Urgent: Gecko wants to eat but can't get food down, isn't lethargic

[hannibalbananabal]

I have had an albino leopard gecko for over 6 years. He acts hungry and wants to eat but he keeps throwing up his food, like he can't digest it. He's not lethargic, he's alert and moving around and he even let me pet him. I think it could be a dried prolapse or stuck poo but I'm really not sure. I'm soaking him at the moment but not really sure what to do. He's already lost weight because he can't keep food down even after I started feeding him at slow intervals. It's probably not an impaction, it's not a partial brumation, and his limbs are fine. Anyone know what to do?

 

[catvettech]

What are you feeding him? Have you tried different kinds of insects?

 

[hannibalbananabal]

Mealworms, and yes

 

[acpart]

He needs a vet visit. This is likely beyond layperson advice.

Aliza

 

[Sylvia1982]

The good news is that he's still alert and responsive, which means this hasn't progressed to the really serious stuff yet. But weight loss from regurgitation is a red flag that usually points to something your gecko can't shake alone—most commonly a parasitic infection (cryptosporidiosis is super common in leopard geckos) or impaction deeper in the system. Soaking is good for hydration and can help, but honestly, this one needs a vet visit to narrow down the actual cause with a fecal exam or other diagnostics. If it's parasites, no amount of feeding intervals will help until he's treated. Wishing your buddy a quick turnaround!