Emaciated/super skinny leo, new rescue, throwing up, advise needed please

Saskia · #1 01-11-2012, 02:57 PM

Hello to all, and again thanks for reading...
Once again I want to rescue a leo, but I know very little about him or his history, don´t know the previous owner, a friend is bringing him to me in a last attempt to save him, he is super skinny (adult), willingly eating but vomiting everything he eats, that´s all I know so far, I´ll receive him tonight (haven´t seen him in person yet) I saw a picture and he is in his bones, I am guessing gastro?? As soon as I get him I´ll take care of proper husbandry, I would like to know if vomiting is a typical symptom of any known disease, so I can know how to treat him, I understand his chances are low.
Thanks for replying and in advance as I have said before there are no reptile veterinarians in my country, usually when my vet friends get a sick reptile they "refer" them to me, I am the closest to an "specialist" around here, I am doing research online but if anyone knows or has had experience with it any advise would be highly appreciated, I am considering poor care (hopefully), gastroenteritis or even crypto (let´s hope not)...

I´ll leave a picture (the only one I´ve seen so far)

Yoshi'smom · #2 01-11-2012, 03:50 PM

Poor thing! Oh thank goodness you're here Saskia! My first guess is worms. I would run a fecal ASAP and continue feeding. Low stress and correct husbandry is what I would recommend. Keep us posted! Keeping my fingers crossed for him!

Saskia · #3 01-11-2012, 04:09 PM

Worms! a fecal check can be done y any vet, will do that for sure! Thanks Kelly!!

cricket4u · #4 01-11-2012, 04:16 PM

So sad. Well I am sure you know the chances are slim, but I am a true believer of hope. One thing I noticed right away is that at least his eyes look fully alert. I am just praying it's not cryptosporidium. So are you able to get a fecal and medications at least by a regular vet if needed?

cricket4u · #5 01-11-2012, 04:21 PM

I just saw the responce and so the answer is yes, great. You probably already know but just incase, hydration is important before food in an emaciated reptile. At least one day of fluids. I would mix pedialyte with water 50/50 to get some electrolytes in him/her first. I would mix with water because if it's gastrointestinal the glucose can make it a bit worse.

Saskia · #6 01-11-2012, 04:57 PM

Thanks!!! Yes, I am aware the chances are low, a good thing is that my friend tells me he is alert, moves around and has a good attitude (he is willingly eating)!! And yes, I can do a fecal test with a regular veterinarian here!! (I swear I am trying to learn to do them myself, I have access to a microscope), I learn a bit more every day so I can be of help!

cricket4u · #7 01-11-2012, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saskia

my friend tells me he is alert, moves around and has a good attitude (he is willingly eating)!!

Yes, very good sign.

Make sure all his insects are well hydrated and you can always spray a few with water right before feeding to help with hydration. Keep us posted.

Saskia · #8 01-13-2012, 08:07 AM

Darn people who get me worried and don´t show up!!!! I am still waiting for this animal to get to me! Let´s hope for the best

Yoshi'smom · #9 01-13-2012, 03:37 PM

Hopefully he'll get there soon and recover quickly too! Let us know what happens.

**Elizabeth Freer** · #10 01-13-2012, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saskia

Thanks!!! Yes, I am aware the chances are low, a good thing is that my friend tells me he is alert, moves around and has a good attitude (he is willingly eating)!! And yes, I can do a fecal test with a regular veterinarian here!! (I swear I am trying to learn to do them myself, I have access to a microscope), I learn a bit more every day so I can be of help!

Saskia ~

There are two types of fecals which are recommended for reptiles: direct smear and float tests.

Keep up posted with your new rescue. Good wishes.