Analytical variability was highest using the LH blood film estimate by a boarded clinical pathologist (21.0%), followed by Natt-Herricks method (student) (20.8%), fresh whole blood film estimate from the clinical pathologist (16.6%), eosinophilic leukopet (student) (8.7%), and blood film estimates using fresh whole blood (6.5%) and LH blood (4.5%) read by the student. Bland Altman plots revealed there was agreement between LO and NH methods and between the two blood film estimate methods, and Passing-Bablok regression analysis revealed constant and proportional error between LO and both estimate methods and between NH and both estimate methods. There was agreement between the veterinary student and clinical pathologist for both blood smear leukocyte estimates. These results highlight the importance of considering which leukocyte quantification method is used when clinically assessing reptile patients.

Parasit Gastrointestinal pada Kadal Naga Berjanggut (Pogona vitticeps) di Cijeruk, Bogor

Bearded dragons are reptiles that are quite popular as pets. There are many factors of disease that can infect bearded dragons. The environment and feed affect the level of disease threat, such as parasitic infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Data information related to parasitic gastrointestinal infections in bearded dragons in Indonesia is still limited, so supporting examinations are necessary to help diagnose. A total of 38 fecal samples were collected from the bearded dragon in Cijeruk Bogor. Samples were examined by simple flotation method, Ziehl Neelsen staining, and counting the number of parasitic eggs. All samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasite infections such as Choleoeimeria sp., Isospora amphiboluri, Cryptosporidium spp., ascarid egg, and oxyurid egg. The average number of Choleoeimeria sp. and Isospora amphiboluri oocysts were 8730 and 51.281 oocysts per gram of feces. The average number of helminth eggs per gram was 290 and 2325 for ascarid and oxyurid, respectively. Most of the infected bearded dragons do not show significant clinical symptoms. The number of oocysts and worm eggs per gram of feces showed mild and high results.