Thin and Sickly Leo EMERGENCY

[Snyds]

I inherited this blizzard leo in January.
Male
Lives in 10 Gal alone
Heat is 88-90
Paper Towels
Humid and normal hide
Waterbowl is present.
Started out healthy.

Please excuse the Photos, I took them in my son's room
It developed an eye infection around a month and a half-2 months ago. Since then, it has tanked. The vet I contacted was no help at all. He didn't know what he was doing and told me to soak it every day and it would eventually get better. Since then, the eye infection has spread to BOTH eyes. There are no other reptile vets that I know of that I could get to, and I've done some research into it.

The gecko for around a month showed no signs of hunger. It didn't want to eat. I attempted to feed it around twice a week. Around three weeks ago, he has been trying to eat crickets, but cannot catch them. He has never shown signs of liking mealworms or superworms, and my local store does not sell wax worms (something that he needs) so I'm going to ask and see if they can order them.

As for the gecko, he is extremely skinny now, he's lost a lot of fat in his tail, and his bones are showing. His infection has shown no signs of improvement. What can I do? He's being tortured right now and I feel helpless. I should've come here sooner (I forgot about this forum) and I know it's my fault and I take full responsibility, so please don't lecture me, just tell me how I can right this wrong.

 

[LZRDGRL]

What you can do is moisten his paper towel and take a moist q-tip and clean the stuck shed from his head and feet so he doesn't lose any toe tips. The eyes need vet care, there's nothing you can do against spreading infection.

Waxworms can be ordered online. Where do you live? I get mine in the mail from Timberline in Marion, IL. They charge 20 dollars per box, and shipping is about 8-9 dollars (I get a huge box which also contains two boxes of crickets, though). Just call them and find out. I order every week, but I have lots of geckos. You probably just need to order once a month. Waxworms can survive this long. After that, you get moths or they get black, die, and stink terribly :main_lipsrsealed:

The hot spot in your cage should be 93-95F, I think. But that is probably not the reason why he's getting thinner. He won't be able to catch crickets if he's weakened and has trouble seeing them. I would try waxworms and mealworms, dusted with calcium. If he's not interested in worms, have you tried pulling them apart? (Argh, I know it's gross.) You could also smash them and make a slurry.

Good luck! It's always tough to inherit a problem animal.

Chrissy

 

[Snyds]

Thank you for your help.

I have already moistened his towel and I will try the Q-tip method.

But there's no way to get rid of this infection without vet care? Is there anything I could get at a pharmacy or something?

 

[fl_orchidslave]

A few things come to mind in this situation. First, if you don't mind letting us know where you're located, perhaps a member here can refer you to a good vet. Both eyes being infected is serious business and a qualified reptile vet is the only way this can be treated and have a chance for a positive outcome. Take a look at this story, and you will see how bad it can get if left untreated http://www.geckotime.com/sick-leopard-gecko-recovery/ . Second, rather than go the waxworm (poor nutrition)route, I suggest you get the ingredients for gecko slurry (loaded with excellent nutrition) asap. Here is the recipe http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=54742 You really don't have a lot of time, that tail will continue to shrink fast and he will have no reserves. As Chrissy said above, get him on some moist paper towels. A little more heat would be helpful also.

 

[Snyds]

I'm located in a town in Oklahoma...I don't really feel comfortable giving out my exact location (don't blame me!) so if anyone is in Oklahoma then by all means PM me!

It seems like everything is stacked against my gecko! Pencil tail, two infected eyes, frail body!

Today, the eye also started bleeding.

I feel like this is the beginning of the end, but I won't give up on the guy. I'll get on that slushie ASAP.

I've dealt with a reptile's death before, so I know that it isn't quick and painless when it happens this way. If I cannot contact a vet and there is no signs of improvement in the next couple weeks, should I euthanize it? It's a last resort I know, and certainly don't want to do this, but I want to make the best decision possible.

 

[ProGeckoServices]

You do not have to give out your exact location, but I am sure you would get more responses if you at least list the particular area of Oklahoma your from. I.E Oklahoma City, Tulsa etc. Theres no sense in recommending a vet thats 6 hours outside of where you live.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

There are at least 2 herp societies on OK, one in Tulsa and another in OKC. This thread has a link to it and a member's name http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=36788. Shoot him a message on here and email the club, they have connections all over your state and can hopefully steer you in the direction of a good vet. See what you can find out before your "final" decision.

Also, I noticed they have a forum on their club website. Take a look there for folks in your area. There may also be a recommended vet list on the homepage or link to one. Put the word out that you are in dire need!

 

[Snyds]

I live in Tulsa County, I'll be sure to look into this, thanks!

 

[Snyds]

I would like to update the case of my gecko, and it is not good. I was recommended another breeder shortly after this post on another forum. He told me to put neosporin and wait a couple weeks for the infection to clear up. I am dissatisfied with his diagnosis, he clearly had no idea what he was doing. This is what my gecko has turned into. This is not the only reptile I have, and this is not the first time a reptile has died on me, so I am more of an intermediate keeper...but an infection has never developed to this point on any of my animals before. Please do not lecture me on my care, I am trying to find better recourses, it is my fault I did not take the recourses that were provided on this forum.

What I ask now, is if there is a painless way I can euthanize my leo. He will not live, and I'm sure this infection is slowly destroying his mind.

Thanks

 

[Snyds]

Gecko kicked the bucket about an hour ago. I'll always remember to see a vet from now on!

 

[sausage]

sorry for your loss. hes in gecko heaven

 

[PaladinGirl]

That is too bad Poor little guy. Make sure if you get another leo that you sanitize everything with bleach. Were it me, I would probably sterilize bowls and stuff by boiling them. I'm not sure the exact advice in regards to cleaning everything though. Maybe someone will pipe in, or u can find a thread. Take care

 

[Snyds]

That was one of my 3 geckos. The other two are females who are living in a 20 gal (I seperated the male I did not want them to breed.) But I have already done that anyway.