Red lip

[B&B Geckos]

"A little bit of info I learned from this ordeal. The ulcer was caused by a vitamin a deficiency. My dusting I looked is repcal herptivite mixed 50 50 with repcal calcium as directed on the label. The herptivite has no vit a as well as crickets have no vit a. So in the 8 weeks I have had her the only vit a was from the few Dubia she ate."

Thank you for sharing the vet's findings, this kind of info is gold. Did the vet recommend the repashy plus?

 

[Galyion]

Vet didn't recommend repashy by name but from all I read about it on here I went with that. I use it almost every feeding.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

While its true that herptivite does not contain vitamin A directly it does contain beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and thought to be safer by some. The manufacturer says the following:

"HERPTIVITE is the first reptile vitamin without Vitamin A. Instead we use Beta Carotene which is an anti-oxidant that is converted into Vitamin A in a regulated way, so there is no threat of Vitamin A toxicity." (Taken directly from the manufacturers website: Rep-Cal Supplements).

I've read that there is some controversy over this and that it is thought that some reptiles (mainly chameleons) can't synthesize vitamin A well from beta carotene while others may overdose from straight vitamin A. I've found no evidence that Leo's have ever been found to be in the non-synthesizing side of the debate.

I've been using he herptivite for years with no problems of vitamin deficiency (given my sample size is small). I'd be interested if any breeders use this product and if they feel confident in it or have had issues and switched.

 

[Galyion]

Let’s start with how it happens. Vitamin A has been deemed lethal and dangerous for a long time in reptile keeping. The reason? It was being used excessively, especially in tortoises, and was leading to very bad issues when it was overdosed. Skin sloughing was commonly seen in tortoises that were given Vitamin A injections. When those horrible side effects were seen, it was immediately assumed that vitamin A was toxic, dangerous and lethal and was basically deemed useless in reptile supplements. The trend became then to use beta carotene as the source for vitamin A because being a precursor, it couldn’t be easily overdosed and the reptiles would be able to transform the beta carotene into vitamin A. The idea had some logic behind it, except that not all reptiles are created equal, and insectivorous reptiles can’t transform beta carotene into vitamin A no matter how much beta carotene you give them.

Quote from this site
http://www.geckotime.com/vitamin-a-deficiency-in-leopard-geckos/
Notice the last line says "insectivorous reptiles can’t transform beta carotene into vitamin A no matter how much beta carotene you give them."

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Let’s start with how it happens. Vitamin A has been deemed lethal and dangerous for a long time in reptile keeping. The reason? It was being used excessively, especially in tortoises, and was leading to very bad issues when it was overdosed. Skin sloughing was commonly seen in tortoises that were given Vitamin A injections. When those horrible side effects were seen, it was immediately assumed that vitamin A was toxic, dangerous and lethal and was basically deemed useless in reptile supplements. The trend became then to use beta carotene as the source for vitamin A because being a precursor, it couldn’t be easily overdosed and the reptiles would be able to transform the beta carotene into vitamin A. The idea had some logic behind it, except that not all reptiles are created equal, and insectivorous reptiles can’t transform beta carotene into vitamin A no matter how much beta carotene you give them.

Quote from this site
Vitamin A deficiency in Insectivorous Geckos | Gecko Time
Notice the last line says "insectivorous reptiles can’t transform beta carotene into vitamin A no matter how much beta carotene you give them."

Wow, I have that bookmarked, but I never read the whole thing. Just the intro and the "Problems for Leopard Geckos" part. I'm such a fail. XD That's good to know though.

~Maggot

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I read the gecko time article and dont doubt the vets knowledge or sincerity but, as a scientist myself, am inherently skeptical of claims that are not backed up by a citation or data. If anyone knows of a study that has been done in this topic I'd be super interested. I plan to hunt through the veterinary databases as soon as I find a free moment to see what I can come up with.

 

[Kylerbassman]

I too have heard a lot of debate about this subject. I used the herptavite and mixed with calcium as directed a while back. I just felt it was a pain to have so many things to remember. I will say after the Repashy switch, both my Leo's seemed to do better and sheds were only improved. I'm not saying you can't use it, I just like the convenience and peace of mind that they are getting everything they need with the Repashy

 

[Galyion]

Just an update. She's all better and have has no health issues since

 

[sausage]

im glad shes okay now. shes looking great well done

 

[B&B Geckos]

Awesome!

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Super glad to hear she's doing awesome! What a cutie!