I believe my gecko is dying..

JIMI

New member
Great job taking him to the vet. I wish you and Porkchop the best of luck. Hopefully his health will take a turn for the better:sad:

Carrots and kale are high in vitamin A, but do not feed too much of either. Feeding too much can bind calcium. Combine it with other fruits and veggies with high calcium to phosphorus ratios such as collard greens and turnip greens.

Did the vet mention what could have caused the eye infection?
 
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Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Female gecko Apple that's sharing the tank with Porkchop:
10ga0lx.jpg


The sick male gecko Porkchop:
slsdgp.jpg

LostTogether said:
Tank setup:
j0kvo7.jpg


I really do appreciate both you and your dad taking Porkchop to the vet today and how far you needed to drive to get there. I know how expensive even a few problems can be for leopard geckos. :-(

How about moving the heat lamp to one end of the tank? That way you'll be better able to provide both a warm end and a cool end. :)

Click here for a nice private warm DRY hide in size MEDIUM: http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Rep...584610&sr=1-1&keywords=exo+terra+reptile+hide

I am very concerned about your other 2 leos. Names of those leos? How many hides does your juvenile have? So far you've shared a picture of your female in post #7.

Keeping leopard geckos healthy is quite easy. In the long run it costs far less than vet visits. It is fun to see your leos blossom. :D

Please be open to our ideas. OK?
 
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LostTogether

New member
Thanks guys.
Another thing I forgot to add is the vet said Porkchop's belly is still healthy and plump looking but its just his tail that's starting to get thinner.

As I said before, I'm having problems with the SD card, and I'm having problems with the pictures of Junior showing up. Pictures of him and his tank are going to have to wait a bit so I can figure out what the problem is.

So far, Junior (the juvenile) has one main hide, which is a log. The other things he shelters under or by is two plant decorations in opposite corners of the tank. One is a purple-like flower that provides a bit of shade, the other plant "hide" is a tree on the cool end of the tank.

I think Porkchop may be a bit groggy still from earlier. He actually decided on using the humid hide box. Thankfully I sprayed it again right when I got home. I'm still using the moss in there for now; it does act as a really soft cushion. He's been under there for about almost 3 hours now just sleeping in there. He's still breathing, don't worry, I checked. I was really surprised when I saw him crawl into there. He only stuck 3/4ths of his body in there at first, but he stuck his whole self into there at least 5 minutes later. I turned the UVB light and day light off just a bit ago (I fell asleep soon after I got home), and turned the night light on. I hope he does well overnight. He's still a little cutie.
 
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LostTogether

New member
& why are you concerned for my other two geckos? They both are pretty healthy and needed no medical attention. I believe Junior did eat the mealworms I gave him last feeding yesterday also, but I heard that mealworms aren't the healthiest food for them either.

I also learned why you aren't supposed to give D3 to the geckos when you have a UV light. Thank goodness itbdidnt cause any problems with my geckos and I stopped before it was too late.
 
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Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Thanks guys.
Another thing I forgot to add is the vet said Porkchop's belly is still healthy and plump looking but its just his tail that's starting to get thinner.

As I said before, I'm having problems with the SD card, and I'm having problems with the pictures of Junior showing up. Pictures of him and his tank are going to have to wait a bit so I can figure out what the problem is.

So far, Junior (the juvenile) has one main hide, which is a log. The other things he shelters under or by is two plant decorations in opposite corners of the tank. One is a purple-like flower that provides a bit of shade, the other plant "hide" is a tree on the cool end of the tank.

I think Porkchop may be a bit groggy still from earlier. He actually decided on using the humid hide box. Thankfully I sprayed it again right when I got home. I'm still using the moss in there for now; it does act as a really soft cushion. He's been under there for about almost 3 hours now just sleeping in there. He's still breathing, don't worry, I checked. I was really surprised when I saw him crawl into there. He only stuck 3/4ths of his body in there at first, but he stuck his whole self into there at least 5 minutes later. I turned the UVB light and day light off just a bit ago (I fell asleep soon after I got home), and turned the night light on. I hope he does well overnight. He's still a little cutie.

Earlier you mention that your charger is missing?

Thanks for your feedback about Junior. How about making him a humid hide too?

Glad Porkchop is liking his warm humid hide. :cheer:
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
& why are you concerned for my other two geckos? They both are pretty healthy and needed no medical attention. I believe Junior did eat the mealworms I gave him last feeding yesterday also, but I heard that mealworms aren't the healthiest food for them either.

I also learned why you aren't supposed to give D3 to the geckos when you have a UV light. Thank goodness itbdidnt cause any problems with my geckos and I stopped before it was too late.

LostTogether said:
How long have you owned the animal? 4-5 years. He's 5 years and 3 months old.

Please don't get defensive. What we have to go on is what you share. I am concerned because the reasons Porkchop's health has declined so much could also be impacting your female and Junior. Sometimes problems take a while to show up.

I am happy you learned about UVB light and vitamin D3 as a powdered supplement.

You are right. Mealworms aren't that healthy either. Crickets and Blaptica dubia roaches are good.

EDIT: You have mentioned that you don't feed the mealworms. I don't use mealies at all, but many people keep them on a bed of wheat bran.

Feeding the bugs and worms you feed your geckos is quite important. Otherwise they cannot provide very good nutrition for your leos.
 
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LostTogether

New member
Yeah, before I did say that the charger was missing, that was before I took any pictures of him. I inserted the SD card into my laptop and the new pictures didn't show up, that's what I'm trying to say.

I would make him a humid hide also, but my mom doesn't want me cutting up her food containers.

He just got out of the humid hide right after I turned the night light on. He's just laying next to it now, with his tail and one leg still in the box.

I wasn't getting defensive either; I just asked a question. Its too bad that you have to buy most of the healthier food for them online because no petstore has them. I hate roaches, so that wouldn't be an option for any of them and I heard they have a bunch of protein in them, and Porkchop shouldn't be given much of that now.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Yeah, before I did say that the charger was missing, that was before I took any pictures of him. I inserted the SD card into my laptop and the new pictures didn't show up, that's what I'm trying to say.

Don't know anything about difficulties like that /\.

I would make him a humid hide also, but my mom doesn't want me cutting up her food containers.

He just got out of the humid hide right after I turned the night light on. He's just laying next to it now, with his tail and one leg still in the box.

I wasn't getting defensive either; I just asked a question. Its too bad that you have to buy most of the healthier food for them online because no petstore has them. I hate roaches, so that wouldn't be an option for any of them and I heard they have a bunch of protein in them, and Porkchop shouldn't be given much of that now.

I am pretty up-to-date with Porkchop. ;-)

How about either using opaque plastic containers such as a Cool Whip or a butter container for Junior's humid hide or buying some plastic containers of your own? Junior would like his as much as Porkchop does. May have mentioned that warm humid hides help leos stay hydrated and well as help with shedding. :)

Maybe some pet stores around you have healthier crickets than others do?

I much prefer feeding my leo crickets over roaches. Once in awhile she does get roaches.
 
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Completeleopard

New member
Lost Together,

The reason Elizabeth is asking about your other Leo's is because the chances are you are caring for all these Leo's in exactly the same way, it can take years of bad husbandry and practice before leos become ill so there is a high chance that if one of your Leo's became ill due to husbandry or practice's, your other Leo's will also become ill.

All your Leo's need a warm dry hide to digest food in whilst feeling secure, a cool dry hide to cool down in whilst feeling secure and a warm moist hide to hydrate and keep their skin moist to aid with shedding whilst feeling secure. These items are necessities and are essential to the well being of your Leo's.

All you need is a left over plastic tub as Elizabeth says, left over butter containers etc.
 

LostTogether

New member
I know why she's asking me about that.

My mom specifically said don't touch her butter containers, so that wont be an opinion. I'll just buy my own.

Oh, I didn't see that you edited your post about the eye infection, JIMI. He's not too sure what caused Porkcop's, but he gave examples like scratching his eye on something in the tank possibly, or partial shedding problem. I don't think he gave me a specific answer about that.
 
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Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
I know why she's asking me about that.

My mom specifically said don't touch her butter containers, so that wont be an opinion. I'll just buy my own.

Oh, I didn't see that you edited your post about the eye infection, JIMI. He's not too sure what caused Porkcop's, but he gave examples like scratching his eye on something in the tank possibly, or partial shedding problem. I don't think he gave me a specific answer about that.

Buying some plastic containers is a great idea. If I lived in your neighborhood I'd bring you some. :) One tip for Junior's humid hide: How about cutting the entry hole in the lid? That way it will be easier to keep the moss in the new moist hide. Sometimes leos move the moss out of the hide.

Most people offering advice on GU are very helpful and want the very best for peoples' geckos.
 
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LostTogether

New member
None of my geckos besides Apple really climb. I'm not sure if Junior would climb onto the humid hide.

Okay, I got some crickets. I wont be feeding my geckos until tonight though. Would I still be able to gut-load them now, and still feed my geckos later?

At home I only have two oranges and an apple, so its only an apple I can give. Is that a good fruit to feed the crickets?
 
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Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
None of my geckos besides Apple really climb. I'm not sure if Junior would climb onto the humid hide.

Okay, I got some crickets. I wont be feeding my geckos until tonight though. Would I still be able to gut-load them now, and still feed my geckos later?

At home I only have two oranges and an apple, so its only an apple I can give. Is that a good fruit to feed the crickets?

You're on the right track. :D Keep it up.

Apples are not particularly good. Calcium to phosphorus is off. However raw apples with skin have some vitamin A. Click right here: Show Foods

A good diet to get for your crickets is: Zoo Med's Natural Bearded Dragon Food Adult Formula.

Click: Natural Bearded Dragon Food Adult Formula

Junior would love a warm moist hide. An opening in front is OK too. Get say 4 inch tall plastic containers. Cut the door about 2 inches off the ground. Junior WILL find it and climb right in. Just wait and see.
 
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LostTogether

New member
Wait, are apples good or not? I have raw apples with the skin on it still. Not just the inside of an apple.

And ill have to ask my mom what other container I could use for Junior when she gets home tomorrow. Morning. I have to wait until then
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Wait, are apples good or not? I have raw apples with the skin on it still. Not just the inside of an apple.

And ill have to ask my mom what other container I could use for Junior when she gets home tomorrow. Morning. I have to wait until then

I understand that you have raw apples with the skin on. That's what I checked out on the US Dept of Agriculture food link.

Nutrition is pretty complicated. You want foods that have higher calcium than phosphorus. Apples have more phosphorus than calcium.

Most of us don't have the background to prepare an ideal diet for our crickets. That's why premade foods are available. However, some do NOT do what they claim.

A purchase of Zoo Med's Natural Bearded Dragon Food Adult Formula from a pet store or online would be especially healthy for your crickets (and all your leos).

Any empty plastic container will do. If it opaque (can't see light through it) it is better than clear.

How about trusting the advice you've received? I post here because I care about your leos and their good health. :)
 
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LostTogether

New member
The cricket food is going to have to wat until tomorrow then. All pet stores closed an hour and a half ago.

Okay, thanks.

And in your signature, what do you mean by plain calcium?
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
The cricket food is going to have to wat until tomorrow then. All pet stores closed an hour and a half ago.

Okay, thanks.

And in your signature, what do you mean by plain calcium?

You might call around on Monday to see which stores carry that particular bearded dragon food. ONLY buy the Adult Formula! Once you bring the crickets home, feed them that 24/7. Use damp paper towels to provide moisture for the crickets. Keep the dry cricket food DRY. You don't want it to get moldy.

Good question! Plain calcium carbonate is just that. Plain calcium does not contain vitamin D3 at all.

I like and use Zoo Med's Repti Calcium with D3 and Zoo Med's plain Reptivite multivitamin (no vitamin D3).
 
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Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
I believe I saw the Adult Formula at Petsmart the other day. Ill check online to make sure.

Is my calcium powder good to use? Its Exo Terra Calcium.

Is it plain or with D3?


Exo Terra : Calcium + D3 / Calcium + D3 Powder Supplement::-( contains dextrose/(sugar) & oyster shell flour
North America
Ingredients:
Calcium carbonate, oyster shell flour, dextrose, Vitamin D3 supplement.

Guaranteed Analysis:
Moisture (max) 12.0%
Calcium (min) 35.0%
Calcium (max) 37.0%
Vitamin D3 14,740 IU/lb

EU
Ingredients:
Calcium carbonate (35%), ground oyster shells, salt.
Contains EU permitted additives.

EU Typical Analysis:
Calcium 35%, Vitamin D3 65 mg/kg.
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Zoo Med's Repti Calcium (with or without D3) is purer. The calcium contained is precipitated calcium carbonate, not calcium derived from oyster shells.
 
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