Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have one of my geckos a male about 5yrs old recently his tail has pretty much withered up from what it was a month ago he eats like a champ both crickets and mealworms and his belly is still in good shape, the 2 females he is with are still giants any idea what this could be would be great.
Thanks

If he's eating, and the tail is losing mass, maybe he has a parasite? That is the only thing that makes sense to me. Maybe somebody else has more insight to this issue.

Do you know how much weight he's lost? Do you have a way of keeping track? If not you may want to invest in a scale - I got a "pocket scale" on ebay for less thant $15 with shipping and it works great. I think it was originially intended for weighing marijuana, as the seller also sold other interesting paraphanalia. lol. But if I tare a bowl, it is really easy to weigh my babies to make sure they're gaining and/or maintaining.
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-Kristin

0.2.2 Leopard Geckos
(Kumquat, Tamale, Jujube, and Nougat)

my thought was parasite also, I am going to call the local vet to see if he treats reptiles.
I don't have his weight but I think i might get a scale to keep a eye on all my little ones.
Thanks for your help

sounds like "skinny tail" or "pencil tail". The disease is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium and is called Cryptosporidiosis. the latest suggested treatment i have heard of, and is suggested by Tremper (all hail), as well is 'Alinia'. This is one of the few times i would suggest a vet. Separate him immediatly and watch for a week or two then re-asses the diagnosis and if it stays the same seek help under the previous guide lines.

This page has some info on cryptosporidium and other parasites:

http://www.drgecko.com/protozoans.htm

It seems that diarhea and regurgitation often accompany crypto.

Good luck with your gecko. Hopefully it turns out to be something less serious.

N.F.

Thanks everyone.
I have my little guy is a iso cage the vet wanted to try that for a day or 2 to see if he puts some weight on his tail then wants to looks at him early next week he thinks it should be ok since he is eating alot still