Leo is sick but can't figure out what is wrong.

[MeganJones]

So i'm kind of new to having lizards and i'm figuring out a lot buy trial and error. But a few days ago I noticed that one of my leopard geckos hasn't been acting like himself. I have two males in a ten gallon tank (I was told this was ok) with two hiding spots, meal worms and water. A heating lamp is on usually as long as the sun is up but i'm not sure about the temperature inside the tank. They are on sand (again I was told this was ok) but it says it is a reptile sand and something about calcium carbonate. I haven't had any problems with them until now, I think I've had them about 8 months but I honestly have no idea how old they are.

Anyways, back to my gecko, George. He has been hiding 24/7, I don't think he has ate anything or pooped in a while but it's hard to tell with two in one tank. The other one is very active and roaming all the time while George (the sick one) just hides and I barely see him. This isn't normal for him, I usually see him at least once or twice a day. Also, I just noticed that he has been keeping his eyes closed all the time and when I finally got him to open them I noticed a cloudy spot on both eyes. Not the whole eye just a spot taking up about half the eye.

So I am at a loss of what to do here and could really use some help. Any is appreciated!!

-Megan

 

[SC Geckos]

Two males should NEVER be housed together. They will fight and could result in one or both animals being hurt badly or even killed. So I would separate them ASAP.

Belly heat is what a leopard gecko requires to regulate his body temp. A UTH (Under Tank Heater) is ideal.The temps HAVE to be monitored with a probe style digital thermometer or temp gun and regulated with a thermostat. If the temps are too hot or too cold it can cause lots of problems. The warm side of the tank should be 90-93 (on the floor/surface, the cool side should be around 10 - 15 degrees cool on average. These geckos do not require or like bright lights. They have very sensitive skin. These bright lights can cause stress along with other potential health issues if the lights are too hot or too bright.

NO loose substrate like sand or wood chips. These and be ingested and cause serious issues. I suggest using paper towels, tile, or repti carpet.

Now as far as the eyes.. It could be a supplement issue like a vitamin A deficiency or an infection of some sort. An exotic vet would have to determine which. Eye issues are not something to mess with because it could very quickly result in blindness.. or worse. Are you giving these animals vitamin and calcium supplements?? If not I suggest starting right away. I also strongly recommend reading several care sheets on this forum to better educate your self on the needs of these animals. Once you get it down it is very simple and your geckos will be much happier and healthier.

 

[MeganJones]

I had no idea I had gotten two males until a few months ago, it would have been nice to know. It seems like everything I was told in the poet store is either false or not the best way to take care of them. So I will definitely look at the sheets, thank you.

As for the vitamins and the supplements I am giving them calcium, dusted on their meal worms. But I did not know about the vitamin A and will look into it.

 

[SC Geckos]

I had no idea I had gotten two males until a few months ago, it would have been nice to know. It seems like everything I was told in the poet store is either false or not the best way to take care of them. So I will definitely look at the sheets, thank you.

As for the vitamins and the supplements I am giving them calcium, dusted on their meal worms. But I did not know about the vitamin A and will look into it.

The important thing is you are looking for the right information now. As for the supplements, I use Vionate (vitamin supplement) mixed with Osteo Form SA (calcium supplement). These work great for me. There are hundreds of people on this form that have had great success with Rapashy Calcium Plus which is an all in one supplement.

 

[earthpiggamer]

Repashy

The important thing is you are looking for the right information now. As for the supplements, I use Vionate (vitamin supplement) mixed with Osteo Form SA (calcium supplement). These work great for me. There are hundreds of people on this form that have had great success with Rapashy Calcium Plus which is an all in one supplement.

I have not been keeping Leos as long as a lot of keepers on this site, but I have been a faithful Rapashy user for three years now and I have not had a vitamin problem with my animals. Since you seem to be new to keeping Leos I would recommend the Rapashay vs trying to blend your calcium and vitamins like SC Geckos. I hope your Leo gets better and if a supplement change and a separation of animals doesnt improve your Leos health, you should seek immediate veterinarian help. I hope I have helped, and good luck.

 

[MeganJones]

Thank you to both of you, I will definitely look into getting some vitamins for them asap. Taking him to a vet is definitely a last resort but I have to then I will, I already have one in mind in case I need to take him.

 

[Leoringo]

Never house to males together! They will fight and lead to serious and even fatal injuries! A 10 gallon for two geckos is also WAY to small! Two leopard geckos should be housed in a 20 gallon tank, but you will need two 10gallons. Sand can cause impaction it doesn't matter what kind of sand it is. Also you should have an under tank heater not a lamp. Leopard geckos need belly heat, that is how they digest a heat lamp won't do much, leopard geckos are nocturnal too. Sounds like your gecko may be impacted :/ I would take it to a vet. Change your sand to reptile carpet, it's much safer and I think quite nice looking. Leopard geckos do not live in sandy deserts they live in rocky ones.

 

[MeganJones]

Is there a possibility they wont fight? Because I'm about 90% sure they were fine before one got sick. They are separated right now because I know the sick one was getting bullied once he got sick.

Also, an update on him, it turns out he's had shed stuck in his eyes and it had built up. I've managed to get most of it out but I can't seem to get the rest out. I'm going to call a vet tomorrow but are there any tips or tricks anyone knows of to help get the shed out?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

There is no possibility they won't fight. In the wild they try to hurt or kill any male that comes into their territory so they can breed with all the females. They may be okay together for a while but once they mature they will hurt or kill one another. If they don't kill one another the one will continue to be bullied and it may get to the point where he can't move without fear of being attacked and eventually starve to death with food inches from him. Either way it's bad news and they cannot live together.

To get the shed out I would just soak him in a "gecko sauna" for 10-20 minutes each night. Just get a tupperware and put about 1/2 inch of water or some soaking paper towels that are about 90-95 degrees, close the tupperware and let him sit for 10-15 minutes. It may take a couple of soaks but this should loosen the stuck thread so he can lick it off himself. I wouldn't try to get it off yourself - you may wind up scratching his eye and doing more harm than good.

 

[MeganJones]

Update: I finally had money so I took him to the vet. Turns out her has an infection so im giving him the antibiotics the vet gave me so I hope he'll get better soon.

 

[sausage]

good to hear you took him to a vet. fingers crossed he gets well soon just make sure you dont put them back together.