What supplement do you all use?

[kouneli]

So I'm switching brand of supplements after finding out that my juvie has developed a vitamin A deficiency. Was using Miner-All Indoor for dusting and Outdoor for the bowl.

I know that the care sheet on here says Reptivite, and I'm definitely considering this. But there's also T-Rex/Repashy Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus. The breeder that I got my new geckos from uses Osteo-Form for his adults and Vionate for his juvies. So obviously, there are lots of choices.

I'll be getting Reptivite tomorrow for now, but will be open to changing depending on what else I find.

Simply wondering what you all use.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Symptoms of juvie leo's vitamin A deficiency?

So I'm switching brand of supplements after finding out that my juvie has developed a vitamin A deficiency. Was using Miner-All Indoor for dusting and Outdoor for the bowl.

I know that the care sheet on here says Reptivite, and I'm definitely considering this. But there's also T-Rex/Repashy Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus. The breeder that I got my new geckos from uses Osteo-Form for his adults and Vionate for his juvies. So obviously, there are lots of choices.

I'll be getting Reptivite tomorrow for now, but will be open to changing depending on what else I find.

Simply wondering what you all use.

Please let us all know what symptoms of vitamin A deficiency your juvie leo shows?

I am not a fan of dusting with either calcium with vitamin D3 or multivitamins at every feeding. Some Repashy products suggest this. Reptile nutrition as a science is in its infancy.

 

[kouneli]

She's currently showing eyelids crusting together (though it's not stuck shed), weakness, slight lethargy, and has always been a slow grower (hatched at my house).

I don't dust with every feeding, but do provide calcium (no vitamin d3) bowls for all of my leopard geckos (at least one uses it on a regular basis during breeding season). For the juvie, I've been dusting every other day (feeding every day). For the adults, I feed every other day and dust every other feeding.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

She's currently showing eyelids crusting together (though it's not stuck shed), weakness, slight lethargy, and has always been a slow grower (hatched at my house).

I don't dust with every feeding, but do provide calcium (no vitamin d3) bowls for all of my leopard geckos (at least one uses it on a regular basis during breeding season). For the juvie, I've been dusting every other day (feeding every day). For the adults, I feed every other day and dust every other feeding.

Crusting eyelids maybe are a sign of infection. Antibiotics might be necessary. Use a normal saline solution in a squeeze bottle to provide gentle irrigation and cleansing.

Good on the pure calcium carbonate in bowls 24/7.

It is very important for all leos to receive a light dusting of a phosphorus-free calcium with vitamin D3 2x per week on their prey. Reptivite with D3 and vitamin A acetate can be used for at least one of the dustings. Specific scenarios are suggested in the Leo Guidelines.

Vitamin D3 helps metabolize the calcium.

 

[kouneli]

Yes, I know that D3 is necessary in metabolizing calcium.

Yes, I know that it can also be a sign of infection, but hyperkeratinization of the eyelids is also a sign of Vitamin A deficiency, and with little to none in her diet, it's highly possible, especially since I had recently changed gutload for my feeders, also not containing vitamin A or even beta carotene (precursor to vitamin A). I used to feed a variety of carrot, potato, dark leafy greens, apple, and almost anything else fruit/vegetable that was in the fridge at the time. I still plan on changing back to what I was doing, but I would also like a supplement that would ensure proper nutrition.

Yes, I know that dusting with calcium with vitamin d3 is needed twice a week, and depending on the supplement, sometimes more with growing geckos. The supplement that I was using was phosphorus free, as well.


Now then, back to my original question. What does everyone else use for their supplementation?

 

[cricket4u]

Please let us all know what symptoms of vitamin A deficiency your juvie leo shows?

I am not a fan of dusting with either calcium with vitamin D3 or multivitamins at every feeding. Some Repashy products suggest this. Reptile nutrition as a science is in its infancy.

Vitamin A deficiency can cause many symptoms and go unnoticed. It is not always shedding and eye troubles, although they are the most common in leos. If you are providing enough Vitamin A in the diet, your gecko should not continue having these problems. The deficiency itself makes them susceptible to eye infections. I am always stunned to see how many people encounter this problem and all they do is remove the shed. Well, how about finding the cause and prevention? Just my logic.

I use Reptivite and Herptivite in rotation. Too many variables to explain in one reply.

 

[kouneli]

She hasn't had stuck shed in general. Her eyes, when open, look crusty around the edges and slightly sunken (have since been giving her water mixed with Nutribac through an eyedropper). Vet visit is definitely in order, but the closest reptile vet that I trust is only in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I tried making an appointment on Wednesday, but he was booked.

Thank you for your reply about what supplements you use, though.

 

[tonyperkins203]

So I'm switching brand of supplements after finding out that my juvie has developed a vitamin A deficiency. Was using Miner-All Indoor for dusting and Outdoor for the bowl.

I know that the care sheet on here says Reptivite, and I'm definitely considering this. But there's also T-Rex/Repashy Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus. The breeder that I got my new geckos from uses Osteo-Form for his adults and Vionate for his juvies. So obviously, there are lots of choices.

I'll be getting Reptivite tomorrow for now, but will be open to changing depending on what else I find.

Simply wondering what you all use.

Neither miner-all formula contains vitamin A. I'm not surprised your gecko is showing signs of deficiency.

I feed 4 times in a 12 day cycle.
Twice I dust with miner-all indoor
Once I dust with reptivite w/o D3 to provide Vit A and other vitamins miner-all is missing.
One time I don't dust.

Rinse and repeat.

 

[cricket4u]

She hasn't had stuck shed in general. Her eyes, when open, look crusty around the edges

This only increases the possibility that you may be correct in regards to the Vitamin A deficieny.

 

[kouneli]

Neither miner-all formula contains vitamin A. I'm not surprised your gecko is showing signs of deficiency.

Yeah, I had been using Miner-All for years (recommended to me by my fiance that had used it for even longer), but I had also gutloaded my feeders with a mix of grains, veggies, vitamin/mineral supplements placed into agar....something that a local breeder had developed. When he stopped making it (got out of the business), I started feeding just about whatever was in the fridge. I had used carrots for a while there, so that's likely what built up my adults' vitamin A amounts stored in the fat, but in the past 3 months, I haven't used carrots for the feeders. So, changing gutload, as well as supplements so that this doesn't happen again.

 

[cricket4u]

So I'm switching brand of supplements after finding out that my juvie has developed a vitamin A deficiency. Was using Miner-All Indoor for dusting and Outdoor for the bowl.

I know that the care sheet on here says Reptivite, and I'm definitely considering this. But there's also T-Rex/Repashy Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus. The breeder that I got my new geckos from uses Osteo-Form for his adults and Vionate for his juvies. So obviously, there are lots of choices.

I'll be getting Reptivite tomorrow for now, but will be open to changing depending on what else I find.

Simply wondering what you all use.

Hello,

How long have you been keeping Miner-All in the dishes? I would be concerned about mineral toxicities. They won't necessarily drop dead, instead develop nerve dysfunction and other problem.

 

[kouneli]

Well, I've read on several caresheets (one on here included also said this, I believe..would have to check) to leave a calcium dish in for free access. I use the Miner-All Outdoor for that because there's no vitamin d3. The calcium dishes are replaced every other day with fresh calcium. I barely ever see licks in them, but during breeding season, my female that lays eggs like crazy (fertile or infertile) will occasionally lick. I've been doing this for 3 years now with no problems until after I had changed the gutload.

Anyways, went today to get the Reptivite, but they were out of stock, so I got the Repashy Calcium Plus for now. Also got Bug Burger for my dubias/mealworms and Fluker's Repta-Boost for the gecko with crusty eyes. After feeding, she had opened her eyes on her own for a bit. Checked just a few minutes ago, and they're crusted shut again. I'll be feeding her the Fluker's and gently wetting her eyelids with wet q-tips 2-3 times per day...at least until Tuesday/Wednesday when I can get her to the vet.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

kouneli ~

My crickets and dubia get vitamin A acetate on a regular basis. Here is what I usually feed them:

FEEDING CRICKETS & ROACHES 24/7...not JUST as a gutload
Feed crickets/roaches food that provides no more than 20% protein and no more than 5% crude fat. Some choices are:
Albers All Purpose Poultry Feed (from feed store): The label reads 16% minimum protein, 3% minimum fat, and vitamin A acetate among many other nutrients!
Dry oatmeal
Alfalfa hay
Collard greens -- especially recommended for high calcium-to-low phosphorous ratio & high lutein

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Miner-All Outdoor supplement in leo tank 24/7 ??

Well, I've read on several caresheets (one on here included also said this, I believe..would have to check) to leave a calcium dish in for free access. I use the Miner-All Outdoor for that because there's no vitamin d3. The calcium dishes are replaced every other day with fresh calcium. I barely ever see licks in them, but during breeding season, my female that lays eggs like crazy (fertile or infertile) will occasionally lick. I've been doing this for 3 years now with no problems until after I had changed the gutload.

Anyways, went today to get the Reptivite, but they were out of stock, so I got the Repashy Calcium Plus for now. Also got Bug Burger for my dubias/mealworms and Fluker's Repta-Boost for the gecko with crusty eyes. After feeding, she had opened her eyes on her own for a bit. Checked just a few minutes ago, and they're crusted shut again. I'll be feeding her the Fluker's and gently wetting her eyelids with wet q-tips 2-3 times per day...at least until Tuesday/Wednesday when I can get her to the vet.

Sticky Tongue Farms Miner-All OUTDOOR Formula

I'm asking: I'm wondering what people think about leaving a mineral containing powder such as Miner-All Outdoor in the tank 24/7? I recommend just a pure calcium carbonate for that dish.

Would you foresee any problems to 24/7 access to a mineral based powder such as Miner-All Outdoor?

You may wish to try sterile gauze soaked in a normal saline solution such as a contact lens moistening solution for moistening her eyes.

 

[cricket4u]

Sticky Tongue Farms Miner-All OUTDOOR Formula

I'm asking: I'm wondering what people think about leaving a mineral containing powder such as Miner-All Outdoor in the tank 24/7? I recommend just a pure calcium carbonate for that dish.

Would you foresee any problems to 24/7 access to a mineral based powder such as Miner-All Outdoor?

You may wish to try sterile gauze soaked in a normal saline solution such as a contact lens moistening solution for moistening her eyes.

Personally I would not. Anything in excess could be dangerous. Who knows how much they are consuming. One tablet alone of iron can cause constipation in humans(personal experience:coverlaugh, I can only conclude it will be no easier in such a small reptile.

 

[kouneli]

Ok, what do you all think of Zoo Med's Repti Calcium without vitamin d3 for that, then?

 

[cricket4u]

Ok, what do you all think of Zoo Med's Repti Calcium without vitamin d3 for that, then?

Pure calcium is fine and recommended to remain in a dish.