How to care for a neglected Leo Gecko?

Hello.

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This is an image of a neglected Leopard Gecko I purchased from my local +++++ location. For a mere 15 USDs and payed with cash, this Gecko is simply treated as any merchandise as proved in the photo.

I already have two Leopard Geckos living with me. Out of the goodness of my heart, I decided to get another one. I already knew my local +++++ had neglected their Leopard Geckos. In February of this year, I documented a conversation between the +++++ employees and me concerning the health of the neglected geckos. I went back today to save one from +++++'s abuse. However, the challenge is still not over yet.

The Leopard Gecko seems to be malnourished extremely. The tail is thinner than a pencil. At the store, this one was grouped with nine other Geckos, leading me to infer that this one was bullied from not eating (even though they had a dish full of mealworms). I've already got her up in a basic set up. I placed some chopped up mealworm bits for her to eat. I suspect she is not eating simply because of the environment change which is understandable.

I REALLY fear that if she doesn't eat this week and next week, she might die. I am ready to take her to a vet this week to get a check-up. Also, I'm placing an order for a feeding syringe so that if it comes down to not eating, I will force-feed her to hopefully save her life.

If any of you reading this have any helpful tips to bring her back up to health, that would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you.

Hopefully your vet will have some recommendations. A check for parasites should also be done, in case there are underlying infections. You can also try preparing a gecko slurry and getting the gecko to lick it of its nose/lips rather than go straight to force feeding (as that can be stressful). Hydrating soaks in a little warm water or Pedialyte can also help.
http://geckoforums.net/f130-health-medications/54742.htm

I will also stress to keep VERY strict quarantine between this one and your existing geckos. Don't share any tools/sponges/whatever, always deal with her after your healthy geckos, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after working with her. Some pet store geckos can be infected with a dangerous parasite called Cryptosporidium. It is contagious and has no cure, and you would not want to infect your other animals.

Good luck.

indyana said:

Hopefully your vet will have some recommendations. A check for parasites should also be done, in case there are underlying infections. You can also try preparing a gecko slurry and getting the gecko to lick it of its nose/lips rather than go straight to force feeding (as that can be stressful). Hydrating soaks in a little warm water or Pedialyte can also help.
http://geckoforums.net/f130-health-medications/54742.htm

I will also stress to keep VERY strict quarantine between this one and your existing geckos. Don't share any tools/sponges/whatever, always deal with her after your healthy geckos, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after working with her. Some pet store geckos can be infected with a dangerous parasite called Cryptosporidium. It is contagious and has no cure, and you would not want to infect your other animals.

Good luck.

Click to expand...

Hi. Update.

Instead of the syringe, I successfully tried out your suggestion. Though I did not use a slurry. I used a combination of mealworm guts and calcium powder to make a paste. I applied the paste with a bendy plastic tie things used at the grocery stores. I inserted horizontally the paste into her mouth until she ate it all off. One of my concerns is will it be enough? Well I suppose if they're fed, than they're fed. I didn't want to give her too much.

How many of these kinds of feedings should I do before I can switch it to eating regular mealworms?

I would feed her as much as she would take. Don't let up on the feeding until she refuses. I think your best bet is to continue feeding that way until she shows interest in normal food.

As long as it doesn't stress her out more continue doing what your doing.

You can always try offering normal food first, and if she begins eating, great. Otherwise, she may need to be assisted for a while until her strength builds up.

Good News.

I ceased the paste feeding for a couple of days and left three mealworms in her feeding dish. I returned to home to see they are gone.

What are some recommended vitamins for Leopard Geckos I can give to her diet?

Despite me feeding her successfully and seeing her defecate (not healthy, but she was), her health was deteriorating for the past week. It got to the point until she eventually couldn't hold her head up.

Yesterday I did another paste feeding, she regurgitated it though. So I left her be for the night.

Today I woke up and found her unresponsive, usually when lift the cover from her tub she looks up but she didn't this time. I picked her up, unresponsive. She wasn't breathing nor her heart beating. It's over guys, she's dead and I failed to save her.

She was victim of the corporate pet trade. I know for sure that her case isn't the first one. Shame on +++++.

I'm sorry to hear this. You tries to save her and that is the best you can do, and more than anyone else. I know it is of little condolence but I'm sure the love and comfort she received at the end was felt. Again, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.