Abscesses, Abscesses, even more Abscesses...

[30secondstobob]

This discussion wasnt about not treated your animals to yourself when they have minor cuts or scratches.

Actually the discussion turned into a bunch of people condemning the lady for wanting to try to treat the gecko herself when she already had no success by visiting a vet. I simply proved examples where a visit to a vet not only didn't help, but made things worse. Many years ago, I had an iguana with a mouth abcess and an otc product took care of it nicely. I don't remember what it was or I would have suggested it. If that didn't work, maybe a visit to a more qualified vet may be in order. Bob

 

[Dimidiata]

Ok then my friend, why dont you break down abcessess for us. Tell us what they are, teel us whats causing the ones on her gecko, tell us what meds to use to treat the specific bacterias/parasites/viruses causing them. If she treated the animal herself she could easily do MUCH MUCH MUCH more damage.

 

[katie_]

Actually the discussion turned into a bunch of people condemning the lady for wanting to try to treat the gecko herself when she already had no success by visiting a vet. I simply proved examples where a visit to a vet not only didn't help, but made things worse. Many years ago, I had an iguana with a mouth abcess and an otc product took care of it nicely. I don't remember what it was or I would have suggested it. If that didn't work, maybe a visit to a more qualified vet may be in order. Bob

It really wasnt.
No one was 'condemning' her.
Some things can be treated at home. We are all aware of that. She was under the impression that there may be something she could do herself. We let her know that she could not infact do anything for an abscess.

 

[GeckoGathering]

Illegal, huh.

I lived on a farm my whole childhood.
Birthing calves = Legal.
Lancing an abscess without knowlegde or pain management = ILLEGAL!

Huh, well Katie, don't think so in US. You think Canada is different?
Granted, knowledge for anyone, in anything, is needed along with
necessary equipment and medications.
The Vet has all of these, so it gives him the right to work on
OTHER peoples animals.
To be frank, these things in the mind and hands of the right person
can out perform some vets I've encountered.
But birthing calves, giving a distemper shot, or lancing an abscess,
as long as they are your animals, is not to be considered illegal.
But you can not treat other persons animals with or without a charge,
unless you are a vet.
My opinion on illegal to your own animals would be
as "Fighting Pit bulls". [per ex. the Michael Vic episode.]
That's crewel to animals, not attempting to improve their health.
Take care. Hj
​

 

[katie_]

Huh, well Katie, don't think so in US. You think Canada is different?
Granted, knowledge for anyone, in anything, is needed along with
necessary equipment and medications.
The Vet has all of these, so it gives him the right to work on
OTHER peoples animals.
To be frank, these things in the mind and hands of the right person
can out perform some vets I've encountered.
But birthing calves, giving a distemper shot, or lancing an abscess,
as long as they are your animals, is not to be considered illegal.
But you can not treat other persons animals with or without a charge,
unless you are a vet.
My opinion on illegal to your own animals would be
as "Fighting Pit bulls". [per ex. the Michael Vic episode.]
That's crewel to animals, not attempting to improve their health.
Take care. Hj
​

A vet has gone to school for years and has aquirded the legal licenses to perform procedures on other peoples animals. It has nothing to do with having equipment.

Just because you know how to give an injection, doesnt mean you can go vaccinate everyone elses pets. I know how to neuter cats, its quite easy. Am I going to go around and neuter every cat I see? No!


The medication one would need to lance an abscess with the correct procedures would need prescription medications.
If you are dealing with prescription medications without a permit, that is infact illegal. Canadian and U.S laws are not that different in regards to this.
Most people, including the OP, would not know how to do this without causing harm to their animals. If she were caught operating on her leopard gecko at home, she would be charged with animal cruelty.

This has nothing to do with you administering medication to your own animals. Vaccinations and deworming is NOT surgery on an abscess.

 

[JordanAng420]

This thread has gotten way out of hand, and there's so much misinformation it's ridiculous.


OP: How are the geckos doing? Any updates?

 

[gypsyrie]

Hi,

I believe my leo has an abscess on his vent. I can post a picture if anyone would like to verify it. He is not eating, hasn't been excreting, and not really himself. I've had him for a year, and he's about 7 years old. He normally eats mealworms and waxworms, ocassionally dusted with vitamins. He has carpet substrate and temps run from 87-75 (warm to cool side). I took him to the vet this past Friday. She suggested warm soaks and tummy massages, which he didn't seem to mind much at all - actually seemed to enjoy it, which makes me think he must really be uncomfortable around his vent. I called the vet back today and she wants to sedate him, lance it, and keep him overnight. I want to do whatever I should for his health, but I just wanted some other feedback that it's the right thing to do for him and there isn't anything else that I can do for him on my own.
Thanks in advance,
-Marie

 

[Dimidiata]

Hi,

I believe my leo has an abscess on his vent. I can post a picture if anyone would like to verify it. He is not eating, hasn't been excreting, and not really himself. I've had him for a year, and he's about 7 years old. He normally eats mealworms and waxworms, ocassionally dusted with vitamins. He has carpet substrate and temps run from 87-75 (warm to cool side). I took him to the vet this past Friday. She suggested warm soaks and tummy massages, which he didn't seem to mind much at all - actually seemed to enjoy it, which makes me think he must really be uncomfortable around his vent. I called the vet back today and she wants to sedate him, lance it, and keep him overnight. I want to do whatever I should for his health, but I just wanted some other feedback that it's the right thing to do for him and there isn't anything else that I can do for him on my own.
Thanks in advance,
-Marie

I think you should start your own thread for the sake of progress updates. However, if your vet has made a suggestion and wishes to treat the animal, that is your best route. They know what they are doing better then we do. There isnt much you yourself can do aside the soaks. Possbly get him some peat moss or cocofiber in a hide(if there isnt already) for him to lay on so his vent isnt getting irritated. If you start a new thread we will go into detail about the general husbandry and what may have caused the issue. I do hope the best for your leo and your lucky to have a vet that sees reps.