sand impaction

[ReptileMan27]

Hey, if you want to be sure, don't use sand, as simple as that!

I've been using sand for my leos in a lot of years and, yes, the ate it and poo it, No problems...until January '07...

I got home and found my lovely Hero, tang. striped male poop out his guts!

He drag this hard, dry "sticks" of guts in the sand and I had to cut them away:

I clean him up but couldn't get the cuted guts in to his belly again, so...it was just one thing to do...

On the other side of the rainbow bridge...my Hero....

Before January I would probably said; keep the sand, it's no danger.

Today I don't use sand at all. It's not worth the risk!
But if you think it is, keep your sand....

Im sorry for your loss , this is just more proof, unfourtantly another leo had to loose its life , but im sure to some people they will still believe its safe:main_no:. I dont think anything else needs to be said, those are just one more case of why sand is NOT SAFE for leos:main_thumbsup:

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Sorry for your loss Lottiz, but are you saying the cause of this was a sand substrate? If so how?

I'm guessing it got so backed up that there was no more room, when he tried to poop it took it all with it. That is terrible. I am so sorry... What type of sand were you using? I'm hoping this can open some eyes.

 

[Lottiz]

I used 0,3mm. I don't know if that is what you call playsand...

A Pic with my PRS with this sand.

Thank you all for all kinds words...

/Lottiz

 

[NaughtyDawg]

I don't mean to keep hammering on this Lottiz, but why do you say this was caused be sand? I'm just trying to understand what happened.

 

[Lottiz]

At first, I wasn't sure... but the end of the gut was nagged and tear into rags. I think he may haven't got his poo out and he have bit to try to help himself.
When i wet the guts up, there was alot of sand in them too...
Do you got any other theory??

/Lottiz

 

[robin]

i am sorry for the loss of your gecko. it is very unfortunate.


you said you did keep geckos on sand before this for several years and this was the first case. one out of however many animals over a longer period of time isnt bad.
i have heard of more geckos dieing of a prolapse or ruptured organs in the last year than i have heard of peoples geckos dieing of play sand impaction over the past several years.

i think no matter where or what we put them on they are at risk for ANYTHING at anytime. i have even known of geckos who suffocated on there own shed because it got caught and clogged up the throat. it's a rarity but it does and can happen.

 

[Lottiz]

yes...but one is enough for me

/L

 

[robin]

i understand

 

[ReptileMan27]

Knowing that their is that risk, why would anyone that says they love their geckos, risk it?.

 

[Gregg M]

Dont know if anyone posted this link yet...

http://homepage.mac.com/exoticdvm/reptile/PhotoAlbum181.html

Damn Calci-sand!!!!

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Are you serious? You are using the "its only 1 out of X geckos"???? I am sorry, but if ANY of my pets died because of something I did, I would not just put it past me and think of all of the geckos that didn't. If you remember in the reaearch I posted, there are two kinds of impaction. One, which seems to be the case here, is prolonged buildup in the organs. It crystalizes and over time causes a blockage, like a clogged artery in a heart. It happens over time. How can you say "one out of however many animals isn't bad"? That is like saying "well, i have had 200 leos, I guess i can cut this one into pieces."

Sorry for getting to upset about this, but that is just ridiculous. And I am the narrow minded one, huh?

 

[robin]

Dont know if anyone posted this link yet...

http://homepage.mac.com/exoticdvm/reptile/PhotoAlbum181.html

Damn Calci-sand!!!!

that was once of the examples used in the beginning but they only said "sand" not calci-sand... big difference

 

[robin]

Are you serious? You are using the "its only 1 out of X geckos"???? I am sorry, but if ANY of my pets died because of something I did, I would not just put it past me and think of all of the geckos that didn't. If you remember in the reaearch I posted, there are two kinds of impaction. One, which seems to be the case here, is prolonged buildup in the organs. It crystalizes and over time causes a blockage, like a clogged artery in a heart. It happens over time. How can you say "one out of however many animals isn't bad"? That is like saying "well, i have had 200 leos, I guess i can cut this one into pieces."

Sorry for getting to upset about this, but that is just ridiculous. And I am the narrow minded one, huh?

you know what? **** happens no matter how well we take care of our geckos. the "crystallization" happens with calci-sand (or similar products) not play sand.
your experience of one leopard gecko leads me to believe you have yet to experience any of this, and in this i am excluding the sand, because any setup can have harmful properties.

" Substrates:

Many Leopard Gecko keepers use sand, orchid bark or terrarium carpets as a substrate for vivarium tanks, and these are OK for adults. Be aware that it is a known fact that some Leopard Geckos, (especially babies) have died from intestinal impaction resulting from consuming too much sand while "striking" at crickets. Only full-grown adults should be kept on sand, and it should be the ultra-fine, non-silica, playground variety. Do NOT use calcium sand! Leopard Geckos' digestive system is very short, and there is a risk that the calcium cannot dissolve completely, which can lead to intestinal impaction. If bark is used, it should be of a size that cannot be swallowed, and changed out regularly due to it's tendency to harbor bacterial growth. Carpet may cause the lizard’s toenails to become stuck and tear. Another choice is slate or clay tiles as an easy-to-clean, decorative and safe substrate. Never use fish tank pebbles or walnut shells, as they can be extremely harmful to their digestive system, and may even cause death if they are swallowed. Most experienced breeders will debate which substrate works best and is safer, but nearly all of us will agree that paper towels or newspaper are the number 1 choice... they are safe, and very inexpensive to use. "

from http://www.goldengategeckos.com/careleopard.html

when marcia gets back from dallas. i will ask her to tell you from where and who she got her info from.. which is valid and from reliable research.

 

[NaughtyDawg]

I've also had babies choke on paper towel after striking a cricket and getting the towel as well. I've also seen them stuck to the carpet after missing a cricket. Even in the wild I'm sure they have some of these hazards.

As Robin says....**** happens. Let's move on...

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I've also had babies choke on paper towel after striking a cricket and getting the towel as well. I've also seen them stuck to the carpet after missing a cricket. Even in the wild I'm sure they have some of these hazards.

As Robin says....**** happens. Let's move on...

When there is a case of impaction due to paper towels, get back to me. You could put a snake in your leo enclosure. Sh!t happens....

Robin, I trust Marcia more than anyone when it comes to leos. That does not mean EVERYTHING she says is the 100% truth or best answer. I am in no way trying to say anything against Marcia at all. However, she has also stated in threads that she feels sand is a poor substrate. Attacking me for only having experience with one leo is just ridiculous. I have read and unfortunately seen the facts, as have you, and it is very clear the possibilities. When I find documented cases and and research of this topic, the amount of leos I have cared for makes no difference. It is one thing if I was backing up my argument with my experiences, but I haven't once. I don't understand how you are still defending sand when you JUST saw a terrible case of impaction due to PLAY SAND. It baffles me...

 

[robin]

When there is a case of impaction due to paper towels, get back to me. You could put a snake in your leo enclosure. Sh!t happens....
.

none of my snakes are lizard eaters but i have fed brand new hatchlings to gargoyle geckos

 

[Lottiz]

Just want you to see this...and look at the legs...poor thing!
(and i don't know if this little fellow got sand or not... )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhOpF2Qyuu0

 

[Gregg M]

that was once of the examples used in the beginning but they only said "sand" not calci-sand... big difference

Yeah, thats why I put that up there... There is a huge difference between fine grain play sand and that crap the pet stores push on their new gecko owners...

I got yo back Robin!!! LOL

none of my snakes are lizard eaters but i have fed brand new hatchlings to gargoyle geckos

Robin, you need to get some Atheris ceratophora... They are the perfect disposal unit for deformed or stilborn hatchlings...

 

[Lottiz]

Yeah, thats why I put that up there... There is a huge difference between fine grain play sand and that crap the pet stores push on their new gecko owners...

I got yo back Robin!!! LOL

But my Hue bold stripe ate play sand and died, not calcium sand...

 

[geckofreak570]

my aft died from play sand