Probiotics
From UroWiki
Probiotics are live micro-organisms that have a benefit to the host's gastrointestinal tract. These are basically good bacteria which can be of benefit if ingested.
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Use of probiotics
If your uromastyx has had medications for illnesses, particularly antibiotics, probiotic use a short time after treatments is recommended. If the course of treatment(s) is very long, probiotic use during/after treatment would certainly be a good idea. When antibiotics are dosed orally or administered by injection by a qualified vet, typically these antibiotics fight and kill bacteria (good and bad). While this may be a good thing for the illness, this can be extremely hard on the intestinal micro-flora (bacteria used to break down food in the lizard's stomach) and the renal system (fluid support would also be recommended from a qualified vet while on certain antibiotics). The antibiotics and/or other medications may wipe out all the good and bad bacteria inside the stomach.
The use of probiotics can replenish these micro-organisms and help your uromastyx digest food, although proper basking temperatures are also essential. In some cases, the right type of probiotics can actually stimulate the lizard to resume eating more quickly. Probiotic use may also help an uromastyx' digestion/appetite after a long brumation, when the intestinal flora are weaker from lack of exercise and lower temperatures for prolonged periods. An animal that refuses to eat after medication (after the keeper allows plenty of time for the uromastyx to eat on their own) may need probiotics mixed into the "tube feeding" or "assist feeding" mixtures; do not use a dairy form of probiotic such as yogurt with an uromastyx.
Regularity of use
Typically, a healthy uromastyx will have no need for probiotics, they will be able to make their own through the proper care from the keeper. Probiotics do have a time and place in the keeping of uromastyx. It is unknown if regular probiotic use may actually cause digestion issues; therefore, its recommended use is when needed (in relation to medications) or very infrequently.
Recommended probiotic
There are several probiotics marketed for reptiles. However, some were made for birds first then marketed for reptiles a short time after. This is the same product and we have not seen any tests involving reptiles. Some probiotics marketed for reptiles have different bacteria, all grown separately and then mixed together before shipping. It is not known if these micro-organisms will be compatible with each other; for this reason, one of the only recommended powdered probiotics is Nutribac df. These organisms ar all grown together to ensure their compatibility. There have also been experiments with iguanas (a similar herbivore with a similar digestive system) in which the Nutribac df pushed out 100% of salmonella.
General use
It has been suggested that Nutribac df may actually aid with stress and help push out harmful bacteria and reintroduce good bacteria into the gut. It may also alleviate some stress and keep certain parasites loads at lower numbers; however, an annual fecal examination is still recommended and probiotics will not help in all cases. Any excess probiotic will simply be excreted so there is little to no chance of overdose. Nutribac df can be sprinkled sparingly on damp greens. Ideally, a probiotic should only be used for individuals that are ill, have had medications, or have gone off food for extended periods of time.
