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Gecko Eye Irritation Due to Stuck Shed?

tangopandaucf Oct 26, 2008 03:42 PM

When my 50watt Infrared Heat Bulb blew on my male gecko's tank I sent my husband to replace the bulb while I was at work. I just discovered the tank was very hot three days ago and my gecko had stuck shed on his head and eyes. It was around 93-95 degrees and his water was empty in one day. I've been soaking him in warm water for the last two days three times a day for about 20-30 minutes and it seemed to help, the shed on his head and eyes came off after the first day of soaking and he is continuing to eat and drink regularily but it seems as if his eye is still irritated. I've flushed his eye with warm water but it doesn't seem to help so I'm posting some pictures to get some advice on what to do to help him. I don't have the money for the vet right now but if it's a necessity I will take him on thursday when I get paid. Thank you for any and all advice/help.

this is a full body picture

this is a picture of his eye

this is a picture of the eye that is normal

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"Speak softly to my lizard fair nor raise your hand to me, For they are quick to take offense And quicker to champion me." ~Anne McCaffrey.

2.2 Leopard Gecko
0.1 Mali Uromastyx
0.1 Chubby Cat

Replies (4)

MimC85 Oct 26, 2008 04:22 PM

Ouch! That eye does look irritated. I would think that possibly he has an eye infection - or maybe there is some substrate in there, irritating the eye.

what do you use for a substrate? If you are using sand or anyting like that ten it may be that when he was rubbing and trying to get the shed off he got some particles stuck in there.

I would continue to flush the eye with saline daily for a few days - if there are particles or bits of skin stuck in there it may help to flush it out.

If its no better in a few days or if its starting to look worse then he should definately go to the vet as it could be an infection.

Also, do you have a humid hide in your tank? If not - adding one will eliminate any future shedding problems. You can make a humid hide out of a tupperware container with a hole cut in the side, lined with damp paper towels. This provides an area of higher humidity for the leo to retreat to and help loosen and remove his shed.
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

tangopandaucf Oct 26, 2008 04:48 PM

I did originally have a moist vermiculite humid hide in his tank originally, and ended up having to take it out because he was getting the vermiculite stuck to his irritated eye. I replaced it with moist paper towels but it doesn't seem to be helping much.
-----
"Speak softly to my lizard fair nor raise your hand to me, For they are quick to take offense And quicker to champion me." ~Anne McCaffrey.

2.2 Leopard Gecko
0.1 Mali Uromastyx
0.1 Chubby Cat

MimC85 Oct 26, 2008 05:05 PM

Vermiculite should only be used in incubators, never in he tank with the animal due to the fact it can do things such as irritate eyes or cause impaction if ingested.

Stick with the paper towels for now.

Let us know how it goes! Monitor him gor a few days and continue flushing with saline....but if it doesnt clear up - definately go to the vet

Good luck!!!
-----
1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

Niki458 Oct 26, 2008 10:35 PM

I beleive that the vermiculite might have irritated after the burn but as for using it as a moist hide that is all I use and have been using for 3 years now since they were hatchlings and have never had a problem. I do beleive that papertowel is best thing to use until he is healed. I would also suggest maybe puting mineral oil on his eye that might help. GL

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