New member - leopard gecko's swollen hemipenal bulges!

PoorAlfie · #1 09-09-2008, 07:24 AM

Hi there!

Im really hoping somebody can help or advise me with this one. I have a leopard gocko, my little Alfie. Got him from a 'friend' and he ws in terrible condition v skinny, but in a year and a half ive fattened him up and he sems very content, albeit a sporadic feeder (sometimes eats nothing for weeks, then lots for weeks). However, in the last few days ive noticed that the hemipenal bulges at the base of his tail are really swollen, although there is no sign of any prolapse. Has anyone experienced this before? Im not sure if its an infection or a result of not breeding him. He hasnt eaten much but just came through one of him eating loads phases, and is pooing ok...

Many thanks for and advice on this one!!

Angela

FallenAngel · #2 09-09-2008, 02:24 PM

Do you have any pics that you can post? We actually have a gecko that has a swelling there too, but he hatched that way, so I don't know what it means when it just happens out of nowhere. If anything, I would try giving him some warm water soaks, they may help with the swelling...? At least there are no signs of prolapse, that is good. And pooping normally is always a good sign. Hopefully someone will come along with more advice, best of luck!

lemonjello · #3 09-10-2008, 08:27 PM

Could he be having a gecko-erection? As a serious question.

PoorAlfie · #4 09-11-2008, 03:19 PM

LOL Gecko-erection!!

Thats what my husband says, that it not fair that we dont breed him and all he needs is a little lady to share his terrarium!

Seriously though, just back from the vet who said they are abcesses and pricked them with a needle

and squeezed out the most of the puss (I had to sit down couldnt bear to watch, and if thats how I felt imagine how little Alfie felt!LOL!). So for the next 3 weeks ive gotta inject his we arm with antibiotics and give him plently of reptocare soaks, love and attention!

Fingers crossed...ill keep you posted.

Angela

Kazska · #5 09-12-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoorAlfie

LOL Gecko-erection!!

Thats what my husband says, that it not fair that we dont breed him and all he needs is a little lady to share his terrarium!

Seriously though, just back from the vet who said they are abcesses and pricked them with a needle

and squeezed out the most of the puss (I had to sit down couldnt bear to watch, and if thats how I felt imagine how little Alfie felt!LOL!). So for the next 3 weeks ive gotta inject his we arm with antibiotics and give him plently of reptocare soaks, love and attention!

Fingers crossed...ill keep you posted.

Angela

Aww, poor Alfie! Hope he gets better soon

xxxXXX

beege_3 · #6 09-14-2008, 06:28 AM

Just to let you know, I have a male with exactly the same problem who was also at the vets recently. They popped the puss out, and gave him a wee jab or antibiotics.. but all they have given me for after treatment is wound powder.

I_LoveLizards · #7 08-14-2009, 10:43 AM

My Gecko's hemipenal bulges (not trying to be funny, but those are his testacles, right?

), well whatever they are, they're very swollen and they're a purplish, reddish color, and on the bottom, black. They have opened up and there is some puss and blood leaking out, wich has caused his tail to drain, so now it's wrinkly and skinny. The condition of his hemipenal bulges seems to be very serious. It's been like this for weeks.

So I'm very scared that he has an infection, but even worse would be having to watch a vet poke his bulges with a pin

and squeeze out the puss.

But is that really the only way to fix this problem? Also, he has been shedding for some time now- about the same time I noticed his hemipenal bulges being swollen- and he still has dead skin on his cheeks, the side of his head, and a little bit on his tail and two of his legs.I am very worried about him

, so please, could someone respond soon?

acpart · #8 08-14-2009, 11:05 AM

Soak him in about 1/2" to 3/4" of warm water (the sink is OK) to loosen the shed. Help him shed by peeling it off him. Make sure he is on a substrate that doesn't have particles (tile, paper towel, repti carpet are OK; sand, gravel etc. are not OK). Make sure he is in a cage by himself. Make a vet appointment to have him looked at. An infection can frequently only be cured with antibiotics and if he really does have an infection it could spread into his system and be very hard to cure.

ALiza

laura ann · #9 03-09-2011, 05:31 PM

my male is having the same problem. this first time since i have had him in more than 2 years. he is 19 years old. his right hemipenal bulge is hard. there is puss and blood. not much at a time because it is so hard. was the rest of yours hard as well??