Salmonella

[dim&shell]

Some of you may know about the Gecko (Johnson) I saved from a petshop a couple of weeks ago. Anyway I had him tested for parasites & Salmonella - he came back clear for parasites a week ago and I carried on persisting on getting him to eat - he seems to be getting worse. Anyway vets just called me to say he has Salmonella, and will need antibiotics, having to wait until Monday to get his antibiotics ordered and having to get him weighed etc.

I did not know that Geckos could catch Salmonella - is this a common problem? Also concerned about the other geckos in the petshop (that all look mistreated), I have reported them to the RSPCA, should I tell the RSPCA that the Gecko I rescued has Salmonella?

 

[Halley]

I don't know how common this problem is, to be honest. But I believe it to be contagious, so most likely the other reptiles they keep could have salmonella. Then I guess if the RSPCA has done some research on them, it would be best to tell them.

Have the RSPCA done anything so far?

 

[dim&shell]

Do you know if it's quite "bad" for a Gecko to catch? Not sure how ill it means he is?

Umm I rung them 2 weeks ago and they said because I bought him they couldn't obviously check his condition but the petshop had in another "baby" gecko who looks in worse condition (which I didn't think possible) than my one. I rung the RSPCA again and they said they will "investigate" - I think I will call them, yet again, and let them know that the gecko has salmonella - good idea?

 

[Halley]

Do you know if it's quite "bad" for a Gecko to catch? Not sure how ill it means he is?

Yeah I wouldn't want any of my geckos to have salmonella. Again I don’t know much about it, I don’t even know its symptoms, so I’m not an expert. But from my understanding it is not a good thing. I’m sure somebody who knows their stuff where come along here in a little while.

Umm I rung them 2 weeks ago and they said because I bought him they couldn't obviously check his condition but the petshop had in another "baby" gecko who looks in worse condition (which I didn't think possible) than my one. I rung the RSPCA again and they said they will "investigate" - I think I will call them, yet again, and let them know that the gecko has salmonella - good idea?

Well in my opinion trying to do something about a situation, is better than doing nothing. Some people say they don’t care, but if that is the only way to at lest try to get something done, why wouldn’t you do it. I’m sure if you nag enough, they would do something simple to shut you up. lol

 

[techgirl]

Salmonella is normal gut flora for most reptiles and birds, but in cases where the flora becomes agitated and has a population boom it can be serious and require meds. The normal symptoms are diarrhea and reluctance to eat with vomiting. I would tell the RSUS about the salmonella because people can get it from improper handling and hygiene when handling reptiles. This should cause them to want to look into it more. Good luck with your leo and everything.

 

[karls-geckos]

yes, and for all the youngsters who dont know, all reptiles carry it. it can be transfered to us through their feces. its nothing to worry about as long as you always wash your hands after handling a reptile, i have my kids trained well allready lol even my 3 year old will go and wash his hands on his own after touching one ( he uses the bathtub since he cant reach the sink lol

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Leopard geckos are not really prone to Salmonella, but if they could get it if they have been exposed to other reptiles/amphibians or habitats that are infected. Salmonella is a zoonose (can be transmitted to humans), so fastidious disinfection and antibacterial products should be used.

 

[dim&shell]

Thank you Jessica & Marcia - whenever I tried to search for it on the Internet it just came up with the fact that humans can catch it with contact with the Geckos as they carry it on their skin but it didn't come up with anyone where the Geckos actually became infected by it? The vets have ordered antibiotics for him. Is it serious then?

 

[Halley]

Is it serious then?

Just wash your hands follow proper quarantine measures. And give him the medicine the way the doctor tells you, and you should be fine.

Again no expert, but I don’t think I would be too worried personally.