PLEASE HELP!!! MY LEO IS PARALYZED!!

[jstnl925]

she jumped out of my hand from roughly 4 feet. this is not uncommon, i have 2, and this one doesnt like to be picked up. so its something thats happened several times before without issue. now he is dragging his back legs. i figured she broke her back at first, but i dont see any noticable sign, nor does she seem uncomfortable when handled. also, after a few hours she was able to move them, but only slightly. she still drags them, but once shes comfortable she moves them into place. my question is, could she have an impaction, and the fall was just the final nudge it needed to paralyze her? i recently switched to meal worms, and some are maybe close to being too big. she hasnt eaten in over a week and doesnt leave her hiding place either. anyone ever experience anything similar? any advice would be hugely appreciated. thank you!!

 

[Neon Aurora]

You would probably need a vet to tell you if she has a broken back or not. If this one frequently jumps out of your hand, it might have been a good idea to hold her closer to the ground.

Impaction doesn't really paralyze animals, it just blocks them up and stops them from eating anything.

I would highly recommend seeing a vet.

 

[jstnl925]

ive had her for 7 years. it just happens sometimes, but i do my best to keep her safe. she even jumps from those heights on her own will though, and keeps on moving without hesitating, so i honestly figured she could handle it. ive been reading that paralysis from impaction is fairly common in them, and i read one similar account on this forum, where a gecko fell, stopped moving back legs and tail and slowly recovered over a few days. she can still move her tail, and is capable of moving back legs, just wont unless its absolutely necesary. i am taking her to a vet too of course. im just concerned for her, and thought id see if anyones experienced this before. i dont want her to die. ive read that if her back is broke, she needs to be euthanized. she shows no signs of discomfort really. couldnt she still be happy with some type of wheel contraption? maybe just wishful thinking. i just love her and hope she makes it through this somehow.

 

[Neon Aurora]

Accidents happen. I've had animals get away from me in the past as well. I wasn't aware until just now that impaction could cause paralysis. How interesting. Anyways, what are your temperatures, what type of heating device are you using, and how are you measuring your temperatures? The only reason a leo might get impacted from large mealworms would be low temperatures or lack of belly heat. I've personally never had a problem with impaction from pray items, and I feed superworms sometimes.

Ultimately, the vet will be the one to tell you what is going on and the best course of action for her, but we'll try to help with whatever we can in the meantime. =)

 

[jstnl925]

i use bulbs, and a thermometer thing from +++++. keep it between 82-85. belly heat? do they need a heat pad even if the tank stays at 85? yea, i didnt think the mealworms would be any problem. im really thinking she just broke something. im building her set of wheels she can use as her back legs for now. she still keeps dragging herself around and it looks difficult. after 2 ill be taking her to the vet. ill let you know how she makes out. thanks for your advice also.

 

[Neon Aurora]

Well it's worth mentioning that they do need belly heat. Without it, they can't digest their food properly. Also, is 85 the air temp or the floor temp? Does your thermometer have a probe, or is it just a dial? Ideally, you should have an under tank heater, a thermometer with the probe on the ground, and your warm side should be 90 degrees. Impaction is a possibility with low temperatures and no belly heat. I'm sure the vet will be able to tell you what to do. =)

 

[jstnl925]

had to put her down. very sad. her back was broken, and she wasnt healthy. she had degenerated bones somehow... i dont know why, she was always a good eater, and always got calcium supplements. very sad day, we all loved her

 

[laurahlove]

I'm so sorry for your loss

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[Neon Aurora]

So sorry. =( Losing an animal is always tough.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Sorry to hear

 

[jstnl925]

yes it was tough. even i was surprised by how upset i got while saying our final goodbyes to our beloved "ninja" i straight up cried. not just a tear, but i cried. i regret letting them put her down now. i wish i had done it myself, instead of letting her die with strangers. but im about to go get her body soon to bury, so atleast her final resting place will be with us. i strongly believe that you can find good in every situation. this event has inspired me to get more leos, and breed them. sort of a living memorial to our little "ninja". i consider myself a good keeper, but i am making a few changes after this. anyways, thanks for your support guys! its very much appreciated!

 

[Neon Aurora]

Feel free to come and ask questions on your new endeavour! This forum is great for helping people to provide the best care possible. =) Good luck!

 

[jstnl925]

i will for sure. i had no idea there was such a large community of people who love leos like i do. or all the different morphs available. im really looking forward to getting involved in it.

 

[laurahlove]

We are always here

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