Possible Enigma Syndrome?

[everhope]

So, two days ago I got back from a ten day trip with some friends. I had a couple people look after my leopard gecko, Beju while I was away. Oh and they forgot to moisten his humid hide the whole time I was away... Well, when I got back I could tell something was off. A day later I got him out and noticed he was somewhat weak, tosses his head to one side, lethargic, and sometimes walking in circles. I had no idea what could be wrong with him, it started to worry me so I began to research what it could be.

I first thought he could have calcium deficiency but he was fed dusted food and has free choice calcium in his vivarium. Then I thought he could have too much D3 in his diet but can't see that being possible. Then I thought parasites or mites but he doesn't have symptoms for that. That was when I discovered the enigma syndrome. He practically had all the symptoms. Thing is, I don't know if he is enigma or not (photo attached). When I first got him which was the beginning of the year I always took note that he was not the best at aiming towards his food, never knew that could be indicated towards the enigma syndrome. He is definitely different from before I left and it is scaring me. Could I have stressed him out from being gone so long? Could not having the moist hide humid do something to make him like this? I could really use any advice, I know there isn't a lot you can do for this disorder but anything could help.

Thank you :?

 

[MistyBleil]

I am imagining you are freaking out about this post and worrying about no response yet. Some of our most experienced responders might not have been online yet. So I would wait for them to respond. I just didn't want you feeling ignored. Sometimes post get lost on a forum is large and well used. If no one answers you soon try PM Elizabeth Freeder or Hilde.

 

[everhope]

That is really sweet of you, I really appreciate it, thank you! <3

 

[hmarie186]

My thought would be dehydration. Humid hides are important for hydration as well as shedding. Signs are disorientation, weakness, lethargy, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes. Depending on how severe it is, an animal could have all or only a few symptoms. Moisten the hide alittle wetter than normal, or maybe even consider doing a warm (85F) water soak. Keep us updated.

Dehydration in Reptiles - Guidelines for Offering Fluids FAQ ( Reptile, Amphibian, Herp, snake, lizard, turtle, frog )

 

[Superleo98]

I don't think lack of hydration would cause this. I had my male Leo's without any moist hides for 2 years with no issues.
I'm sorry I don't know much about enigma besides the symptoms. But I do know it can be diagnosed and caught early, before it gets worse. But do know it is irreversible, so you will want to catch it as soon as possible.
Please take your Leo to a vet.

Hope everything goes well ~

 

[hmarie186]

Aren't they born with enigma syndrome or can it onset like this out of nowhere essentially?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi ~

Does Beju have a water dish with fresh water in his vivarium at all times? How about sharing a video of him?

Recommend removing the calcium from his cage. Calcium should be taken with food for proper absorption.

Here's some additional info on enigmas.

#68---Enigma Syndrome Study 2011
Best NOT to breed your leo if he/she has the Enigma Syndrome.

Click: Enigma Syndrome Study

Thanks for sharing, Muffins94 (July 2013)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Additional Enigma Syndrome Information:
"Understand that an enigma without symptoms showing still carries the genes for neurological disorder, so a perfectly fine looking enigma could very easily have enigma syndrome in their offspring.

To add to that, many folks have thought their enigma was symptom free...until they bred their gecko. With added stress, their perfectly fine looking enigma started having enigma syndrome after being gravid. So while yours may look normal now, the symptoms can show up at any time.

I know people don't like to hear no, so I'm not here saying not to breed your enigma. They are your pets and you should be responsible for them, I'm not gonna tell you what to do. But I am going to warn that your beautiful, normal acting engima leopard gecko may very well start acting bad once you start breeding her. And you may very well get offspring with enigma syndrome, some severe enough that you'll have to cull. So please do think about it before breeding an enigma. I know they are beautiful leopard geckos, I so wish they did not have neurological disorders because I'd LOVE to own them and breed them. But alas, I can't feel good about breeding geckos with genetic defects. And the thought about having to cull young life kills me."

Thanks for posting, Mardy (July 2013)