Craigslist Find

Saw this little guy on craigslist and was wondering what are the chances of him recovering and if anyone else has had this problem? (has been tested for parasites) I really wanna give him a chance if I can. Haven't picked him up yet (let's hope he last until sunday) I've got repta-aid, stuff for a slurry mix and the tub with uth, etc.




Here's what he posted: I have a white leopard gecko with black eyes. He is not albino, but hates a lot of light like albinos do. I have several geckos so I am very familiar with them. But even with that and a vets help we can not figure this little guy out. He does not seem to grow. He hunts and eats fine, but then will go through periods of days when he won't eat. His weight goes up and down because of this. His weight is pretty low at this point. If you think you can help him, please let me know. I am willing to turn him over to you with his whole set up. All I ask in return is your promise that you will try your best to take care of him.

The thing you have to be aware of is that this gecko could have cryptosporidiosis. It is an incurable and very contagious protozoan parasite that needs a special test to diagnose (you can search the forums for other info about crypto and also about instructions for doing the test. If it doesn't have crypto, it may have a metabolic problem that is preventing it from utilizing the nutrition it takes in. If you have other geckos and you take this one in, you risk your other geckos. If you're really determined to do it, I would recommend that you find the info about the crypto test (which can be done by mail) and see if you can arrange for this gecko to get tested before it gets into your possession (you'll have to work out with the owner who will pay for it). If it's negative, you could try to help it, but that pencil thin tail is not a good sign.

Aliza

It may also be a stubborn little leo, have you asked what kinds of food they tend to feed or if they rotate? A few leo's will only eat certain foods if they have to, and sometimes even then it can be a fight.

There could be many things going on here. Could also be a set-up issue, not so much the owner at fault but the gecko could be picky about it since it does have issues with light. It may be stressed from multiple issues, or it could have crypto as Aliza suggested.
Ask as many questions as possible. If it is a husbandry issue of some kind, or stress, it could bounce back. If there is a more severe underlying cause - it could cause more trouble for you and possibly any other leo's you might have.

i agree with all of the above. if you think you can do it then go for it. the fact that it comes with its own set up ect is good as you can keep it well away from your others just incase there is something like crypot going on. Just make sure your hygiene is extremely high, seperate tools and a disinfectant like F10 to minimize cross contamination.
Looking at the picture I would have to say that it doesn't appear at first look to be crypto, but then as said you have to do a special test to confirm a crypto infection and im not a vet. Its just that the image doesn't look like a typical crypto infection.
the leo seems to be quite well filled in the body which isn't normal for crypto. leos with that generally tend to be very thin, ribby and pencil like all over, not just in the tail. his head also doesn't appear to be sunken in.

It would be fantastic of you to offer this lil guy another chance at life but just be aware of the risks to your other reptiles.
does look sweet and very beautiful.

There's no way to tell if what the person even said was true, I would take it with a grain of salt to be quite honest. I would go by +++++ or ++++++++ and pick up some wax worms and mealies. If you're close enough I live in Arden below asheville, and have tons of surplus dubia if you wanted any of those free.

There's no way to tell if what the person even said was true, I would take it with a grain of salt to be quite honest. I would go by +++++ or ++++++++ and pick up some wax worms and mealies. If you're close enough I live in Arden below asheville, and have tons of surplus dubia if you wanted any of those free. just shoot me a pm if you're interested