Thinking about taking a leo in need...

[TifaBea]

A friend of mine told me today that a friend of hers has a leo who has a severe case of metabolic bone disease. She's terribly misinformed and believes it has to do with him not getting enough UV light. I asked if she ever dusted the crickets and she shrugged. Apparently she believes the leos back is broken and his legs are malformed. She said she took it to the vet *suppposedly* and he said there was nothing he could do. If it was serious wouldn't he put the poor animal down?


My question is... Is it worth it to take this leo from her? I want to help it but I'm afraid if its too far gone it'll be a heartbreak. But I also would rather take it to a herp vet if I can't fix him to get him humanely put down instead of suffering.

Also, is there any rebound for Leos with this disease?

I have lots of experience with a healthy leo... just wondering if there is anything I can do for this little guy.

 

[Saskia]

Hello TifaBea!

First of all thanks for even considering taking him in, most people would rather having nothing to do with a sick animal.
MBD is a terrible disease, I tried to rescue a advanced case receintly and despite all my effort the little guy didn´t make it, so, please have in mind there are no warranties, however I do believe a serious reptile veterinarian would have put him humanely to sleep if that was the case (sadly there are no reptile veterinarians in my country, so, I had to do what I thaught I should with my case), depending on the severity of the disease they can recover to some extent, I mean, their bones do get stronger, but those that have been bent don´t go back to their original shape, have you seen this animal?? Is he eating on his own?? Defecating?? Sheding?? Can he move around even with some difficulty?? If I were you I would try to help him definitively, I have rescued many leos, some have died, some have made it and live happily and healthy now, and, of course, there is the risk of getting your heart broken, but IMHO it´s totally worth it if it means the chance to maybe save him, Here is the link to the thread I started back then when I had the MBD case, there are some links posted on the thread that give information on the subject, they are very good, I recommend reading them!!! And please let us know wat you decide!!
http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/leopard-geckos-other-eublepharis/60120-another-sad-advanced-case-mbd-advice-needed-please-help-me-save-him.html

 

[TifaBea]

I'm going to try and contact her today to see if I can get him... Sad thing is, she works at a pet shop and has no idea how to take care of him. Which I have found that case in a lot of pet shops. It makes me so angry.

I'll update when I know more and if she will let me take him. She seems to want to help him so I hope it works out...

 

[Tjmphx]

I have two rescued leos that both suffered from mbd. They both have been with me for 1 1/2 years and are doing great. Big fat tails, and great attitudes. There are hurdles but most issues can be over come with correct and careful care. Mine both have bowed legs, but that's the only issue so far. I know organ damage can be done but I take it day by day with them. it's hard for me to turn down an animal in need. Lol good luck to you.