White Spots on Gecko Eyes

[Emerald]

Hi,

I purchased this Juvenile Gecko in September, 2012. I noticed a marking over the pupil of one eye about 2 1/2 months ago. It wasn't there when I first brought it home. I thought they were just scratches on the surface, maybe from the crickets I feed. But now it (unsure of gender) has the same thing happening on the other eye over the pupil. It is not a scratch - it is a series of very small white circles stacked on top of each other, which makes it seem like a scratch to the naked eye. But when I took a photograph and zoomed in, you can distinctly see the dots. I tried researching what it could be but found nothing. Are they ulcers? Abrasions? Scarring? There is no sign of irritation like licking the eyes or scratching with it's feet. It doesn't appear to be bothered by it, and can still see very well to eat and run around.

~ Sarah

 

[katie_]

I would recommend a vet for that.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I agree with Katie - a vet visit would be important. To me it looks like the majority of the eye is too clear for it to be covered in stuck shed which would lead me to think his eye has been scratched somehow. If left alone it could become infected if it is indeed a scratch or it could be an infection under the surface of they eye that has already begun.

Good luck!

 

[Emerald]

Thank you . Are vet bills for geckos expensive? I've never had to do this before.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Depends on the vet and on what they find wrong with your pet. You can call around and ask what they charge. Check that they have a clue about reptiles - some vets have never held a gecko before and are clueless about how to treat them but will attempt to treat them regardless. A specialist IMO is well worth a bunch more as they'll more than likely fix the problem right the first time which will save your gecko a whole lot of stress and you a bunch of money in the long run.

 

[Emerald]

Thanks a lot I'll take him to Banfield on Monday - I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Ghostoftangerine17]

Will look forward to hearing an update, glad you're seeing a professional about the issue. Wouldn't want the gecko to potentially lose its sight :s

 

[Emerald]

The gecko was diagnosed with a slight vitamin deficiency, namely vitamin A. I just started feeding my crickets carrots for the vitamin A about a week ago because I didn't realize until I did more research that they needed that too. They gave me vitamin A & D capsules and using a syringe (without the needle) feed half of it daily to the gecko. However, I'm having an issue giving it because he's so small, the tip of the syringe doesn't really fit in his mouth. Is there a certain way to hold him to make him open his mouth? I just watched a video and basically he did it by stroking the sides of the mouth until it opens. Is that right?

 

[katie_]

I tap the top of their noses and they open up

 

[Emerald]

I tap the top of their noses and they open up

Hmmm. I was able to get him to open a few times but he wouldn't keep his mouth open long enough to get the vitamins in. He's just not used to this before. I'll have to do this for 6 more days so by then I'll probably get it down. I'm pretty sure it's a male now. He's growing really fast. Thanks for your help

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Are you coating the feeders with some sort of vitamin powder? That may help as vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and best absorbed along with food. Once he's out of the woods its a good idea to use one on a regular basis. I use Reptivite but I also know Repashy makes a good all in one.

Also - try feeding your feeder insects some Kale - mine love it and its a great source of Vitamin A.

Good luck! Glad you figured out the problem and let us know how he recovers!

 

[sausage]

i find with meds you just have to wait. try just blotting it in little bits on to his lips for him to lick off, it takes a while but is less stressful.
I try not to put the thing into the mouth as mine just bite down on it and it frightend me they might hurt them. i did get a friend to tickle one of my geckos at the base of the jaw coz he needed worming and thats the only way to get him to open his mouth as he hates tickles and tries to bite you! lol i then took that chance to squeeze the wormer in his mouth then closed it coz it taste nasy and he spits it out other wise.
good luck though