When geckos go off food for a long time, their fat reserves become mobilized into their bloodstream. Eventually, the liver can no longer do it's job by filtering it, and gets glogged up and swollen. This is called Hepatic Lipidosis, or "fatty liver." It does not mean it has crypto!



This little baby is in bad shape, and if nothing has showed up on fecal examinations (ie: worms, coccidia or flagellate protozoans), it may very well have a bacterial infection since these infections do not show up on fecal floatations or smears. A fecal culture must be grown in a qualified lab to determine the type of pathogen and it's sensitivity. Usually, Baytril, or Septra can clear up these infections if caught early enough.



In the meantime, make sure he is warmer than normal temps... around 92-94 degrees (belly heat) on his enclosure warm side, make sure he's on paper towel, and dropper feed him (do not force-feed!) with the following slurry:



In a blender, combine:

1 small can Hill's A/D pet food (available at most vets)

1/4 cup Ensure (not chocolate)

1/4 cup pedialite

1 jar baby food squash or 1/4 cup plain canned pumpkin

1/2 tsp. each calcium powder and herp vitamins

2 crushed tablets or 2 opened capsules of milk thistle (found at most places that have vitamin and herb supplements - it is a liver purifier)

* a handfull of mealworms puree'd with this mixture if you can deal with that!

- Pour slurry in ice cube trays and freeze, thawing out only what you will use in a few days.



You know, I used to go out to the petstores and rescue babies that looked like that, or take peoples unwanted, sick leos. I cannot even calculate the countless hours I have spent trying to rehabilitate them, and the amount of money I have spent in veterinary visits, lab tests, and medication, only to watch them suffer and die. I just don't do it anymore because it is too heartbreaking and devasating for me. Besides, by taking these gentle, pathetic little creatures off their hands, it is only perpetuating the problems by not having the stores be accountable for the proper care and husbandry necessary to keep these babies healthy.



Best of Luck.
-----
Marcia McGuiness

Golden Gate Geckos

www.goldengategeckos.com

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