Banded gecko emergency, pet store mistreating it

[HugeWheat]

I saw a banded gecko in bad condition at Petland Discounts, (same place where I got my two sandfish skinks that were also in bad condition) and I want to rescue it. Its in a 5 gallon tank with an armadillo lizard and it lost its tail, and one of its feet look like it lost blood circulation and is rotting. I told the employees I would buy it for a reduced price and they said they will talk to the manager so I will go back tomorrow. I need to know how to help bring the gecko back to health if I do bring it home.

 

[NicKtheGreeK1997]

Best thing to do is to inform them that they are not treating the animals right. Probably they already know it but it's better to hear it from a disappointed custommer. We have already told that the worst thing to do is to "rescue" the animal.

 

[brooksylc]

It would need to see a vet first thing and then go from there. This would be critical to its recovery but could easily become more than you could handle (financially, emotionally & time wise)
But its very important that you remember that by rescuing this gecko, you are supporting the people who put it in that situation. Even though you are looking out for the gecko, ant money you give that store will encourage that husbandry. The best course of action is to speak with the higher ups about "a few simple changes to promote the quality of their merchandise". Yes we think reptiles aren't 'merchandise' but from a business stand point they are. Education is the only way to stop the cycle, since no one has enough money, time or space to rescue them all.

 

[acpart]

If you have the nerve to do this, let them know that they have harmed the gecko by putting it in with the armadillo lizard and they should give it to you because it is too ill to be sold. If they refuse, mention that you're planning to go to the MSPCA and report what's going on (if you have a camera phone, take a picture before you approach them).
Good luck.

Aliza

 

[HugeWheat]

i dont want to get on anyones bad side because i go to that store to buy crickets but my best interest is rescuing the animal. How much would a vet cost? and are there any immediate actions i can take once i get it? I know that its not going anywhere because everytime i go back to that store its still there and i told them this. I told them that we both know that nobody will buy it and I pointed out what was wrong with it. they must think im an idiot because Im 16 and they tried to reduce the price from 30 dollars to 20 -_-

 

[brooksylc]

Call the reptile vet in your area to find our exam costs as well as fecal exam costs. That will be the minimum. If it needs medication, stays or any other procedures it can be a lot more.
I just spent a good chunk of my full time jobs income on one of my reptiles. I know vet costs vary by your area but I spent 4 times the exam cost when I went in last.

 

[HugeWheat]

I bought it today for $15, and I quickly started to help it when i got home. the foot was dangling off, only being held by loose skin so I amputated its foot and put neosporin on it. I also put neosporin on its regenerating tail. I had to take some unshed skin off with a wet q-tip from its face. It lost some toes because of many bad sheds. other than that its scared and probably hungry. I tried feeding it mealworms and crickets but it wasnt interested so I left some mini mealworms in a dish. he is only a juvenile I would say. Hes sitting in a container with paper towel and some rocks, a cave, calcium, food and water.

 

[brooksylc]

When do you have him booked for the vet?
He needs a basic check up, a fecal and likely a surgery and/or medication to fix the home done amputation. Why would you do such a thing? You are not a trained vet nor a surgeon. There is a reason they go to school for years before starting in the field. Please do not perform medical procedures unless you are a trained surgeon/veterinarian and in a sterile environment!!! Get this gecko to the vet immediately. It needs trained medical help.
Also I know with some types of geckos the temperatures must be perfect in order for them to heal. If someone knows this for banded geckos, please chime in. This is also something a good herp vet knows.

 

[HugeWheat]

the foot was just dead and black and was barely attached to the leg.When I would touch the foot it didnt feel it. The leg was already healed around the wound and looked like what you see with people with an amputated foot in a wheelchair and I sterilized everything before I "operated". I have the temperature in perfect condition. I came home and it took its first poop and ate 3 small mealworms so it seems to be a lot more comfortable than with the armadillo lizard in a small 5 gallon tank on forest mulch bedding. I left calcium and i am using a uvb bulb during day in case it wants to come out it will get D3. this lizard is in much better hands than when it was at the petstore getting no medical attention. it actually came to me when i put my hand near it so you cant say i am harming it because it seems to know that i saved it. dont worry, i did endless research before i bought the lizard.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

It should be seen by a vet. A topical antibiotic (like neosporin) is not made for wounds like that. It's also not safe for ingestion and you can be pretty sure that if the gecko can get to it, it's going to lick it. Parasites are another issue which it is likely to have.

Meg is right on with a lot of her points and if you're going to take on the responsibility of "rescuing" this animal, you need to be responsible and do it properly.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

the foot was just dead and black and was barely attached to the leg.When I would touch the foot it didnt feel it. The leg was already healed around the wound and looked like what you see with people with an amputated foot in a wheelchair and I sterilized everything before I "operated". I have the temperature in perfect condition. I came home and it took its first poop and ate 3 small mealworms so it seems to be a lot more comfortable than with the armadillo lizard in a small 5 gallon tank on forest mulch bedding. I left calcium and i am using a uvb bulb during day in case it wants to come out it will get D3. this lizard is in much better hands than when it was at the petstore getting no medical attention. it actually came to me when i put my hand near it so you cant say i am harming it because it seems to know that i saved it. dont worry, i did endless research before i bought the lizard.

It should be seen by a vet. A topical antibiotic (like neosporin) is not made for wounds like that. It's also not safe for ingestion and you can be pretty sure that if the gecko can get to it, it's going to lick it. Parasites are another issue which it is likely to have.

Meg is right on with a lot of her points and if you're going to take on the responsibility of "rescuing" this animal, you need to be responsible and do it properly.

Keep the wounds clean and DRY. No neosporin just like Riverside Reptiles has said. Be on the outlook for reddening or any signs of infection.

What type calcium are you leaving in the tank?

Collect a fecal sample according to these directions and take to the vet within 24 hours of collection:

1. Place a piece of plastic where your leo usually poops. If your gecko poops somewhere else, take the poop to the vet anyway. Some poop is better than no poop! (Thanks to TheOneBlueGecko - 25 July 2011)

2. As soon as your gecko has passed some poop and urates but without physically touching the sample, place the feces and urates directly into a plastic ziploc bag. (Do NOT use dampened paper towels as I have previously recommended because the paper towels might absorb some of the feces necessary for a proper culture.)

3. Refrigerate this sample...unless you are taking the sample to your vet immediately. Do NOT freeze it.

4. Take this fecal sample to your vet within 24 hours of collecting...the sooner the better!