I'm a little worried...

[athdaraxen]

Possible Parasites/ Major Weight Issues

Update!
Went to vet, while the fecal test showed no signs of parasites, the vet feels like he probably does. Its just his feces were so small the test was almost inconclusive. He will be getting meds on 9/28/12.

He only weighs in at 2.8 grams and is between 1-2 months old. I have no actual experience in reptile rehabilitation so any and all help/advice is very much appreciated. He came from the pet store like this, he was one of the biggest ones they had at the time. I really want to help him I want him to grow old and fat, darn it.

I've just noticed a behavior change with my little Sparky. I've just recently switched him to tile.

First of his tank temps are normal, he has crickets and meal worms in a very easy to reach bowl. (I made a ramp out of clay for him to climb up into it.)

I've noticed since I've changed to the tile he has been rather sleepy. His eyes are usually half closed most of the time. I can't really describe it any other way, its not really lethargic, just sleepy. He's quite young and I know every time I pick him up he always gets freaked out so I'm thinking when I changed them out, I scared him and its why he's also stopped eating and due to not eating he is getting sleepy and lazy. He still has bowel movements but its usually small, probably due to not eating. He is still drinking as his urates are normal sized and I've watched him drink, but if I drop a meal worm or cricket in front of him, he ignores it.

Now for the record I've only taken him out for tank changes which this one makes the 3rd since I've gotten him. Is this normal for a young gecko?

Also I finally took a measurement of him and he is 3 1/3 maybe 4 inches from nose tip to tail.

If there is any other information I can give please just ask, I will gladly do what I can.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

The following info would probably help people give you better advice:


About your leo:
- Sex
- Age & Weight
- How long have you owned your leo
- Where was he/she obtained (ex. Pet store, breeder, wild caught, friend)

A) Health/History
- How often do you handle your leo
- Is your leo acting any different today? If so how does he/she normally act which differs from now.
- Has he/she had any problems in the past, if so please describe.
B) Fecals
- Describe (look any different than normal)
- When was the last time he/she went
C) Problem
- Please briefly describe the problem and how long it has been going on

Housing:
A) Enclosure
- Size
- Type (ex. glass tank)
- Type of substrate
- Hides, how many, what kind
B) Heating
- Heat source
- Cage temps (hot side, cool side)
- Method of regulating heat source
- What are you using to measure your temps
- Do you have any lights (describe)
C) Cage mates
- How many (males, females)
- Describe health, or previous problems

Describe Diet:
A) Typical diet
- What you're feeding (how often, how much)
- How are you feeding (hand fed, left in dish, ect)
B) Supplements (describe how often)
- What vitamin/minerals are you using (list brands)
- What are you gut loading food with

That said - its not uncommon for geckos to stop eating for a few days. They could still be digesting their last big meal, have shed recently, be stressed over switching cages, ovulating, or just simply growing up. There are a myriad of other reasons as well.

 

[athdaraxen]

About your leo:
- Sex- MMale
- Age & Weight- I'm not sure, I don't have the proper tools to weight him and he came from Petco, but from his size (3 1/2 to 4 inches) he seems very young.
- How long have you owned your leo- Since Sept. 7th
- Where was he/she obtained (ex. Pet store, breeder, wild caught, friend)
Petco

A) Health/History
- How often do you handle your leo- Rarely, only when I need to clean his tank I do leave my hand in there from time to time to get him used to me.
- Is your leo acting any different today? If so how does he/she normally act which differs from now.
Usually he's a bit more active but since I've switched to slate tile he hasn't eaten or done much at all. Usually he would roam here and there but recently he's just been sleepy.
- Has he/she had any problems in the past, if so please describe.
none really, just new cage jitters.
B) Fecals
He has been going every day but since he stopped eating (20th when the tiles were changed out), he went on the 20th and it was smaller than normal, then nothing on the 21st, then today he did a very small one. Mind you they are your normal poops, just smaller, urates are regular size.
C) Problem
See OP.

Housing:
A) Enclosure
- Size- 20 gal long
- Type- Glass Tank
- Type of substrateSlate tile, 5 inches of repti carpet on the cool side.
- Hides, how many, what kind 4, 2 cool. 1 hot hide, 1 humid hide.
B) Heating
- Heat source- UTH and Heat lamp
- Cage temps (hot side Air- 88, Ground- 90, cool side- Air- 77, Ground- 80)
- Method of regulating heat source- Thermostat, ebay auctions. I'm having trouble getting one due to costs.
- What are you using to measure your temps- Chicken probe thermometer, actual thermometers are coming in the mail.
- Do you have any lights (describe)
I have one 20 watt bulb to simulate daylight as I only have one window and its above my A/C, so he's in the dark without the light. Then I have a heat lamp to help keep the tiles at a constant 90-92 degrees.
C) Cage mates
N/A

Describe Diet:
A) Typical diet
- What you're feeding (how often, how much)
I leave some worms in a bowl they can't get out of and change them out daily, they are dusted with Repashy, its the only vitamin he will eat. They are gut-loaded as well. I do once a day hand feed him with tweezers. I let him see it then I drop it in front of him and if he is hungry he usually snaps them up quite fast. Probably 6 meal worms, or 2 crickets.

B) Supplements (describe how often)
- What vitamin/minerals are you using (list brands)
Repashy, every feeding as directed on the bottle.
- What are you gut loading food with
Flukers Cricket Gutload.


If you need more just ask.

That said - its not uncommon for geckos to stop eating for a few days. They could still be digesting their last big meal, have shed recently, be stressed over switching cages, ovulating, or just simply growing up. There are a myriad of other reasons as well.

I read about that, but I also read that young geckos will eat like little pigs so I just wanted to be extra sure he is ok.

Also it freaks me out when he lays around and looks dead.

P.S.S I'm aware he's a little skinny, I haven't had him long and I'm working on fattening him up. Also added more to the feedings part above.

 

[Ozy]

Looks like he's just chillin to me. What does his tail look like? Is it at least as wide as his hips? You may have to take a poo to the vet and have them do a fecal smear and float to check for parasites.

 

[athdaraxen]

Looks like he's just chillin to me. What does his tail look like? Is it at least as wide as his hips? You may have to take a poo to the vet and have them do a fecal smear and float to check for parasites.

No, I bought the gecko from Petco and he was the fattest one they had.

I haven't had the poor dear very long, only since Sept. 7th. He's on a good diet now and it's just going to take time to fatten up.

And I haven't done that for the reason the closest herp vet is 2 1/2 hours away. While his health is important I simply can't make a 2 hour trip for a fecal smear and float unless I have solid evidence he is sick, plus his poop is normal, just small which I can see because he hasn't eaten. Though if it comes down to it, I'll can do it.

And the reason for my concern is he has been like this for hours now, at least 5. Unless that is normal? :main_huh:

 

[SC Geckos]

How long have you had this gecko??
P.S.S I'm aware he's a little skinny, I haven't had him long and I'm working on fattening him up. Also added more to the feedings part above.
He is more than a "little skinny". When you can see his hips and shoulders sticking out, his tail is just skin and bones. He is in very bad shape.

Also it freaks me out when he lays around and looks dead.

It is not normal for a gecko to lay out in the open. He is probably to weak to look for a place to hide in a new enclosure.
I know you are looking for some advice on here which is great. However, In the condition that gecko is in..... What he needs is a vet ASAP before its too late.

 

[Ozy]

I agree his tail does look very thin. I don't see the shoulders or hips though? I just see his elbow...

 

[SC Geckos]

I agree his tail does look very thin. I don't see the shoulders or hips though? I just see his elbow...

Sorry, it should of said - If you can see his shoulders and hips sticking out (OR) his tail is skin and bones. I should really proof read before posting. lol
That being said, I wouldn't be suprised if you can see them from another angle.

 

[athdaraxen]

How long have you had this gecko??
P.S.S I'm aware he's a little skinny, I haven't had him long and I'm working on fattening him up. Also added more to the feedings part above.
He is more than a "little skinny". When you can see his hips and shoulders sticking out, his tail is just skin and bones. He is in very bad shape.

It is not normal for a gecko to lay out in the open. He is probably to weak to look for a place to hide in a new enclosure.
I know you are looking for some advice on here which is great. However, In the condition that gecko is in..... What he needs is a vet ASAP before its too late.

That's why I'm so confused, he was fine and running around just a few days ago, I don't know what could have happened in the past few days, he's been eating and drinking and doing just fine. Then all of a sudden this happened.

As I stated above I have had him since the 7th and he really has been doing wonderfully up until the past few days. If I go in the tank to poke around he will get up and investigate. I just went to change out his water and he got up like, "what's going on?" then he ran off to somewhere else. So maybe he was just being sleepy. All of the geckos at Petco are usually pretty lazy like him. Unless I got myself a sick gecko?

I tried to feed him again and usually I would have it in front of him to gain his interest then drop it and he'd eat it, now he is just refusing it straight up.

If I did bring him how much would it cost? I really cannot do more than $25-50 bucks since I'd have to invest a tank of gas as well (which would be about $50).

Here is pic of him, right now.

 

[Ozy]

I would call the vet and ask.

 

[athdaraxen]

I would call the vet and ask.

They are closed so I sent them an email.
But there is a picture of him up there now, that is how is right now. He has actually put on a little weight since I got him. <3

 

[SC Geckos]

All of the geckos at Petco are usually pretty lazy like him. Unless I got myself a sick gecko?

Some pet stores dont have a proper setup for the geckos (like proper places to hide) so they be displayed for people passing by to see.
Buying geckos from a place like that is a crap shoot, you could get a great gecko..... or you could get one that has nothing but issues.
When geckos are that small I don't think they should be sold. Most breeders wait until the gecko is around 15 grams before selling. One reason is due to the stresses of shipping, another is to make sure the gecko is in good healthy and feeding properly.
Just guessing but that gecko probably weighs 5 grams or less.

If I did bring him how much would it cost? I really cannot do more than $25-50 bucks since I'd have to invest a tank of gas as well (which would be about $50).

My vet charges $15 for a fecial exam. Just call and ask what they charge.

If it is possible I would suggest moving him to a smaller enclosure (like a 6qt tub) with some damp paper towels for substrate, small bowl of dusted mealies and one or two hides. No bright lights and about 1/3 of the tub heated with a UTH to 90 degrees. I would keep him in there atleast until he starts eating properly and regains his proper weight. Good luck.

 

[athdaraxen]

Some pet stores dont have a proper setup for the geckos (like proper places to hide) so they be displayed for people passing by to see.
Buying geckos from a place like that is a crap shoot, you could get a great gecko..... or you could get one that has nothing but issues.
When geckos are that small I don't think they should be sold. Most breeders wait until the gecko is around 15 grams before selling. One reason is due to the stresses of shipping, another is to make sure the gecko is in good healthy and feeding properly.
Just guessing but that gecko probably weighs 5 grams or less.

My vet charges $15 for a fecial exam. Just call and ask what they charge.

If it is possible I would suggest moving him to a smaller enclosure (like a 6qt tub) with some damp paper towels for substrate, small bowl of dusted mealies and one or two hides. No bright lights and about 1/3 of the tub heated with a UTH to 90 degrees. I would keep him in there atleast until he starts eating properly and regains his proper weight. Good luck.

I can tell you now it was not a proper set up.

He's about 3 1/2 to 4 inches. I had him in a 10 gal but I was advised to put him in a 20 gal long and they happened to be on sale.

I can move him but it won't be for awhile before I can get the set up. I don't know if I even have enough to do this right now, rent just ate my paycheck.

I'll be honest I really don't even want to move him again since the last time freaked him out. What if I blocked off half his tank and taped some paper towels to it to make it more hidden? (Bad wording is bad.) I'm just trying to think of solutions I can do now instead of later.

 

[SC Geckos]

I can tell you know it was not a proper set up.

He's about 3 1/2 to 4 inches. I had him in a 10 gal but I was advised to put him in a 20 gal long and they happened to be on sale.

For an adult, a 20 gallon is fine. For a little baby I think it would be better in something much smaller and more secure for him.
If you section off part of the aquarium for him to make it a little bit smaller that would work too. Just make sure he has a warm side and a cool side still with the proper temps. Again I would put a layer of damp paper towels down so he can drink from it if hes chooses. Most young geckos like drinking water from the ground or drops on the side of the enclosure instead of from a water bowl. As long as the light you are using are not for heating I would get rid of them. All he needs is the natural light in the room for a day/night cycle. Hope this helps.

 

[PFGeckos]

The first thing that comes to mind is maybe some fumes or coating from the tile might be bothering him, especially if this just started after you put in the tiles. I'd suggest going back to your old substrate for a few days to see if that helps. Either way, if he's skinny, he might need to see the vet.

 

[athdaraxen]

For an adult, a 20 gallon is fine. For a little baby I think it would be better in something much smaller and more secure for him.
If you section off part of the aquarium for him to make it a little bit smaller that would work too. Just make sure he has a warm side and a cool side still with the proper temps. Again I would put a layer of damp paper towels down so he can drink from it if hes chooses. Most young geckos like drinking water from the groung or drops on the side of the enclosure instead of from a water bowl. as long as the light you are using are not for heating I would get rid of them. All he needs is the natural light in the room for a day/night cycle. Hope this helps.

This is helping. :3

I can't get rid of the light sadly, I cannot provide him natural light as the only window in my apartment is above an A/C and I don't think he would like that very much so I use a 20 watt bulb to simulate night/day. I also have a black light heat bulb.

I guess my gecko is weird, I have a 1/2 cm tall lid to some little tiny plastic box and he drinks out of it like crazy, though I will do the paper towel thing.

I'll prepare now and get him set up now.

Anything else I can do here? Every bit helps.

 

[athdaraxen]

The first thing that comes to mind is maybe some fumes or coating from the tile might be bothering him, especially if this just started after you put in the tiles. I'd suggest going back to your old substrate for a few days to see if that helps. Either way, if he's skinny, he might need to see the vet.

I scrubbed each tile for 30 minutes with Dawn or more until it was free of dust, things and anything else. There are no chemicals used on it (at least I didn't) but I'll have to get new carpet as that is what he was on before I switched to tile. He kept trying to eat the paper towel so I switched to the carpet.

 

[SC Geckos]

I guess my gecko is weird, I have a 1/2 cm tall lid to some little tiny plastic box and he drinks out of it like crazy, though I will do the paper towel thing.

Thats great if hes drinking from a bowl. I see you stated that he does eat still so I would make sure he has some dusted mealies available to him and leave him alone for the rest of the night and check on him in the morning. I would also count how many mealies you put in there. That way you know how many he ate. I would keep track of every single thing he eats. Hopefully you can call the vet on Monday. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

 

[SC Geckos]

I scrubbed each tile for 30 minutes with Dawn or more until it was free of dust, things and anything else. There are no chemicals used on it (at least I didn't) but I'll have to get new carpet as that is what he was on before I switched to tile. He kept trying to eat the paper towel so I switched to the carpet.

If there just tiles you get from like Lowes and you didn't glue them or anything like that your fine. As long as they were washed before putting them in the tank.

 

[athdaraxen]

Thats great if hes drinking from a bowl. I see you stated that he does eat still so I would make sure he has some dusted mealies available to him and leave him alone for the rest of the night and check on him in the morning. I would also count how many mealies you put in there. That way you know how many he ate. I would keep track of every single thing he eats. Hopefully you can call the vet on Monday. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Well he hasn't eaten since the 21st. Though he will still pick at the Zoo Med Leopard Gecko food (The flash frozen flies), he's always liked those. I keep being told most geckos refuse to even eat them but I was leaving a bottle cap of them in there but was advised not to do that as the food is crap and to stay with live food but I've always noticed unless it's half dead he won't go for it anyways. I usually cut my crickets legs and if he won't eat them I smush the crickets head and he'll usually go for it then.

On the same day I switched to the tile was the same day he ate meal worms (that I have given him) for the first time.

Also can gecko be paranoid? I mean for about 30 minutes he has been staring me down and I got up and he tweaked out and ran. XD

If there just tiles you get from like Lowes and you didn't glue them or anything like that your fine. As long as they were washed before putting them in the tank.

They were from Lowes! XD
No glue or anything was used. I just stuck them in there.