Help! My Giant Leaf tail is suddenly Ill!!

[MnM Fimbs]

went to feed him tonight and found him on the ground covered in shedding skin with a mouth full of dirt. He would shake his head back and forth violently topping himself over. His tail is fully curled up and yesterday he looked great, healthy and hydrated. HE hasn't closed his mouth in the past 2 hours, i removed the shed from his feet so he could climb the glass again. I put him back and he started shaking his head and screaming. His body looks very stressed and I'm not sure what to do?? He's an older gecko, no less then 6 years cuz he was a wild caught i saved from a bad home who treated him like a bearded dragon. But i haven't had a problem with him in all the years i've had him until now can anybody make any suggestions?? thanks!

 

[Yoshi'smom]

I'm not too familiar with the species but the violent head shaking with the mouth gape sounds like when cresties and gargs are trying to throw up. They'll do the same thing if they eat too quickly, drink too quickly, take in prey that is too large, ingest substrate, Etc.
My advice would be to try to gently get as much of the substrate out of his mouth and take him to a reptile vet. I would try to rehydrate him as well.
Good luck and please keep us updated.

 

[Aimless]

Uroplatus can be extraordinarily delicate if they're having health issues. I'd be very careful to intervene as little as possible, and get him to a vet asap. however, if your local exotics vet has no experience with the genus, I'd be nervous about taking him.

the curled tail seems indicative of dehydration, but in combination with the other symptoms I'd be worried about a seizure or spasm of some sort.

 

[Tamara]

I agree with Aimee, try take him to a qualified vet as soon as possible.
They can be extremely delicate and when they are in the stage where their tails are fully curled up they are litteraly knocking on death's door and you can't wait any longer with taking action.
Hopefully you have a good vet close to where you live and it's not too late already.
We have had this happen here a few times as well and in both cases it was too late, i guess that's something leaftail keepers just have to deal with every once in a while, but it sure stinks when it happens.

Good luck.