blizzard leopard gecko..not sure whats wrong

[swicks]

Hello. I just took this blizzard leopard gecko from my parent's because my younger brother was not caring for it. The lizard is probably about two years old, very skinny, his eyes will not open (almost seems like they are glued shut), and he has a crusty scab on the side of his mouth. My mom had the tank previously with sand substrate, no heat, no light, and she complained that he wouldn't eat!

When I brought him home today, I went to the pet store and bought a heat pad for under the tank, supplies for a moist box, and stuff to help his skin peel. When I got home, I got rid of the sand and put paper towel down for now, and I gave him a nice long soak with the skin treatment to help him peel. He had so much dead skin on him.

I am just so concerned for him. He is very underweight. I can feel almost every bone in his body. My mom said that he doesn't have much of an appetite but really! -- he can't see and you have no heat! Very frustrating. I just want to help this little guy out. I am going to attach photos.


I want to take him to the vet, but I don't have a lot of money. If he needs antibiotics and stuff I want to get it for him..I am just not sure how much it would cost to take him.

Any help is MUCH appreciated! I have a bearded dragon so I know a little about lizards, but not that much on leopard geckos!

 

[kvnsu]

LEOPARD GECKOS NOT EATING

REHYDRATION INFORMATION
Do not attempt to feed an emaciated/dehydrated gecko till the gecko's hydration status has been assessed by a veterinarian. In order to prevent further damage to the kidneys or liver, let the vet rehydrate your gecko. Only then assist feed.

To entice any gecko to open his mouth brush a thin dowel, a stainless steel gavage needle (with a rounded tip), or your finger horizontally past his lips. Stroke gecko's lips, gecko opens mouth, then insert water, food, or medicine. Be gentle and never force the mouth open.


How to force feed a gecko: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mIJmeebvss&feature=player_embedded


For shortterm assist feeding ONLY
Turkey Baby Food versus Chicken Baby Food
"Turkey baby food is a milder food than chicken and thus provides less of a shock to the digestive system. The goal of assist feeding is not to overwhelm the gecko with nutrients.

The recommended 1:1 ratio of turkey baby food (which is has a slightly higher water content than chicken baby food) to pediatric fluids (Pedialyte) helps quickly replace fluids and provides a mild dosage of nutrients that are more easily digestable than the more nutrient-dense chicken baby foods. [Fluid replacement at a veterinary clinic is often highly invasive procedure and should be avoided if at all possible. ???]

Turkey is also lower in saturated fats as well as total fats. Fats are in both but the turkey diet after mixing contains just 3.1% where the chicken diet would have 3.95% (close to one percent higher in total fat content, of which a higher percentage is saturated fat).

Turkey is slightly more mineral-rich than chicken (based on total ash content) and this may help with replacement of any lost due to a previously substandard diet.

Turkey baby food contains 3 times as much total vitamin D (D2 + D3). This offsets its lower calcium levels. My opinion is that the calcium in turkey is more available than the calcium in chicken baby foods due to the higher level of vitamin D."

All from Elizabeth Freer's caresheet: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/gecko-care-sheets/55211-leopard-gecko-caresheet-eublepharis-macularius-demo-video-4-jan-2013-update.html

 

[kvnsu]

To add, please monitor the warm side temps, they should be 88-93. Add layers of paper towels until you get the right temp. Use a thermometer with a probe they cost around 10 bucks.

 

[hmarie186]

Looks like he has mouth rot, which is why it doesn't close well. That will definitely affect his eating and health. He will need antibiotics for the infection if that's what it is.

 

[Conched]

The Leo has mouth rot and likely retained eye caps. While the measures you have taken are significantly better than the previous situation, I don't really see a way to get this guy back to good health without a trip to the vet. It needs antibiotics.

I have seen a few Leo's in worse shape make a comeback but it will take time and money on your part.

Aside from a trip to the vet I would recommend you read up a bit on diet and unless it was removed for the pic, you might want to get a water bowl.

Next time you make a moist hide you might want to put the lid side up, makes it easier to service without making a mess.

Best of luck.