Our Enigma Hatchings have the Dreaded Enigma Isuues

[david13]

this is very interesting

 

[Sandra]

No, because the gene that causes the odd behavior is the same gene that causes the gecko to be an "Enigma". There are no "Het" Enigmas, there are Enigmas and there are non Enigmas.

There's also the faint possibility that it is a separate gene that only causes the disorder in conjunction with the enigma gene. That's the theory that some people like to believe to justify that some enigmas aren't showing issues and the normal siblings are unaffected. But I personally don't believe it.

If it is indeed stress related, my guess is that the part of their brain that deals with stress is somehow damaged in relation to the part of the brain that governs their normal reflexes. Perhaps some neural pathways are physically altered. It is very interesting that this behavior accompanies the visual calico gene

I don't remember who suggested this to me right now, but someone said that the neural crest doesn't only produce the chromatophores, but also many other important cells (such as neurons). If the enigma gene turns out to be a defect on the neural crest, it's quite logical that both color and nervous system are affected.

 

[GeckoJunkie]

"If the enigma gene turns out to be a defect on the neural crest, it's quite logical that both color and nervous system are affected."

Thing is with this, is if it is a defect how is it possible that they are able to out grow it in some cases? I had two that as fresh hatchlings they were doing the circling. Not bad and only when I would open the cage and disturb them. At somewhere around two weeks all circling stopped. They have not done it since. You startle them now and they make a mad dash straight into their hide. Not trying to say absolutely not on the defect but just giving info I have first hand.

 

[PSGeckos]

"If the enigma gene turns out to be a defect on the neural crest, it's quite logical that both color and nervous system are affected."

Thing is with this, is if it is a defect how is it possible that they are able to out grow it in some cases? I had two that as fresh hatchlings they were doing the circling. Not bad and only when I would open the cage and disturb them. At somewhere around two weeks all circling stopped. They have not done it since. You startle them now and they make a mad dash straight into their hide. Not trying to say absolutely not on the defect but just giving info I have first hand.

Geckojunkie many thanks for sharing your expreiences with us

I think that most Enigs will adapt and learn how to dill with the syndrome ;( as they get older

Another question for you all, How long would you leave hatchling before you start assist feeding?? i know its only been 2 days now that they have had crix in with them but i really want to give them the best start in life once i can get them to feed i will know how to deal with any other we get or we can advise others if asked

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Vestibular problems can come and go. For example, my mother-in-law has severe bouts of vestibular vertigo when she is seriously stressed out or eats certain foods. I had a dog that developed a vestibular problem along with nystagmus out of the blue, and it eventually went away completely.

Both my mother-in-law's doctors, and my dog's vet, said they really don't understand problems of this nature very well.

 

[GeckoJunkie]

This may get me flamed some but anyways:
I will not assist feed one, I have tried this before and have been unsuccessful.If it is not able to live under its own power and strength thenI do not believe it was meant to be. As in if it was that way in nature it would be a prey item. If for whatever reason a gecko that hatches here that is not able to survive on its own then it needs to be HUMANELY put down. I do not have a large investment in geckos nor do I breed geckos to make a large sum of money. It is a hobby that has gone overboard, so maybe it is easier for me to say that I have and will put down a gecko that is not 100%. Please understand that I am not talking about a hatchling that just has trouble starting but one that has serious problems feeding or that is malformed to the point it inhibits its ablity to live a normal gecko life.
Also I am not speaking of, if I have an enigma that hatches and circles it gets put down. No I do not, I give it the chance still to see if it can eat own its own and drink as well. I sit and watch my geckos alot ( they are in custom glass front cages) and observe their actions.If I see I have a gecko (enigma or not) that is not able to eat and drink own its own then it goes down.
From my perspective I think this is something I should do to ensure that the gecko in question does not ever make it back into anyones hands where it could possible end up being bred. Some of us may have geckos that are sold really cheap or given away for (pet only) BUT we never know what really happens to them.

 

[lytlesnake]

I didn't mean to give the impression that I assist feed my enigma. I put worms in front of the gecko and make sure she eats them, that's all. I've never force fed one with forceps or tweezers or a syringe, etc...

 

[GeckoJunkie]

No no Jason I was responding to Pete and Sarah. They had asked about it. Also I did not mean for it to sound like I was speaking directly about enigmas. I was talking about any of my geckos, enigmas or not.

 

[lytlesnake]

It's cool man, no worries. If I had a gecko that couldn't eat on it's own at all, I would consider euthanasia as well.