Vet says my leo needs UVA/UVB bulb????

[gitrdone0420]

Ok, so my leo is having an emergency. You can read the thread here.
So, I talked to a vet that works at the clinic that I work at, and even though she doesnt see reptiles on a regular basis, she was willing to see mine on an emergency basis. Its better than nothing. So, the vet is trying to tell me that my leo has MBD because Im not using a UVA/UVB bulb. I tried to explain to her that the calcium dustings on their crickets contain the vitamin D3, but the vet says that they need it in a light form to be able to convert that vitamin to a usable source for their bodies. This leo is showing NO signs of MBD. In fact, we took X-Rays and it is looking more like an impaction- However there is nothing in the enclosure to cause impaction... I am so confused.

 

[latshki]

when you look at his belly do you see a abnormally large blue area?

 

[ReptarNDukeNukem]

Well can't Leopard geckos get impaction by digesting insects that the exo-skeletons are thicker then usual?

 

[gitrdone0420]

There is a few dark spots on her belly that you can see without even shinning a light through- It even showed up on the X-Ray with the density of bone. I really think this is some sort of impaction- (I dont know how, There is nothing in that tank that can cause that except for perhaps the feeders themselves...) So I dont know what to do. Can I give her mineral oil ?

 

[acpart]

Why don't you try a drop of mineral oil and some warm soaks. It can't hurt and it may help.

Aliza

 

[gitrdone0420]

I will try that once I get her home (Im using the computer at the vets). They are telling me that right now my options are euthanasia or refer to an exotic vet, but there are no exotic emergency vets available until monday...

 

[T-ReXx]

The vet, I'm sorry to say, knows little to nothing about reptiles. It is true that certain species do require UVB in order to process D3, but these are DIURNAL lizards, like iguanas, beardies, anoles, uromastyx, etc. Nocturnal species like leopard geckos do not require full spectrum lighting. Period. It sounds to me like it is either impaction, egg binding, or possibly a circulatory issue. I know it sucks to wait but in reality you'd be best off taking her a vet who knows reptiles. For the interm I agree that mineral oil in case of impaction is a good idea, and the calcium in case it is MBD(unlikely, IMO). Keep her isolated, quiet, and warm, make sure she stays hydrated(use a dropper to give her water if you have to) and see the reptile vet first thing Mon morning. Good luck!

 

[gitrdone0420]

I agree with you. She knew nothing. I tried to tell her that she knew nothing... But she doesnt handle reptiles. She wouldn't even touch it. So, I will wait. I just couldnt wait here at the moment. I had to see someone... I figured it would be better than nothing. We did end up amputating the tail and there was blood flow, so that rules out a circulatory issue. She is way too young and small to be having eggs, so that rules out egg binding. I REALLY dont think this is MBD, she has no other signs. The only thing it leaves is impaction and the only way she could have that is if she ate a molting cricket or something >.< Just my luck...
I am going to do a warm soak with her and put a few drops of mineral oil in her... We will see what happens. I really hope she pulls through, I am so upset.

 

[gitrdone0420]

Ok, I have been back from the vet. She was not very helpful what-so-ever. I did a nice warm soak and gave her a few drops of mineral oil. We did amputate the tail, so I put some more anti-biotic ointment on that and gave her some calcium with D3. I cleaned her cage and placed her in there.
I really HOPE this works out and she ends up passing whatever is impacting her.
I am calling my reptile vet tomorrow, he will be shopping for black friday, but hopefully he will answer his phone. I dont think there is much he would be willing to do anyways, looks like if she doesnt pull through, everyone is going to steer me towards euthanasia >.< Dont really want to think about that right now. I feel like a failure.

 

[gitrdone0420]

Anyone else have any opinions?

 

[scottdvs1972]

Don't beat yourself up

You shouldn't feel like a failure, you're doing everything you know to do, and it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. Cheer up some and hope for the best. I hope your leo will make a full recovery.

 

[Sikmike]

Best of luck to you and your leo, don't beat yourself up!

 

[gitrdone0420]

I just cant help it. I really hope she does pull through, but I dont know if she will =/
How often should I be giving her mineral oil?

 

[snowgyre]

It's not your fault that the vet is giving you advice when it's obvious she isn't knowledgeable about reptiles. Some people are afraid to admit they don't know something and then end up giving bad and incorrect advice. You're doing everything right, don't beat yourself up over it.

If it was MBD, the gecko would feel limp and weak in your hand. It would have trouble moving its limbs (if it has progressed that far) and sometimes will even have trouble eating. I highly doubt this is MBD. I think everybody else is right, this sounds like impactation of some sort. What are you feeding the gecko? What substrate is she on?

I've never administered mineral oil to a lizard before, so I'm not sure how to do it. However, if someone suggested it to me, I'd probably only do small amounts once or twice a day. Anybody else have some input?

 

[gitrdone0420]

I am so anal and obsessed about impaction, I cant even believe this happend (If that is in fact what it is). She is on papertowels, has a warm hide, cool hide, moist hide. Water bowl, calcium dish and meal worm dish (Always has meal worms). I feed her crickets that are gutloaded with calicum and dusted at every other feeding. Her temps are at a perfect 95. She couldnt have a more perfect set up... She eats crickets and meal worms. I dont know how she could have gotten impacted! >.<
I am taking her to another vet tonight. He isnt an expert on reptiles, but he has handled a few. I would just feel more comfortable with a second opinion until next week. Then, if she isnt better... and if she is still alive... I am taking her to her regular vet on Tues. I just talked to him this morning about the issue, and he agrees with me all the way. He wants to take another XRay and see what he can see. Thats all I can do until then... More warm soaks and mineral oil.

 

[gitrdone0420]

Took this leo to yet another vet (same clinic I work at, just another relief vet). Took more XRays. The thing that I think is an impaction has moved! So I really hope that it is a good thing. Her bones look fantastic IMO on XRay and this new vet still tried to tell me its MBD. He also tried to tell me that I need to be feeding all of my leos Veggies! lol. Ok, how can I listen to him any further after this? And then he continued with saying its MBD after inquiring about the "Tumors" under the armpits! I mean come on!!!! Really?
Why cant we get a GOOD HERP VET in Jacksonville?
So please answer me this fellow forumers, How do you have a leo with MBD when they have calcium pockets? I would really LOVE the answer to this one...

 

[gitrdone0420]

Oh, by the way... We are going to YET another vet on Tues. ! Lol, I think this one knows his stuff though. Cant wait.

 

[JordanAng420]

He also tried to tell me that I need to be feeding all of my leos Veggies!

Oh boy. Run...run away FAST.

At least you have most of the diagnostics done and paid for. Make sure this new person that you're seeing has copies of everything so you don't have to repeat anything. I hope you have good luck with this next vet! I can't believe some of these vets. It makes a bad name for those of us who work for people who really DO know what their doing, and do it right. Sending you good luck wishes! :main_thumbsup:

 

[gitrdone0420]

Well, we are repeating XRays on Tues. Like I said, the "Impaction" thing looks like it is moving, so I need to see where it goes now. Maybe she will pass it? Is this even possible? And if she does pass it, will she get feeling back in her waist and walk again?

Oh boy. Run...run away FAST.

At least you have most of the diagnostics done and paid for. Make sure this new person that you're seeing has copies of everything so you don't have to repeat anything. I hope you have good luck with this next vet! I can't believe some of these vets. It makes a bad name for those of us who work for people who really DO know what their doing, and do it right. Sending you good luck wishes! :main_thumbsup:

 

[snowgyre]

Ugh, it's amazing to me how ignorant your vets are! A simple google search would teach them a lot. Heck, they obviously haven't even read a caresheet! Tumors in the armpits indeed! Ask them if human stomach fat is a tumor too!