Old Age & Dying

[MischiefManaged]

Hey guys,
I am worried that one of my female leos...Lucky...is approaching death of old age. For those of you that remember, she was a rescue that I obtained in 2001. She is a wild-caught gecko and the vet mentioned that she appeared to be "older" when I first rescued her. Lately, she has been eating normally, but is losing weight quickly. She regurgitates her meals occasionally. I began housing her in a separate tank and nothing in my care has been different. She is free of parasites. Does anyone know about how geckos act when they are dying of old age? I have been keeping leopard geckos for many years, and all three of my girls are pretty darn old. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I will be calling the vet tomorrow...

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Nikki, I have only had one gecko die from old age. She just began to eat less, be less active, and lose weight. Eventually, she passed during the night.

 

[bitterbeauty]

I have never dealt with this situation first hand and I am so sorry that this is happening to you.

I remember that someone said on another thread that their older gecko go really clingy when they got old before they died. They always wanted to be held.

 

[gothra]

Nikki, I have only had one gecko die from old age. She just began to eat less, be less active, and lose weight. Eventually, she passed during the night.

Marcia, how long was the duration between the gecko starting to eat less, lose weight, to death?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Bonnie, it was about 5-6 weeks.

 

[MSMD]

This is the one subject that I always like to pretend doesn't exist. My biggest fear with all of my pets is realizing that they're not all immortal. *sigh* They sure do bless our lives for however long they're with us, though. Thanks for chiming in on this subject, everyone. I was curious, as well. I don't look forward to it, but it's nice to know what to expect. I hope all of my geckos end up being the ones that live to be 20 or older. :yes: I've already lost a few before their times, and it was truly heartbreaking!

 

[nats]

I had 2 leos die last year. They where old, but not 20 :main_no:

Like Marcia said they just lost interest in food, and slept alot.

My female, got much more friendly with me in her last few weeks, and wanted to be held alot.

Either one ever seemed sick or in any great discomfort up to the end.

When the oldest died, I started over, and here I am today!

 

[Geckomaster743]

My Gecko Achillies seems to be acting this way.... He has these panic attacks where he shakes his tail like crazy. I react obviously and take him out and he gets so Calm. He recently developed a White Spot on his back. Its on one of his rounded Spikes that all Leopard geckos have. Sadly I'm afraid its not shed and that he's losing color as he gets older.

 

[rigomez4]

First let me say I am sorry to hear about your gecko.

I got a 1.2 group of "retired" leopard geckos back in 1996. I had no idea how old they were and neither did the breeder as they were purchased as adults. He breed them for 6 years. The 1st female never produced eggs. I found she had passed away one morning of unknown causes in 1999. She had been eating and acting fine up to then.

The other female produced 3 single eggs the first year I had her and 1 the second. No eggs after that. They were all infertile. She started "slowing down" in 2003. Did not eat as much, started losing weight and passed away later that year.

The male lived until 2006. He did the same "slowing down". He lost a lot of weight and his tail became very thin.

It sucks they all get old. I guess all we can do is hope we provide them what they need to be happy and live to their fullest potential.

 

[katie_]

THIS THREAD IS FROM 2008!

 

[Dimidiata]

Nice katie, although, from the OP and i mean the OP....how do they have a wild caught Leo....i thought they were artifically bred from a select few species from the wild...