Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I feel so bad ! This is my 4th baby leo ever and it is deformed ! I cant believe it. I feel that it is my fault , and im pretty sure its a calcium defiency ! Its missing both eyes ! I am really truly sorry for this animal ! Its my fault and I cant really do anything except throw away the other eggs she has laid lately and make sure the mom gets alot of calcium ! OK, now heres some questions ! I am almost positive I will have to sell the other 3 babys and keep this one to make sure it is ok ! Would it be better to let the vet put it down ( I really dont want to but am trying for the best interest of the leo ! ) or to sell the other babys and keep it ! Do you think it will survive ? What special things do I need to do for it ? I am willing to try anything to help this poor leo !

Please help I will be very grateful,
Nick
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Leopard Geckos

1.0 Super Hypo Baldy Carrot-tail & 0.1 Super Hypo Carrot-tail from Kirks Herps are going to be here September 23,2003 !

I'm so sorry thats terrible. I wouldnt throw away the other eggs, you dont know for sure. In the wild the poor thing wouldnt survive. It may be suffering far more than just not seeing if you try to keep it and would take a lot of care to raise. I know its very, very hard but prob best to put this poor Leo down. Its your choice.
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My posts and replies are my experiences only
1.2.6 Tokays
1.4.6 Leos(9 albino)
0.2.0 AFT's
0.2.0 Stenodactylus Petrii(Dune Geckos)

You had ONE out of four hatch out deformed....if you throw the eggs away now, you're killing them all without giving them a chance, let them hatch because the ones that hatch normal can lead very long, perfect lives, only put down the ones who are in very bad shape, and unfortunately it sounds like the one with no eyes would probably be better if put down I know it sucks to hear news like that but it's best for the animal.
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If you have the patience for a handicapped leo, you should give the little guy a chance before deciding to put him down. He probably wouldn't make it in the wild, but the fact is, he's NOT in the wild. He's in a totally different situation. I personally don't think some of these bright-colored tangs would make it in the wild; they'd stand out like red flags to predators.

I've heard of an eyeless baby leo who just needed help as far as being introduced to his humid hide, finding food, etc. Otherwise, he had a pretty good temperament and appetite and walked around okay.
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chickabowwow

I really dont want to put it down, but im not sure yet ! When I said 1/4 was deformed, the others hatched about 2.5 months ago, so I think maybe during that time and now, she didnt get enough calcium ! I really feel that its my fault, and I dont know what to do ! Can yall please give me appropiate instructions on how to care for it if I decide to ?

Thanks 4 the help,
Nick
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Leopard Geckos

1.0 Super Hypo Baldy Carrot-tail & 0.1 Super Hypo Carrot-tail from Kirks Herps are going to be here September 23,2003 !

i think you should try to save it before you make a judgement on its life,try using a very small enclosure to put the leo in to live and put all hides,water,and food very close together and in time he should learn where everything is

Well alot of people have made good points ! First, I would have to hand feed it and put it in its humid hide whenever shedding ! Second, I would never be able to breed it ! I really dont want to make it suffer, and it could possibly have internal damage also ! I am afraid I may have to "put it out of its misery" ! What is the best way to do so if I decide to ? I have heard to put it in the freezer, but I am not sure how to do so ! Please Respond,
Nick
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Leopard Geckos

1.0 Super Hypo Baldy Carrot-tail & 0.1 Super Hypo Carrot-tail from Kirks Herps are going to be here September 23,2003 !

your right the freezer is the quickest way to put down a reptile,i've never done it but my sister has and she use's a plastic bag to put the reptile in and he should pass away within the hour

Im pretty positive I am going to do it ! I was going to do it 2nite, but I really dont want to do it ! I think I will do it tommorow, I jus feel bad for him/her !

Nick
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Leopard Geckos

1.0 Super Hypo Baldy Carrot-tail & 0.1 Super Hypo Carrot-tail from Kirks Herps are going to be here September 23,2003 !

Its tough, but even tougher to watch its health deteriorate and then die after a long struggle. I know that one from experience, the more attached you are the harder(if possible) it will be. Good luck with your choice.
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My posts and replies are my experiences only
1.2.6 Tokays
1.4.6 Leos(9 albino)
0.2.0 AFT's
0.2.0 Stenodactylus Petrii(Dune Geckos)

Could you possibly post a picture? I am curious to see the animal's deformity and condition. I think the decision is ultimately up to you, and if the animal has a strong will. Maybe you should wait a couple days and see if it is truly suffering.
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AIM sn: z10silver

Well, I took a pic but i doesnt look good ! I checked it thoroughly and it only has the eyes missing, and seems a little small !

Nick
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Leopard Geckos

1.0 Super Hypo Baldy Carrot-tail & 0.1 Super Hypo Carrot-tail from Kirks Herps are going to be here September 23,2003 !

Can you try and post the picture?
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AIM sn: z10silver

Don't throw away the unhatched eggs, wait and see how they turn out. The deformed leo should be put out of its misery and "unquestionably" removed from any future gene pools. It sounds harsh, but it really ensures the least suffering. It will be better and safer for all concerned.

Hi

I really don't think that you should put the deformed leo down at this time. Deformed animals have been known to pull of miracles that no one thought possible.

Why don't you try working with it and set up it's tank like one of the others mentioned etc.. What is the difference between putting it down know or working with it for a little while and seeing how you do with it. You could always put it down later. Yes, I know you would get attached to it, but at least you would know in your heart that you gave it a try.

If it were to be put down, putting it in the freezer would be one of the cruelest things that could be done. My friend once put a gecko out in the snow to put it down. I had to go to my retile vet. one day for something and mentioned what she had done with her gecko and he said that is one of the worst and crueliest ways to put one to sleep. My vet. said the best way would have been for my friend to have brought it in and have him put it to sleep. He said most vet's. will work a deal out with you since it would take very little to medication to put it down.

Hey, if nothing else, ask if there is someone out here who might be willing to take the gecko for you and work with it. Know one can truely say wether that gecko is suffering from something else inside or not. What if it is fine, all but the eye's.

Think about it for awhile, no need to rush into a decision right know.

Sincerely, TLB

Yeah, putting an animal directly into the freezer is not a nice way of euthanizing it. Depending on the animal, you can put it into the fridge to slow it down, but I'd think that only applies to animals that come from places where they have to brumate in the winter. And a freezer is worse.

I'm sure that you can call your vet and ask the best way to do it yourself at home.
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Got hips like Cinderella / Must be having a good shame / Talking sweet about nothing / Cookie I think you're Tame

Just so you know...eye deformaties are not caused by a calcium deficiency in the mother. They are usually incubational problems. You might have had a lot of flucuation in the temps at just the right moment. I had a leopard hatch out this year that has a reduced eye. I had some flucuations in temps during his incubation. His clutchmate was fine but he was not.
Since he eats, I didn't put him down but if he hadn't been able to eat, he would have been put down ASAP.

Dear God don't put it in the freezer! What a terrible way to die! Take it to your vet to be put to sleep if you decide to do that. I would say, if you decide not to keep it, maybe post it in the classifieds as "adoptable", have the person pay shipping & nothing else. Maybe someone out there has the patience & experience to help it.