Old gecko, had him for over 18 years, first sign of a health issue! help

[shock29]

Hi there. I will first fill out the questionaire:

About your leo:
- Sex Male
- Age & Weight 22+ Years
- How long have you owned your leo 18 years
- Where was he/she obtained (ex. Pet store, breeder, wild caught, friend) Friend

A) Health/History
- How often do you handle your leo twice a week
- Is your leo acting any different today? If so how does he/she normally act which differs from now. Mood has not changed
- Has he/she had any problems in the past, if so please describe. No problems at all in the past 18 years!
B) Fecals
- Describe (look any different than normal) normal
- When was the last time he/she went daily
C) Problem
- Please briefly describe the problem and how long it has been going on
Leopeard gecko is old, as noted. It also needs to be noted that He had lost his tail in the first few years of his life before I took posession. When they lose their tails, they grow back shorter and fatter, which his has been for the last 18 years untill a few weeks ago. He is shedding lots as of late, and has trouble getting the skin off of his stubby fingers (not a new problem, I have always had to help him with this)


Housing:
A) Enclosure
- Size 2ft by 4 ft
- Type (ex. glass tank) glass
- Type of substrate Zoo Med Calcium Sand
- Hides, how many, what kind 2 hides. one coconut shell, one rock
B) Heating
- Heat source under tank heating pad, one above light that is on a timer, 10hrs per day
- Cage temps (hot side, cool side) hot side - 80f, not sure about cool side
- Method of regulating heat source -
- What are you using to measure your temps digi therm
- Do you have any lights (describe) one overhead lamp, on for 10 hrs/day
C) Cage mates
- How many (males, females)none
- Describe health, or previous problems no previous problems

Describe Diet:
A) Typical diet Crickets
- What you're feeding (how often, how much) 15 per week
- How are you feeding (hand fed, left in dish, ect) powdered crickets left in cage
B) Supplements (describe how often) calcium and vitamins
- What vitamin/minerals are you using (list brands)
- What are you gut loading food with -



_____

When I noticed his tail losing weight ( it is now frail, and easily 4 times smaller than before) I rushed out and bought him 2 dozen crickets. He finished all 24 crickets in less than two days. Waited 3 days, got him a dozen more - ate them all. Watched him eat them all, crickets are not escaping nor hiding. His tail size has not increased 1%. His mood and movement is normal, it may be worth noting that one of his rear knees has a buldgy look to it, like his knee cap is twice the size it should be. There is no difference in his movement because of this, he walks just fine as he always has.


Any information that you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated. I know he is old, But i dont see how it is possible to consume 36 crickets in a week, and not gain his tail weight back.

Thanks so much

Trevor

 

[lovelovelove135]

I'm not an expert at all (in fact, I'm an amateur, just got my leo in January haha I've done tons of research, though!), but I'm thinking parasites. Leos can get parasites from feeders, and it's likely yours got it from crickets. That's just what I think. I may not be right since I'm a beginner, but I don't think it'd hurt for me to put a little input haha So I'd get a fecal test maybe?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Your geckos may have gout, which is build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Only a vet can diagnose this, but if it's the problem it means his kidneys are not functioning well. At his advanced age, this is not uncommon. Make sure his supplements have NO phosphorous in them, and give him plenty of water.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Geriatric geckos can be puzzling as with any advanced age animal. X-rays would show any abnormal physical problems as well as joint issues. Parasites could be robbing him of nutrition and cause a weight loss, which is determined with a fecal float. I didn't see anything in your post about pooping, is he going as was his normal pattern? Sand substrates are known for causing impaction, and calci-sand is the worst. If you get him on a solid substrate like tile or paper towel, he will do better with shedding. Also warm side temps around 90 is better for digestion. He needs to see a vet IMO.

 

[roger]

Hi there. I will first fill out the questionaire:

About your leo:
- Sex Male
- Age & Weight 22+ Years
- How long have you owned your leo 18 years
- Where was he/she obtained (ex. Pet store, breeder, wild caught, friend) Friend

A) Health/History
- How often do you handle your leo twice a week
- Is your leo acting any different today? If so how does he/she normally act which differs from now. Mood has not changed
- Has he/she had any problems in the past, if so please describe. No problems at all in the past 18 years!
B) Fecals
- Describe (look any different than normal) normal
- When was the last time he/she went daily
C) Problem
- Please briefly describe the problem and how long it has been going on
Leopeard gecko is old, as noted. It also needs to be noted that He had lost his tail in the first few years of his life before I took posession. When they lose their tails, they grow back shorter and fatter, which his has been for the last 18 years untill a few weeks ago. He is shedding lots as of late, and has trouble getting the skin off of his stubby fingers (not a new problem, I have always had to help him with this)


Housing:
A) Enclosure
- Size 2ft by 4 ft
- Type (ex. glass tank) glass
- Type of substrate Zoo Med Calcium Sand
- Hides, how many, what kind 2 hides. one coconut shell, one rock
B) Heating
- Heat source under tank heating pad, one above light that is on a timer, 10hrs per day
- Cage temps (hot side, cool side) hot side - 80f, not sure about cool side
- Method of regulating heat source -
- What are you using to measure your temps digi therm
- Do you have any lights (describe) one overhead lamp, on for 10 hrs/day
C) Cage mates
- How many (males, females)none
- Describe health, or previous problems no previous problems

Describe Diet:
A) Typical diet Crickets
- What you're feeding (how often, how much) 15 per week
- How are you feeding (hand fed, left in dish, ect) powdered crickets left in cage
B) Supplements (describe how often) calcium and vitamins
- What vitamin/minerals are you using (list brands)
- What are you gut loading food with -



_____

When I noticed his tail losing weight ( it is now frail, and easily 4 times smaller than before) I rushed out and bought him 2 dozen crickets. He finished all 24 crickets in less than two days. Waited 3 days, got him a dozen more - ate them all. Watched him eat them all, crickets are not escaping nor hiding. His tail size has not increased 1%. His mood and movement is normal, it may be worth noting that one of his rear knees has a buldgy look to it, like his knee cap is twice the size it should be. There is no difference in his movement because of this, he walks just fine as he always has.


Any information that you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated. I know he is old, But i dont see how it is possible to consume 36 crickets in a week, and not gain his tail weight back.

Thanks so much

Trevor

It would be irresponsible for me to diagnose a leo.I am not a vet.I would however suggest a vet visit.We are able to suggest husbundry problems but to diagnose your leo would not be right