What is wrong with my leopard gecko?

[ReptileGirl20]

So, I had two leopard geckos that were gifted to my dad by a former students parents when the student went off to grad school (approximately 3 years ago) . A few months back, one of them died. Previous to his death he had been acting lethargic and not eating (food consisted primarily of mealworms and crickets). On top of that, he never finished his last shed and the leftover skin was stuck to his head. His eyes appeared to be sealed shut as well.

Now, my other leopard gecko is showing almost the exact same symptoms that the one who died showed. The only difference is that one of his eyes has actually bled or is bleeding. It is crusted in blood and there is blood on the side of his tank that is most likely from his eye (no other bleeding is present).

The research I have been doing suggests that he may have vitamin a deficiency. But I am hesitant to try that because I've always been told that giving reptiles vitamin a is bad for them. I don't know what to do. He won't eat, even when I put a mealworm up to his mouth. He is losing weight rapidly and I am so scared. My dad doesn't believe in medications really and is the type that thinks he can do everything on his own (the type of person the refuses to read the instructions and it shows in the final product).

If anyone has any suggestions on what might be wrong with my leopard gecko or any suggestions as to where I could look it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Now, my other leopard gecko is showing almost the exact same symptoms that the one who died showed. The only difference is that one of his eyes has actually bled or is bleeding. It is crusted in blood and there is blood on the side of his tank that is most likely from his eye (no other bleeding is present).

The research I have been doing suggests that he may have vitamin a deficiency. But I am hesitant to try that because I've always been told that giving reptiles vitamin a is bad for them. I don't know what to do. He won't eat, even when I put a mealworm up to his mouth. He is losing weight rapidly and I am so scared. My dad doesn't believe in medications really and is the type that thinks he can do everything on his own (the type of person the refuses to read the instructions and it shows in the final product)

Your leo needs an immediate appointment with an experienced reptile vet. With all ocular problems seeing a vet ASAP is paramount! Home treatment is contraindicated!

1. How have you been supplementing this adult leo? Please list all supplements by brand, exact name, and frequency you use them.
2. What have you been feeding this leo's mealworms and crickets?

Vitamin A deficiency can be responsible for eye problems. It's pre-vitamin A (retinol) that's super important at a pinch dosage per week. Pro-vitamin A doesn't work when retinol is required. The danger comes in using excessive retinol.