poorly gecko

[binksy]

I just wondered if any one had a problem with bloated geckos. My girl is six months old and has what i can only discribe as "jelly belly" the end of her belly keeps bloating up and becomes large,swollen and see through. The specialist at the reptile shop has never seen it before. We have an appointment at the vets end of week. She does seem better after i've bathed her and some chalky stuff seems to have come out of her back end. Before this she was regurgitating crickets and getting a little thin, she does now seem a little better with regular bathing, but still needs to bring her weight back up. Greatfull for any input. New to this. Thanks Sam.

Actully having an after thought could i be dusting the crickets with to much vitamin powder??? just thinking of what came out of her back end.???? Getting it bunged up.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Sounds to me like a vet is necessary... I think Marcia (Golden Gate Geckos) is your best bet to ask about this. However, there may be some others that can help, so just be patient. The only thing I can think of, is she is ovulating. That doesn't explain everything though....

 

[Val]

I'm sorry to hear your gecko is having problems! The vet really is the best bet at this point. What temp are you keeping her at and how are you measuring it? My only thought is that her heat is too low which isn't allowing her to properly digest her food.

I'm going to move this post to the appropriate section of the forum, you may get a few more responses there.

 

[binksy]

Thanks.

Thank you so much for reply. Have had a thermometer on the out side of the tank under where the heat mat is and temp looks a bit low. I have set the thermostat to 90/92, it was at 86/88. We put a heat light in a couple of days ago (100 w) from pet shop and have that on a thermostat, (took out this morning as bulb itself seems to be getting hot) It is on heat mat side at the top of tank, any views on how good or if we.re doing the right thing. Currently have a basic set of heat mat one side on thermostat and day and night bulb in top lid. (converted aquarium, to change to proper vivarium in couple of months). Any suggestions for improvment greatly recieved. Binksy.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Ok, first thing.... it is good you turned the heat up a little. However, that is not a very efficient way to measure the temp. Rather than a thermometer on the outside of the tank, you should get one with a probe that goes inside the tank, or get a temp gun. Some people think you dont technically "need" a thermometer if you have a thermostat, but if you decide you want to use one, make sure you use one of those options rather than what you are doing right now.
What kind of heat light is it? What color bulb? Bright lights (normal colored bulbs) tend to stress leos out. I recommend using a red, blue, or black bulb if you are not right now. Lights are not even necessary at all if your UTH is heating the tank sufficiently. They require belly heat (UTH) and ambient heat (lamp) does not effect them much because they do not bask like other lizards. Hope that helps a little.

 

[binksy]

Hi, i do have an in tank thermometer, to be honest i thought it was duff or the wrong thing or sitting in the wrong place. It is one that sits on the side with a suction thing on it. It has the point at the bottom of the tank and has been reading just 80 or just below. Thermostat before i turned it up was highish 80s. I think for piece of mind i'll pop into (nearest decent place bout 14 miles away) reptile shop at weekend and get a better one. Its funny i've only been on here today and already have sooooo many questions i've not been able to find answers for on net or books. Need to pace myself and find my way round sight. Next job to see how to get picture next to my name and how to post photos!! Thanks again.:main_thumbsup: :main_thumbsup: :main_thumbsup:

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The heat mat should be on the outside of the bottom of the tank so the floor surface temperature (on the gecko's belly) is around 90 degrees. Measuring the air temperature is not accurate. This could very well be the problem with your gecko's weight loss.

I have seen geckos that hold fluid/urine in their abdomen making it bloated. Some bacterial infections will create this problem, but they will not show up on a routine fecal test at the vet.

The white stuff you gecko passed are urates, or uric salts, which are normal.

 

[binksy]

Hi it is water infection should it pass with lots TLCare or is this a "vets now" Also any suggestions on helping her to gain some of the weight loss. She seems to be much better in herself since Sunday, the bloating has gone down and not bringing crickets back up. I do have vets still at end of week. BINKSY....

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The gecko should be seen by a vet.

 

[Dottie]

I had my little girl, Dottie, fill up with fluid in her abdomen (clear stuff). The vet removed 2 cc's by syringe, then gave her a dose of anti-parasite meds. It worked like a charm and she was back to glowing health in 3 days. The rest of my hatchlings for the season had the same thing happen at about the same age and we just dosed them at the start of the symptoms. Everyone is fine, in good health and thriving.

Dorcas