Intestinal parasitism of the Blindspot (roundworms)
Intestinal parasitism by roundworms is a common condition in the Blind (Anguis fragilis), this legless reptile often confused with a snake when it is in reality a legless lizard. Nematodes settle in its digestive tract and disrupt digestion...
What is it?
Intestinal parasitism by roundworms is a common condition in the Blind (Anguis fragilis), this legless reptile often confused with a snake when it is in reality a legless lizard. Nematodes settle in its digestive tract and disrupt digestion and absorption of nutrients. This parasitosis particularly affects animals kept in captivity or living in a humid environment conducive to the survival of parasite eggs. A light infestation may go unnoticed, but a significant parasitic load clearly weakens the animal.
Key point
A massive infestation can lead to serious weakening or even death, particularly in young or already weakened animals.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The signs are often subtle at first. We can observe progressive weight loss despite a preserved appetite, or on the contrary a clear loss of appetite. Stools may become loose, irregular, or contain threadlike elements corresponding to worms visible to the naked eye. The animal may appear overall less active, more depressed, with a dull appearance of the skin. In advanced cases, swelling of the abdomen or visible digestive difficulties may appear.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Parasitism is caused by nematodes (roundworms) which colonize the digestive tract of the blind bird. These parasites can belong to several families close to those found in other reptiles and lizards, such as pinworms or roundworms adapted to reptiles. Contamination most often occurs by ingestion of eggs present in the environment (earth, vegetation, prey) or by a direct cycle without an intermediate host. A poorly maintained, humid and poorly cleaned terrarium encourages the accumulation of eggs and the continued reinfestation of the animal.
Blinds kept in captivity in a humid and poorly cleaned terrarium are the most exposed. The overpopulation of animals in the same space, the absence of quarantine for new arrivals, a diet based on uncontrolled wild prey, as well as an immune system weakened by stress or another illness increase the risk of infestation and complications.
Transmission
Transmission is mainly by the fecal-oral route: the blind bird ingests eggs of parasites present in the soiled substrate, on contaminated prey or by moving on infested soil. Some cycles may involve an intermediate host (such as an invertebrate consumed by the Blindbird), but direct environmental contamination remains the most common route in captivity.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
to remove
Treatment
Treatment is based on the administration of antiparasitics specific to nematodes, prescribed and dosed only by a veterinarian competent in exotic animals, taking into account the particular sensitivity of reptiles to certain molecules. A complete cleaning and disinfection of the terrarium is carried out in parallel to avoid immediate reinfestation. Nutritional support and rehydration may be offered if the animal is weakened.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Maintaining a clean, dry terrarium greatly limits the survival of parasite eggs in the environment. It is advisable to regularly clean the substrate, disinfect the accessories and quickly remove excrement. Quarantining any new animal, combined with a coprological check before its introduction into a collective terrarium, reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Avoiding offering wild-caught prey, which potentially carries parasites, is also a useful measure.
Possible complications
A large, neglected infestation can lead to intestinal obstruction due to accumulation of worms, severe weight loss, dehydration and general weakening making the animal more susceptible to other diseases. In young blind people or already weakened animals, the outcome can be fatal if left untreated.
When to see a veterinarian
The Blind Woman visibly loses weight despite a normal or increased appetite.
Worms or threadlike elements are visible in the stools.
The animal becomes abnormally despondent, less responsive or refuses to eat.
The stomach feels swollen or hard to the touch.
Stools become abnormally loose or irregular over several days.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally favorable when the infestation is detected early and treated by a veterinarian, combined with improved breeding conditions. In the absence of treatment, a high parasitic load can lead to progressive weakening and sometimes death of the animal, particularly in young or already weakened subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Blind Woman transmit these worms to my cat or dog?
Blindfold intestinal nematodes are generally specific to reptiles and are not transmitted directly to domestic mammals. The zoonotic risk is considered negligible, but it is still recommended to wash your hands after handling the animal or cleaning its terrarium.
How do I know if my Blind has worms without taking him to the vet?
There is no reliable way to find out for yourself. Signs such as weight loss or abnormal stools may have other causes. Only a stool examination carried out by a veterinarian can confirm the presence of parasites.
Should we systematically deworm a Blind Girl who arrives from the wild or from breeding?
A quarantine with stool examination is a good practice before introducing a new animal, especially if it comes from the wild. This helps detect a possible infestation before it spreads to other animals in the terrarium.
Do roundworms disappear on their own if the Blind Girl is well fed?
No, a good diet is not enough to eliminate parasites. An antiparasitic treatment prescribed by a veterinarian is necessary to sustainably reduce the parasitic load, in addition to terrarium hygiene measures.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 28 September 2026
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
AT A GLANCE
Need a veterinarian?
Find a practitioner near you on TunisieVet, with their specialities, hours and contact details.
Find a veterinarianCategories
Affected species
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
Thinking of welcoming a pet? Dogs and cats are waiting for a family in Tunisia, and adoption is completely free.
Adoption listingsTo discover
Related diseases and linked Animalia content.
Pneumonia in the Blind
Bacterial
Subcutaneous abscess in the Blind Man
Bacterial
Dysecdysis (abnormal molt) of the Blind
Environmental
Blind Man's Cryptosporidiosis
Parasitic
TunisieVet in your pocket 📱🐾 Access your veterinary services wherever you are. [ Download the app ]
Learn more