Nina is worrying me.

[sk8ergrl927]

When I got Nina about a month ago, she was 54 grams. She wouldnt eat for me at first which was normal for anynew leo. After about a week, I gave her a dose of Jumpstart. That kicked her metabolism into gear. She was a cricket master. I decided to give her a pinky to boost her weight. Well, it didn't work. With all the crickets she ate, and a pinky, she gained one gram. I didn't know what to think, she was alert and energetic. Last week, she stopped eating again. I gave her a few days in case she was just being difficult. Then I tried another dose of jumpstart. Still nothing. Pepper, her cage mate, wont go near her. This is weird because those two are inseperable. No matter how many hides are in that tank, they are always together, usually with pepper sleeping on top of her. Yesterday, it looked like all the energy was drained out of her. Shes over on the warm side, right over the heating pad (about 92 degrees). Today was the same thing. I dont possibly know what could be the matter with her. I would bring her to the vet, but I feel like I know more than the herp vet sadly. I was hoping some of you had a suggestion to help....

Im off to get her a pinky, hopefully shell eat it.



(oh and I checked, shes not ovulating that I can see)

 

[Shera]

It's possible she has parasites and that's why she's not gaining even when she eats. If she's sick and your other leo is avoiding her I'd separate them because it could be contagious. Could you look for another herp vet in your area if the one you have been to isn't helpful?

 

[sk8ergrl927]

That could be it. For me, I dont think of parasites usually as a issue because all leos have them. The only time parasites are a bother is when the immune system is compromised. But why would the immune system be compromised? Ugh
Anyway, good idea. Ill hopefully get a pinky in her to get a fecal for the vet.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Yep we all have parasites its just when the population gets out of control is when there is a problem. Immune system could be compromised by stress. Coming into a new home is stressful... May have only covered up the problem by giving her the jumpstart.

Quarantine is important especially when a leo is acting strangely or in a new environment.

Is pepper a girl as well?

She may be ovulating and you cant see it?...

54 grams is not a bad weight but it depends on her build/length if this is an appropriate weight.

Could she be impacted? What are you using for substrate? Has she pooed recently?

Im sorry if these seem like stupid questions but have to narrow down the possibilities.

 

[sk8ergrl927]

Yes, Pepper is definitly a girl.

Maybe I cant see it... that could be a possiblility.

Shes kinda lanky, not bad weight but shes lost like 3 grams so shes down to around 50/51.

She poos regularly, shes on paper towel substrate.

 

[acpart]

I was struck by your saying that Pepper and Nina are together all the time with Pepper sleeping on top of her. I've been told that a classic sign of bullying is one gecko following the other around and sitting on it, sometimes forcing the bullied one out of the hide. Is there any chance that Pepper is bullying her in some way and she's not eating as a response? It may be a good idea to separate her and see if there is any change.

On a positive note, I have a supersnow from '08 who has always had trouble eating and gaining. In the fall she was up to her best weight of 44 grams. Then she just stopped eating. I had to medicate her for a respiratory infection for a month which didn't help. Her weight dropped to 38 grams and I thought I was going to lose her. For some reason, 2 weeks ago she just started to eat and now she's up to 47 grams! Don't give up.

Aliza

 

[sk8ergrl927]

Hmmm, that can be it. I did separate her.Its kinda funny cause Nina is (or was) a whole ten grams bigger.... We need to blame Paul for this. He breeds bullies. lol