Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had reptiblend substrate which i just found out was made of ground walnuts. its advertised to be safe and digestible. However my 6 inch juv. female leopard gecko has become impacted and im a little worried. She hasn't defecated in a few days and I can see that she is trying. She does have an appetie however and i justsaw her eat a cricket an hour ago. You can see some impaction in her tummy. Also she has some feces on her vent. So far Ive been bathing her in warm water for 15 minutes Ive dont this 2 times in the past few hours. Is there anything else I can do or am I destined to go to the vet? Im scared i may have caught this a little late.

It's probably not a good idea to feed the gecko any more crickets, until the problem is resolved. If soaking in lukewarm water for 20-25 minutes & gently rubbing from the sternum to cloaca doesn't work, then a vet should be seen.

I agree... letting her soak in warm water may help to move the blockage. Probably best not to feed her anymore livefood until the blockage has moved either. Plus, if you haven't already, remove that substrate and keep her on kitchen roll.

Another thing you could try is to feed her a little fruit babyfood. Just a little drop (peach or apricot flavour is most tolerated).. if you rub a little around her mouth she should lick it up.. giving her some more fluid food might help.. However, as you say she is straining I would get her to a vet asap, it's possible that she will also end up with a prolapse through straining.

Can I ask if you were supplementing her food? and if so, what with?

Best wishes,
Pauline
-----
Visit The Gecko Spot (United Kingdom) for gecko information