HELP!!!!

[shocker]

I recently purchased a baby leopard gecko from my local pet store. I have had him for a week now and every thing seemed to be going fine, but when I checked on him yesterday I found that he had a area of dark coloration on his stomach. It looks similar to a bruise a human would get. I choose to wait a day and see if it gets better but today it seemed to have spred. However, when I take him out to handel him he reacts normaly and doesnt seem to feel anypain when I touch the area. I could really use some advice on this subject because i have no idea what would be the cause of this.....or maybe I am just over reacting. I have a few possible theories and please let me know if you think this would be the possible answer.

Three days after I purchased the baby my bulb blew out. I have been under a very busy schedule and it took me a while to get to the pet store in order to replace it. So the temperature in his tank stayed very low (68-71) at all times. I am thinking maybe his blood was not able to circulate and it clotted??? Also, he hasnt eaten in a few days so maybe this could be the problem. Thanks for your help ---QR

 

[LizMarie]

Aw I'm sorry to hear about your leo.

Can you take pictures of it's belly? From what I have heard leos with a very dark coloration on its stomach that seems to spread could mean Liver problem but I'm not to sure. Marcia seems to know a lot about leo livers. but a pic would be best.

Just so you know Under Tank Heaters are preferred by this gecko community as opposed to heat lamps. The Under Tank Heaters give the leos the necessary belly heat needed o digest their food, not having that belly heat and the proper temps could have stopped her from eating. Lower temps will cause leos to slow down but I don't think it causes the blood to stop circulating and clottinig.

PS: Like I said Under Tank Heaters connected to a thermostat w/ a probe and a digital thermometer with a probe are essential in my eyes for each and every leopard gecko.

 

[shocker]

I will post a picture of the leo as soon as possible. If it were a liver problem is there a chance it will fix its self or would it recquire vet treatment. If there is any at home cure I would be eager to find out. Thank you for the advice on the under tank heater. I have one for my python its just they are very expensive and money is a slight issue. However, is there a certain brand you suggest or do you know of a brand that come with a probe built in. Thanks again for your help---QR

 

[LizMarie]

I will post a picture of the leo as soon as possible. If it were a liver problem is there a chance it will fix its self or would it recquire vet treatment. If there is any at home cure I would be eager to find out. Thank you for the advice on the under tank heater. I have one for my python its just they are very expensive and money is a slight issue. However, is there a certain brand you suggest or do you know of a brand that come with a probe built in. Thanks again for your help---QR

If it is a liver problem I'm not really sure what could happen because I have just read tid bits about liver problems in Leopard Geckos but with a picture hopefully some of the more knowledge members will able to guide you in the right direction.

I understand the money issue but you should save up for one it'll probably be cheaper then having to change bulbs and having them die out, etc. That I know of none of them come with a thermostat or thermometer even though I believe they should but I really don't have a preference. I've used Exo Terra and Zoo Med UTH without a problem they just need to be controlled. If you can't get a UTH soon and must use a light I suggest you place slate tile or something that will be able to absorb the heat so when your leo lays on it she can get the proper belly heat but you may want to watch it so it doesn't get so hot!

PS I buy all my reptile supplies from ReptileSuppy.com they have really good prices, UTH's for like $12 bucks and all the basics for cheap!

And you should post up the specs of your enclosure and those of your gecko so other members can help you and have a better understanding of the issue

You should post you...
Tank Size, Substrate, Temps (Hot & Cool), feeders, supplements, leo's age and size, etc.

 

[Geck-O]

If the gecko's under belly like the one in this thread, contact Marcia as soon as you get this message.

 

[shocker]

Here are some pictures of my poor gecko. I did the best I could with the pictures, I will be posting more up shortly. If you can help please let me know, any information would be greatly valued. The situation seems to really be getting out of hand and I could use ANY help to save this leo. Please help me I am in a desperate situation and I feel that I am in danger of losing her.

 

[shocker]

Here are more picturtes

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

This little gecko is not well. The very dark spot you see in it's abdomen it the gall bladder, which will come and go as the it fills and empties. It is nothing to worry about. I see an enlarged lliver, which could mean hapatic lipidosis (fattly liver) with is not uncommon for geckos that that have used up all their fat reserves. There also appears to be fluid in the gecko's abdomen, with usually means there is some form of infection going on... not to mention this little one has a VERY skinny tail!

Since this little baby is not healthy, you should either return it to the pet stroe you got it from and demand that it receives veterinary care and your money back. If there is no guarantee with the purchase of the gecko, it needs to see a vet ASAP to be tested for parasites. In the meantime, you can try to put it on slurry to keep it nourished and provide a stool for the vet to examine.

 

[Snowy & Petra de Gecko]

Wow

The tail is so skinny. No fat reserves. That is sad.:main_no:

 

[shocker]

Thanks for the advice. I plan on taking her back to the pet store today...however I dont have documentation that proves i bought her from them. But its worth a shot thanks for all the advice I guess a vet is my only hope.

 

[LizMarie]

Thanks for the advice. I plan on taking her back to the pet store today...however I dont have documentation that proves i bought her from them. But its worth a shot thanks for all the advice I guess a vet is my only hope.

They didn't give a receipt?