Cryptosporidium

[corvid]

One of my leos has been sick for a while and she is getting tested for cryptosporidium this week. I have another leopard gecko who came from the same breeder and was housed with my sick leo while they were both healthy for some time (they have been separated for a couple of years now). I am concerned that my other gecko could have this same parasite, as well as the possibility of the other reptiles in my house (a bearded dragon and 2 cresties) catching it if she is positive.

If she is positive for the parasite, what would you recommend as a plan of action? Should I put her down, or keep her in a strict quarantine and try to hopefully nurse her to a healthy state? I want the best for my leo, but if she is doomed to waste away I won't prolong her suffering or risk having my other reptiles catch the same condition.

 

[indyana]

Vet opinions differ on this, so I would speak to your vet and determine a good course of action. If she's sick and not doing well, you may have to have her euthanized. Geckos can live without symptoms of infection, but once they get affected, it can be an uphill battle to keep them going. You can enact strict quarantine (including completely separate tools/sponges/etc.) to protect your other reptiles, but there will always be that risk.

If she is positive, you will have to test all your other reptiles and act accordingly.