Husband's gecko is dying

[OSUgecko]

Neither medicine nor treatment is limited by species. Reptiles can suffer from all sorts of disorders common to other animals. A short list of culprits includes cancer, bladder stones, goiters, acid base imbalances, and metabolic/kidney/liver diseases (there are many more). Prognosis obviously depends on a number of different factors, but all of the above can be treated. The most common health problems in reptiles are unfortunately related to improper husbandry and are easily preventable.

With your budget, I would recommend visiting the vet to obtain a diagnosis so you know what you are dealing with. It is quite possible that your gecko still has a bacterial or parasitical infection that you treated improperly. Panacur does not kill all parasites, and not all reptile parasites are easily visualized or even in the feces. Baytril can actually CAUSE gastrointestinal problems. Although it is a good broad spectrum antibiotic, it does not kill all bacteria, does not reach all infection locations in high enough concentrations to kill bacteria, and will not kill viruses.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I do not understand how you can have ethical problems with humanely killing mealworms, yet are willing to watch an animal suffer through an illness long term without proper medical attention, and have considered throwing that same animal outside in a world totally foreign to it and letting it freeze/starve to death.

I do not understand this either. If I am sounding judgmental, it's becasue I probably am. Sorry.

 

[Cheaton]

Thank you all for your help. If nothing less, I will consider taking the lizard to the vet for a proper euthanization. the list of problems you all have giving me...cancer, liver/kidney failure, etc....just seem a bit drastic to try to treat a lizard. I would feel better donating 500 dollars to feeding the poor than to a lizard.

When I was in the position of paying 4000.00 for my dogs surgery, people looked at me and was confused and astonished that I would pay that amount to save a dog. Sure it upset me a bit, but i accepted their opinions, after all that money could save a few human lives in Africa, put a few kids through school and feed a small family for a long time.

I have to draw the line somewhere. I accept your opinions with lizards but I fear that this time I find myself on the other side of the fence. And I do see now more clearly why those people were so astonished with my choice of giving my dog surgery.

Anna

 

[OSUgecko]

No one said that treating your animal would cost $500.00. Most vets charge under $50.00 for an examination fee. He might be able to diagnose your gecko from that exam alone. Diagnostic tests are usually $20.00-$100.00, but there is no way of knowing which tests would be needed and no way of gauging a price estimate without the initial examination. Antibiotics/antiparasiticides are relatively cheap (and you obviously have access to them somehow already, despite the fact that Baytril is supposed to be used solely by veterinarians). If your gecko has a readily identifiable infectious or parasitic disease, your total bills could come in at under $150-200.00 easily... and the gecko might still be alive. That's a drop in the bucket in comparison to a $4000.00 surgery. It is a small price to pay for responsible pet ownership.

I am very glad you are considering a humane euthanasia if you elect not to treat. The poor gecko deserves at least that much.

 

[MelissaDiane]

Anna, I first want to say that I only wish I had an education in Biology & could do the things you do. I think you are further ahead than most of us in the testing of things. I would like to go back to your cage set up. Something just doesn't seem right in that area.

1) do you have an under the tank heater?
2) do you have a calcium dish with or without D3?
3) do you have a warm hide 88-91 degrees?
4) You mentioned you have a moist hide.
5) do you have a cool hide? (room temps)
6) do you give any vitamins?

I have 2 pugs & a jug & another little white furry dog. I do understand that not all people are reptile type of people. I however, do love all animals & have always had an interest in reptiles & amphipians (minus the snakes). I never really thought of taken a lizard to a vet until I got gecko's & discovered it was necessary. However, I did loose a gecko (after several trips to the vet) - never found the root problem. I believe there are vets that are very well educated in reptiles & there are vets who just dabble with it & call themselves a reptile vet. I have now found a TRUE reptile vet & I am taking my one gecko as we speak to him.

I do believe that an animal is an animal & when we take an animal in than we are responsible in taking care of them to the fullest. However, you do have more expertise in areas that are crucial that many of us do not have & you have given him/her the meds you felt necessary. At least you did that much (for the love of your husband).

Anyway, I am curious as to the tank set up.
Melissa

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

Can you offer us any photographs of the gecko in her current state?

Would you be willing to give the gecko to someone who can get her to a vet for the treatments she needs?

Is it possible for us to talk to your husband, since this is his account and his gecko?

Thank you for your time.

 

[lytlesnake]

I can understand that you might not like the idea of throwing mealworms in a blender, but I don't see much difference between that and feeding them to the gecko. You're dealing with an animal that eats live food, it's just part of life. I strongly urge you to reconsider making the slurry. The worms actually die instantly, so their death is quicker than when you feed them live to the gecko. I've got a gecko who went on a hunger strike for a while, and the first step in her recovery was the slurry. Now she's eating waxworms and the occasional cricket.

 

[Cheaton]

The cage setup is already posted on these forums...there isnt much difference between then and now.

Ill ask my husband if he will take a pic and upload it for you guys to see. If we have time we will try to do it.

and lol, there is no way in hell I will make a mealworm slurry. take no offense, but I have worked with enough gross stuff in my lifetime in the lab...im not making gross things in the kitchen. We are giving him a nutrient rich slurry based on egg protein, so yes we are forcefeeding him.

Of course, if someone can take care of this lizard better than we can I would definitely talk it over with my husband and see what he says.

Whats wierd is that the lizard was hoping all around the cage trying to get out for about 3 weeks and then suddenly stopped doing anything, walking around, eating, anything. I actually think he has lost the will to live, which I believe can happen with animals that were never meant to be captive.

Anna

 

[Cheaton]

OSU,

BTW, I know of NO vet that charges 50 bucks for a consultation. Its 140 minimum!!
My dog vet charges 50 bucks a visit, a specialized herp vet would of course charge more and I havent found less than 140.

And if it was a simple parasitic or bacterial infection it would be clear by now...so I know its a serious problem and that would be more money.


Anna

 

[LizMarie]

Ok. . The Vets around me both Dog/Cat and Herp charge less than $40 and I live in NYC!

It seems that you are very against everything that is being suggested for your own personal reasons so I suggest that you find someone kind enough to take your gecko, find a rescue or put him down. I really believe your gecko needs more professional help which is more than this community can give you. This community can help with a few things here and there but like you said this seems to be a serious problem.

Wish you the Best..

 

[nats]

OSU,

BTW, I know of NO vet that charges 50 bucks for a consultation. Its 140 minimum!!
My dog vet charges 50 bucks a visit, a specialized herp vet would of course charge more and I havent found less than 140.

And if it was a simple parasitic or bacterial infection it would be clear by now...so I know its a serious problem and that would be more money.


Anna

Anna, I dont think one in our area will charge that much (I live in College Park
too).
Try Jeffery Rhody in Laurel (301-498-8387).

 

[catvettech]

I understand the "bleeding heart" trait. But as I am older and thinking now about becoming a mother, having a house, needing a new roof, taking care of my husband and 2 dogs, I have set priorities and boundaries and have to live by them- as we all do!

Anna

As an "older" than you woman who has had children, the house, new roof, husband, and dogs: Negotiation in a marriage is one of the things that will keep it strong.

 

[Cheaton]

we moved to cleveland.

Yup negotiation will keep a marriage alive...thats why I have this lizard lol

 

[Kitsune]

First...
Who ever said that dogs were meant to be kept as pets? =/ They are wild animals too. All animals are undomesticated at one point or another.

Secondly..
Why you would deny ANY animal medical attention is beyond me. Be it a cat, a dog, a rat, a gecko. They are deserving of medical attention should need be.

Yes, a mealworm is living. However, they are raised for food.
Do you eat meat? Yes? Those cows.. They are raised for food too.
Even if you don't.. It's still inevitable.
What makes a mealworm worthy of more "attention" than your gecko?
I don't understand. You can't kill a mealworm.. But you can sit back and refuse medical attention for the gecko?

I just.. can't comprehend your train of thought. You're obviously a BIT of an animal lover for having any pets at all. I'm sorry, but what you are doing is cruel.

Everyone here is right. The most unselfish and loving thing you can do is humanely euthanize the gecko. Whether you do it humanely at home or take it to a vet. I honestly think it will be much better off.
Or, let someone take her in to get her proper medical attention. Little "experiments" you do at home with your biology degree are not proper medical attention. Sorry.

Edit: Also, for the record.. I called every herp vet in my area when I needed to take one of my geckos to the vet and the most expensive exam visit price that I found was around $50.

 

[rawson5084]

First...
Who ever said that dogs were meant to be kept as pets? =/ They are wild animals too. All animals are undomesticated at one point or another.

Secondly..
Why you would deny ANY animal medical attention is beyond me. Be it a cat, a dog, a rat, a gecko. They are deserving of medical attention should need be.

Yes, a mealworm is living. However, they are raised for food.
Do you eat meat? Yes? Those cows.. They are raised for food too.
Even if you don't.. It's still inevitable.
What makes a mealworm worthy of more "attention" than your gecko?
I don't understand. You can't kill a mealworm.. But you can sit back and refuse medical attention for the gecko?

I just.. can't comprehend your train of thought. You're obviously a BIT of an animal lover for having any pets at all. I'm sorry, but what you are doing is cruel.

Everyone here is right. The most unselfish and loving thing you can do is humanely euthanize the gecko. Whether you do it humanely at home or take it to a vet. I honestly think it will be much better off.
Or, let someone take her in to get her proper medical attention. Little "experiments" you do at home with your biology degree are not proper medical attention. Sorry.

Edit: Also, for the record.. I called every herp vet in my area when I needed to take one of my geckos to the vet and the most expensive exam visit price that I found was around $50.

Well said!!!!!!!!!!!! My vet that deals fully in reptiles only cost $35 for the office visit. When I took 5 snakes to him just to have a check up (he even sexed them for me) only charged me $35 and that was for the office visit. He didnt charge me for the exam or the sexing

 

[Gesang]

Anna
I am going to try to help you. I am new to this forum, not very well received, but that is okay. And I know that some of the people who have posted responses to your urgent plea for help are going to get mad at me for trying to help you.

I am a distributor of an all organic herbal supplement called Reptaid produced by Amber Technology just for reptiles. It is not a drug and it does not need a perscription. It is an incredible health boost for reptiles to aid in the fight against disease.

You can read more about it on our website www.chameleonsnorthwest.com. You can read testimonials from people who have used it with great success on many animals for many ailments. It is currently being used to help chameleons, geckos, bearded dragons, possibly snakes, etc.

Reptaid has been used to help animals with bacteriological infections, parasitic infections, loss of appetitie, loss of libido, eye infections, lip rot, etc.

I know, it sounds too good to be true. But don't tell the animals who are still living after being treated with Reptaid. And don't tell all the happy owners who are so glad they tried it for the animals they love.

Speaking of love, I really do love animals. That is why I will give you a bottle of Reptaid, no charge if you would like to try it to save your little guy. And I will even pay the postage, overnight express mail to get it to as soon as possible since your little guy is failing. There is of course not guarantee that it will work or save his life. But I can tell you that it has worked in similar cases with other reptiles.

Just respond here on the forum to let the rest of the community know if you would like to try it. Then PM me with your name and the best address to send you an express mail tomorrow to arrive on friday.
I wish you the best...
Elliot
www.chameleonsnorthwest.com

 

[2bacop]

Anna
I am going to try to help you. I am new to this forum, not very well received, but that is okay. And I know that some of the people who have posted responses to your urgent plea for help are going to get mad at me for trying to help you.

I am a distributor of an all organic herbal supplement called Reptaid produced by Amber Technology just for reptiles. It is not a drug and it does not need a perscription. It is an incredible health boost for reptiles to aid in the fight against disease.

You can read more about it on our website www.chameleonsnorthwest.com. You can read testimonials from people who have used it with great success on many animals for many ailments. It is currently being used to help chameleons, geckos, bearded dragons, possibly snakes, etc.

Reptaid has been used to help animals with bacteriological infections, parasitic infections, loss of appetitie, loss of libido, eye infections, lip rot, etc.

I know, it sounds too good to be true. But don't tell the animals who are still living after being treated with Reptaid. And don't tell all the happy owners who are so glad they tried it for the animals they love.

Speaking of love, I really do love animals. That is why I will give you a bottle of Reptaid, no charge if you would like to try it to save your little guy. And I will even pay the postage, overnight express mail to get it to as soon as possible since your little guy is failing. There is of course not guarantee that it will work or save his life. But I can tell you that it has worked in similar cases with other reptiles.

Just respond here on the forum to let the rest of the community know if you would like to try it. Then PM me with your name and the best address to send you an express mail tomorrow to arrive on friday.
I wish you the best...
Elliot
www.chameleonsnorthwest.com

Did you know that there is already a product called Reptiaid and it is sold at major chain stores throught the us and Canada? Just wondering since you use the same name and I'm pretty sure they have copyrighted it. Here is a picture so you know im not lying, it is spelled different but it so close im sure your customers would get confused.

 

[Gesang]

It is a different product. Spelled differently, made by different manufacturer, used for different things. And I did not name or manufacture the Reptaid, I helped develop it but Amber Technology named it, produces it, and has trademarked the name.

 

[2bacop]

It is a different product. Spelled differently, made by different manufacturer, used for different things. And I did not name or manufacture the Reptaid, I helped develop it but Amber Technology named it, produces it, and has trademarked the name.

Its not used for different things, its used to put nutrients back into a reptile just like you claim your product does.

 

[Riyo]

I don't think we should turn this into another Repti-Aid thread...

As for the gecko, I fail to see your logic. That aside, have you called all the exotic vets in your area to check on exam prices? Even here in Atlanta they charge around 35 for an exam and 10 more for a fecal.

As for the marriage remark...shouldn't your husband have the right to take his animal to the vet if he needs to? If you let him keep it you have the responsibility of getting it vet care if it needs it. Denying ANY animal medical treatment is cruel and inhumane, and in many places against the law.

Geckos are living, feeling creatures just as much as dogs and cats are. Your statement that you couldn't blend mealies for the leo since they, too are living creatures is upsetting, since you also made the statement that you'd considered putting the gecko out in the snow to kill it. Just..wow. If you won't make the slurry then let your husband do it.

Yes, the economy is tight right now but being a responsible pet owner is still required. If you can't or refuse to take care of your gecko then try to rehome it to someone who will.