[Albeon]

Hello, my tokay gecko female is in bad shape and I'm not entirely sure what to do. She's not eating anything and she's become very skinny. It's almost to the point where I can count the bones in her tail. I've been force-feeding her crickets, then mashed crickets, then recently an emergency caloric supplement designed for anorexic reptiles. I don't think she has parasites because her mate is happy, healthy, and hearty. I've been trying to get her a fecal exam anyways, but no vets in the area that I can find will handle a tokay gecko. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I'd be greatly appreciative.

[Ophidiophile]

Originally Posted by Albeon

I don't think she has parasites because her mate is happy, healthy, and hearty. I've been trying to get her a fecal exam anyways, but no vets in the area that I can find will handle a tokay gecko. If anyone has any suggestions or advice, I'd be greatly appreciative.

The fact that her mate is doing well doesn't mean she doesn't have parasites. ANY vet should be able to do a fecal. You simply collect one and bring it in in a ziploc bag. The vet does the float and examines it under a microscope. I've even done them myself.

Sadly, some WC Tokays just don't adapt to captivity although in my experience the vast majority do. I'd definitely get her (or at least a fecal sample if you can get one) to a vet and obviously try to increase her intake by holding crickets on forceps and when she gapes, putting them in her mouth.


She sounds kind of far gone but I hope she recovers! Keep us posted.

[michjael]

may be the male eats all off the crickets and she has not be able to get in on eating.

[Albeon]

Originally Posted by Ophidiophile

The fact that her mate is doing well doesn't mean she doesn't have parasites. ANY vet should be able to do a fecal. You simply collect one and bring it in in a ziploc bag. The vet does the float and examines it under a microscope. I've even done them myself.

Sadly, some WC Tokays just don't adapt to captivity although in my experience the vast majority do. I'd definitely get her (or at least a fecal sample if you can get one) to a vet and obviously try to increase her intake by holding crickets on forceps and when she gapes, putting them in her mouth.


She sounds kind of far gone but I hope she recovers! Keep us posted.

Well she's actually CB, not wild. As far as a vet goes, none of them will do a fecal on an animal they're not examining. And none of them will examine an animal they're not familiar with. At this point, we're giving her a mix of crickets and the caloric supplement and we have her separated from the male. She's so skinny and lethargic at this point, she may not be able to hunt effectively. Hopefully giving her 6 crickets each day plus the supplement will bring her back to a level where she can start taking care of herself.

[tokeh]

hi,
put her on a seperate cage and try to feed her pinkies.
maybe when she is alone she might get some rest and recover.
good luck.
i've had the same problem.

[thehotchik1000]

HI,

First get her or the fecal to the vet like others have said. I would try to find a specialist even if it means you may have to travel a bit. I travel over an hour to get to mine. The vet can then determine the results of the fecal as well as if she has an impacted bowel or an infection. All of which may not afect her mate. I would also segragate her. ASAP!! If she does have something contagious the male may not show symptoms right off. The caloric aid will help for now. Ive used the stuff from Flukers and it worked really well. Then i would start giving her weekly weight checks on her to see if she gains even the littlest bit of weight. What do her stools look like...are the hard and normal loking,compleatly undigested or runny?? Or is she even producing any?? If she isnt producing any you need to start giving her warm water soaks. So she can digest any food and so that it doesnt obstruct her or give her sepsis( a bowel infection) You need a thermometer to make sure the water is 86-90'F.
Nursing them back can be done. But if you dont know what your dealing with from a professional, she's not going to make it. It is true that some wild caughts just dont adapt well. But these are very adaptable reptiles. I strongly urge you to seek professional help. Hope this helps you.

Morgan Weiss

[Saille]

try Herp Vet Connection or ARAV redirect to find a reptile/exotics vet in or near your area.
If she's really dehydrated, you could try a "tupperware sauna" with lukewarm water and some unflavoured pedialyte in it to get some electrolytes into her.
Have you contacted the breeder she came from? Maybe they can provide some more information and help?