Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Came home from work today and noticed what looked like blood in the gecko tank. Upon further inspection of the tank and the gecko (Herb), I discovered what looked to be like he had gone into heat (I don't know, I've never owned a gecko before). After much research and even more inspection, I have discovered what looks to be insides coming to the outside.

I found another post with this same problem. But what I need to know is how much time to I have to get him to a vet? I am planning on trying some of the suggested remedies in that thread, but need a timeline. I will hurry, but is this an emergency. He seems to be feeling fine. Eating, moving about, etc.

Any ideas on what this is, what caused it, how to prevent it from happening again, and is Herb going to be okay?

Thanks!

The tissue that is outside the body needs to be kept moist with something like K-Y jelly. I was told by my vet not to use vaseline. If the tissue isn't kept moist enough, it will start to darken in color and become necrotic.

If its the hemipene that is hanging out, sugar water might shrink it enough to let it go back in....but it might not go back in or it might come out again depending on why its hanging out in the first place.

I'm not sure if its intestinal tissue if it will need help to go back in. This is tender tissue and can tear easily....and I think it would be very painful for the gecko if you try to push it back in. (Would you want to go through it??!!) I recommend that you take it to a vet. The gecko will likely need antibiotics anyhow...and maybe even an antifungal....and maybe a purse-string suture to keep it from popping out again.

You don't have much time to get this looked after, IMHO and experience. Even though he looks/acts fine now, he can crash in a hurry if its not looked after.

Once the prolapse has been addressed, you need to determine why it happened so that you can correct the problem so that it won't be so likely to happen again.

Prolapses can be caused by dehydration, parasites, straining due to constipation or blockage, and even MBD (Metabolic bone disease).

I hope all goes well for Herb and that he will be with you for a long time.

all i can say here is i completly agree with the last post so i second the motion.