RIP little leo

[TickoLucky]

It is sadly a common occurrence in my town for my to find animals in boxes on my front porch. Mainly reptiles or puppies.

Yesterday morning I went out to check the mail and there was a tiny tiny box sitting on my steps open unmarked so I knew it wasn't from the mailman plus I hadn't ordered any new animals.

Inside was the smallest leo I had ever seen not length wise she (at least I think she) was 8 inches long but nothing but bones. She only had 3 legs no tail and a gash on her face and no eyes. It was heartbreaking.

I immediately took her to the vet he said she had at least a fighting chance since she ate 12 small crickets for him and drank water like she had never seen it before.

I put her in a tank all her own with all the right stuff and she perked right up. I foolishly attached myself to her because that is who I am.

Last night she ate 2 superworms when I touched them to her nose and pooped around 2 am.

But when I woke up this morning she was on her back barely breathing. I scooped her up and she died within 10 minutes

Even though I only knew you for less than 24 hours you will be missed and I hope whoever did this to you pays dearly.

I had been looking for another leo to add to our little reptilian family but definitely not this way it is just a cruel reminder of what people are capable of doing. Leos are very rare in my town and to think that someone would go out of their way to get one (and believe me if you live here you have no choice but to go out of your way) just to neglect and obviously abuse it infuriates me!

 

[Shera]

Sorry for your loss. I wonder how anyone could let her get so bad.

 

[Kristi23]

That's so sad. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Tony C]

I'm sorry that happened to you. For future reference, it sounds like this may have been a case of refeeding syndrome. When a starved animal is suddenly introduced to a large food supply, it can cause excess insulin production and electrolyte imbalances, leading to metabolic disturbances, neurological issues, organ failure and ultimately death. I know it is counterintuitive, but the best way to treat a starved animal is to very slowly wean it back on to a normal diet, starting off with a small amount of food and slowly working up to normal rations so the body has a chance to adjust.

 

[TickoLucky]

That's what I was thinking as well since I know with dogs when they are starving you shouldn't feed them large amounts of food. But I was going by the vets instructions (not my normal herp vet he was out). But being I have never dealt with a sick leo I was only around for my boyfriends last leo a little while before he passed and Spaz is healthy as a horse I trusted the vet.

She looked like she used to be gorgeous at one point in her life but she was very dull had stuck shed everywhere and her head looked gigantic compared to her body. I have seen the huge head before since the only pet store within an hour of me carries sub adult leos who are severely malnourished.