Leo in bad shape

[biggiy05]

This poor guy has traveled down the line from owner to owner from what I've been told. The first person did everything right but he stopped eating so they gave him to a new home. The new owners got him eating but couldn't keep him so a year after they had him he was given to a friend of mine. Now my friend is having problems with him and brought him over to me....

He said he wasn't doing well but I didn't realize just how bad it was. I can't bring my self to take any pictures of him. Basically he has stopped eating altogether, still shedding but it's sticking in more places. He came to me with shed in one eye that looks like it's been there for a few months and a fresh piece shed in the other eye that I took out. He's losing more weight by the week and his spine is starting to show. I can't let him go through anymore after seeing how lethargic he is and how bad of shape he is in. I plan to call the vet this week to see if we can have him humanely put to sleep so he doesn't have to suffer anymore since we've exhausted most other options.

I've never had to do this before but what can they do or what do they usually do if a reptile is too far gone and needs to be euthanized?

 

[david13]

i'm so sorry to hear that, leos are very strong creatures though, i never did it either.. do they give it a shot..? maybe

 

[Alusdra]

Has it ever been to a vet for a workup? Maybe it is parasites or something else that needs medication to be treated?

 

[biggiy05]

There was an improvement after another visit to the vet. They got the rest of the shed off of him, including his toes. He had three abscesses that were removed. The vet showed me the stuff he took out and it was nasty.

He's on antibiotics and some ointment for his eyes. There was a major improvement when we left and this next week is going to be what helps him get better hopefully. He's staying in isolation until at least August.

The thing that got me though was the tech talking about UVB. She said that I needed to get him a UVB bulb. I've had my oldest gecko for seven years now and he's healthy as can be and never had UVB. Maybe I'm crazy but I could have sworn they didn't need it.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Andrew, try my Slurry Recipe to get some nourishment into the gecko, and for it to produce a stool for a vet to examine for parasites. Give the gecko warm water soaks to help keep the skin hydrated in the meantime.

The gecko doesn't need UVB. Just a warm (belly heat) place at around 90 degrees, and a moist hide. With your help, he may have a chance to be rehabilitated!!! I'm so glad you took it to a vet... something the previous keepers unboubtedly didn't bother doing.

 

[lytlesnake]

+1 on the warm water soaks. Get a plastic tub such as a 15 qt sterilite box and put about 3/4" of warm water in there. Just make sure the water is only warm, not hot. Put the gecko in and put the lid on for 20-30 minutes. It would be fine to do this once a day (or night). It definitely helps to hydrate their skin.

Don't leave the gecko in there long enough for the water to get cold though. Good luck!

 

[Bling_my_leo]

Poor guy.

Please post pics if you can...

 

[biggiy05]

Giving these antibiotics is fun. The best one is rinsing his mouth out because of the rot. Off to the store for baby food.

 

[bubblez825]

Poor guy! I hope he is getting better. And how can giving antibiotics be fun? I haven't done it before, but I personally hate giving them to myself, and I can't imagine wt it would be like giving a gecko medicine!

 

[popcikle]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

 

[fallen_angel]

I am so sorry to hear about this and I hope he pulls through for you!!!

 

[shadowx362]

I think when He said its fun he is being sarcastic...maybe? Hope the gecko pulls though . I once had a really bad shaped gecko and it pulled though just fine and maybe yours will do the same.
+

 

[biggiy05]

Syringe feeding a stubborn gecko is not easy. I'm trying everything dabbing it around his mouth and on his nose so he has to lick it off to putting some right inside his mouth. He just stands there and doesn't do anything but will like it from time to time.

Frustrating but I can't give up yet.

 

[Redstarfish]

Is UVB the light stretched out or something that prevents bone disease or something?You don't need that if you have natural sunlight,but now direct sunlight.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Is UVB the light stretched out or something that prevents bone disease or something?You don't need that if you have natural sunlight,but now direct sunlight.

Nocturnal species do not need UV light.

 

[biggiy05]

He finally pooped but it was too dried up by the time I got to it. It was runny but I'm still going to take it in for an exam. He's pooping so it's progress.

 

[MSMD]

Good to hear news of him beginning to at least start going in the right direction, albeit slowly. The best of luck with him! Hoping he pulls through for you!

 

[Mel&Keith]

Good luck, Andrew. I know dropper feeding little ones can be very frustrating but maybe once the antibiotics clear up all of the infection it's appetite will come back. It sounds like you're doing a great job caring for him!

 

[Scoots85]

So sad! How is he doing?

 

[fallen_angel]

I second that, it's been awhile, would love to hear an update :main_yes: