Update on Luther... *graphic pics*

[Retribution Reptiles]

Marcia,

I would think that the alcohol content wouldn't be that bad. Only do to the fact that if it's that bitter then one lick and i think he would be done for trying to chew on the spot for a while.

 

[OSUgecko]

How about making a "gecko straightjacket"? If you could place some sort of solid tube around his trunk, it might prevent him from turning to bite himself/protect the wound itself? It might be worth a try if the "cone collar" isn't functional.

 

[Nancy]

Any updates on poor Luther?

 

[mystikal222]

what are you giving Luther in the meantime for food?Im brand new to this and you are probably way ahead of me but just in case....theres a calcium supp/appetite stimulant gel that you sqeeze right into the side of their mouth.It wont help his wound but it would keep him "fed" until he begins eating again on his own...

 

[liljenn]

Just another thought... I remember someone had surgery done and they put one of those large "finger cots" (cut to open at the top to make a tube) around the abdomen of the gecko. If you were to wrap it with gauze and then cover the entire abdomen with it, maybe he wouldn't be able to get to it.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I waited until the scab was well-formed, and spayed on some of the Bitter Apple stuff. It must have stng, because he promptly chewed off his scab.

 

[spykerherps]

Have you tried a mini gecko E collar. I'm making you one wright now and sending it to you.

 

[spykerherps]

I got a bit over zelos. I'll just post some pix in a minute of the prototype and you can make one.

 

[spykerherps]

I just made it from an old biz card, some PT superglued to it for padding, and a tiny bit of Velcro. I cut the biz card to an ark shape)) to help when bent. Hope this helps Marcia.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

OMG, Zack and Jess! That is soooooo cool. WOW... I'm going to make one!

 

[PacHerp]

I just made it from an old biz card, some PT superglued to it for padding, and a tiny bit of Velcro. I cut the biz card to an ark shape)) to help when bent. Hope this helps Marcia.

THAT ROCKS! What a clever idea!

 

[LeapinLizards]

You guys have no idea how hard I laughed when I opened this thread to see a gecko with a business card "collar" on. It really is genius, because he can still maneuver enough, eat, drink, etc.

 

[rubym]

That is so funny but such a good idea. I hope it works for Luther!!!!!

 

[Lady_Kiya]

I would also suggest trying the collar... maybe if one can be made. Of course removing it for feeding would be necessary and I would keep an eye on him when it's off.

 

[snowgyre]

I used to work at a wildlife rehabilitation center in New York and I think I can help you here.

I seriously believe the collar is not a good idea. He'll fight it, it'll hamper his ability to feed, rest, hide, etc. Instead, I would go to your local veterinarian, pet store, or Red Cross and ask for 'vet wrap'. It's similar to an ace bandage except it has a self-adhesive that will only stick to itself and not to skin. We use this stuff a TON with raptor (birds of prey) and small animal rehabilitation. I would buy some non-stick gauze available at your local supermarket, put that gently over the wound for drainage and aeration, and then use the vet wrap to hold it in place.

If any of you have ever donated blood, the wrap they use over your arm is the exact stuff I'm talking about. It's generally multi-colored.

Pet shops often carry it in the dog section, because people use it regularly for dog related first aid.

I would change the bandage weekly provided you keep the animal on a sterile substrate (paper towels, fake grass, you get the idea) and more frequently if you notice it getting soiled or wet (due to water bowls, etc). If you do it this way the wound should heal completely in a month.

Just be careful to make the bandage firm but not too tight. I would wrap it around your finger first to get an idea of how tight you can make it before it's uncomfortable.

Do NOT use any sort of spray!!! Reptiles have notoriously sensitive skin, and you should never, ever apply anything noxious on any open wound.

Good luck, and let us know what happened!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Thanks for the great input and advise! I have used the 'vet wrap', and it seems to help somewhat... but Luther shreds it trying to get at his wound. Also, I have to apply a very expensive topical medication twice a day, which makes it impossible to keep a bandage on him.

My vet seems to think there is some kind of vascular problem in that area that is affected, and I do notice when the scab is pulled off there is a small, raised area that is engorged with blood vessels. If that's what it is, then we may be able to
cauterize it.

Poor Luther has not eaten on well over 2 months...

 

[snowgyre]

Aw man, that's a bummer. Great to know you already tried it though. I don't know if Luther's body condition has decreased, but on my more fragile hatchlings I feed them Repashy's crested gecko diet through a syringe that I inject through the corner of their mouths (being careful just to keep the stuff in their mouths and not down their throats).

Huh, well, hopefully you'll be able to find a solution to this soon! Good luck!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Luther is being fed my slurry, and seems to take it well!
http://www.geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=19356

 

[thestack510]

"Vet Wrap" doesn't sound like a bad idea. Have you tried it Marcia?

 

[Halley]

"Vet Wrap" doesn't sound like a bad idea. Have you tried it Marcia?

I have used the 'vet wrap', and it seems to help somewhat... but Luther shreds it trying to get at his wound.

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