Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have posted a few times about a female leo, and now the male that is housed with her. The female has not eating regularly since probably last December and the male over the past 2 months. She has not eaten a single mealworm which she used to eat up. She will eat maybe 4 crickets a month when offered once per week. He does not eat at all. I have given the baby food a few times. They both drink and lick calcium. I took her to the vet 2 months ago, (got xrays) and nothing was found out of the ordinary. I took a fecal in today (a runny one probably just water and baby food) and the vet said there was nothing other than the occasional pinworm, which he says is normal. They are both dying, I can tell they are whithering away. He says no treatment is needed (though I need to call and talk tomorrow). I am distraught. What do I do? The vet says nothing is wrong, but I know there is. Do I simply tell him that I want them treated as if they do have internal parasites? I have two other leopards kept identically not far away that are perfect, so I know it is not husbandry. Any ideas, this is worrying me to death.

Matt

First, make sure everything in their setup is right. If your sure everything in the setup is fine, and that something must be wrong, I'd seek a second opinion. Does this vet specialize in reptiles? Find one that does. I know that the occasional pinworm is fine in larger animals, but it might be different for a tiny gecko. Good luck,
Mac

ARe they the same size
first thing i woulda done is seperate them.

Try that

They are the same size. The female has not eaten for quite some time. I placed the male in with her because I had 3 juveniles together, two of which are females and I didn't want them to become gravid too young. Do you think them being together could be keeping them from eating? I don't want to put either of them in with my "good" females.

Matt

If you are absolutely sure that the habitat requirements are met and they just seem to be anarexic for no reason then there is still something wrong. Definately get a second opinion about the fecal. Like the doc said, some parasites are normal and found in every living being, but when that number gets out of control it is overwelming for the little guys. Also seek out a reptile specialist who has experience with leos. If it isn't parasites at all ask about a blood test. If the white count is high than an infection could be the hidden culprit and a simple antibiotic can clean that right up. Whatever it is, good luck with the little guys. I know how you feel because I'm going through the same thing with one of mine. I hope everything turns out good!

Emily
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2.4.7 leopard geckos (Nelson, Zander, Zoe, Baby, Houdini, Munch, & lots of babies)
1.1 ferrets (Oliver and Delilah)
1. budgie (Max)
0.0.1 Ring neck Parakeet (Kiwi)
1.1 German Shepards (Jake and Abigail)

www.freewebs.com/thespottedgecko

Had a second vet take a look, and he sees nothing. The first vet talked to me about them. Husbandry is perfect. They could have parasites that are undetectable. We are doing 0.1cc of Panacur for deworming once per week. He said this isn't harmful to the gecko only the parasites. I am glad I don't want to witness another overdose as occurred with the last medicine I ever administered.

I took out every fixture in the cage and washed with a bleach spray. I rinsed and dried. I am keep the tiles removed and some of the more difficult fixtures to clean. I cleaned the humid hide and all dishes with bleach solution and went over the tank bottom and sides. With the Panacur weekly and the bleaching every other day I really hope we abolish these unknown parasites.

The vet said that if this does not help you can wonder if it has nothing to do with diet, parasites, or husbandry. It could be genetic that these two were just not one of the hardy ones. This happens in all animals. WIth perfect care some individuals of a species can be destined for poor health.

Matt