Impacted/ constipated female leopard gecko (advice please)

[Geckoliv3]

I have a female leopard gecko named Daphne, she's about 2 years old. I'm sure she's impacted, she has dark patches in her belly, no appetite, and is walking funny. She also lost weight in her tail only, but its still as wide as my finger. I've been giving her warm baths, but they stress her out. I have olive oil, but I want to make sure its completely safe for her to ingest before I give her any. She does not live on any kind of loose substrate, but I gave her calcium thinking she needed it supplemented. I know that was a bad idea now. I'm starting to consider an exotic vet... any advice is appreciated, thank you!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

Please share current images of Daphne and her belly. How long is she from snout to tail tip? Please also share a 60 second video of Daphne walking around on some solid surface like a carpet, so we can check out her gait.

Leos can't really get impacted with calcium. What exact supplements are you using? Please list brand, dose, & frequency.

Both olive oil and vegetable oil are safe to use. Place a drop or two on her snout so she can lick it off. During her WARM soaks (about 86*F) massage her belly in a throat-to vent fashion.

 

[Geckoliv3]

Thank you for replying! I just saw she pooped, its gross but I know she's gonna get better now. The calcium is ZooMed Repticalcium without d3. I gave it to her mixed with water in drop form like you would with oil, and I also did that with fresh water. I did that recently while she was constipated, but I didn't know she was at the time. When I realized something was wrong and what it was, I started giving her warm baths, and trying to massage her but it would make her try to get away from me and she opened her mouth wide. I think the olive oil helped, and I was giving her drops of water too. She has an under tank heat mat but it needs to be replaced. I couldn't get good video of her walking, or under her belly, sorry. She still has a bit of dark patches but that may be her heart, its a small circle in the upper middle of her body. Also, for future reference, what kind of supplements should I keep in her enclosure? Thank you for your help, and this whole site has been really useful for other information I've needed!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thank you for replying! I just saw she pooped, its gross but I know she's gonna get better now. The calcium is ZooMed Repticalcium without d3. I gave it to her mixed with water in drop form like you would with oil, and I also did that with fresh water. I did that recently while she was constipated, but I didn't know she was at the time. When I realized something was wrong and what it was, I started giving her warm baths, and trying to massage her but it would make her try to get away from me and she opened her mouth wide. I think the olive oil helped, and I was giving her drops of water too. She has an under tank heat mat but it needs to be replaced. I couldn't get good video of her walking, or under her belly, sorry. She still has a bit of dark patches but that may be her heart, its a small circle in the upper middle of her body. Also, for future reference, what kind of supplements should I keep in her enclosure? Thank you for your help, and this whole site has been really useful for other information I've needed!

You ARE welcome. I'm happy you're finding GU very useful.

"and is walking funny" Please still share the video of Daphne walking about. Can someone help you do that? She could be suffering from an issue NOT related to her constipation. Walking difficulties may be difficult detect. The only way I can be helpful about that is actually seeing Daphne walk.

Are you providing UVB for Daphne? WithOUT UVB or vitamin D3 from supplements, Daphne might be suffering from MBD. MBD is progressive. MBD is ultimately severely disabling and could lead to death.

What size is Daphne's enclosure? If the heat is not 88-92*F (31.1-33.3 C) underneath her warm dry hide, she might be unable to digest her prey. Ultratherm heat mats are tops. They ARE reusable. Ultratherm makes an 11 x 11 inch mat and an 11 x 17 inch mat.

Here's Supplement Schedule 126. Daphne may need Schedule 156 instead??? I recommend lightly dusting the prey with these supplements instead of keeping any supplement in the enclosure for 24/7 access.

Weekly Schedule 126 for Leopard Geckos 18 months old +​

(withOUT UVB)​

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) symptoms include uneven (lopsided) gait, walking on one or both "elbows", bowed limbs, belly dragging, and an underbite. Difficulty chewing should be closely monitored.

The Reptile Supply Company (916-226-4089) based in Lodi, California stocks Zoo Med's ReptiVite multivitamins withOUT D3.

• Monday > > crickets or dubia lightly dusted with Zoo Med's Repti Calcium with D3
• Thursday > > crickets or dubia lightly dusted with Zoo Med's ReptiVite multivitamins withOUT D3
• Saturday > > Optional: mealworms, superworms, or black soldier fly larvae (Phoenix worms) > > no dusting

For link 126 click: Weekly Feeding & Supplement Schedule 126 for leopard geckos 18 months old +

 

[Geckoliv3]

hi, sorry for the late reply. I got her a new heat mat, and a low watt halogen bulb, its a much better temperature in there and she has uv now. She seems a little better but still won't eat anything, not crickets, dubias, or meal worms. Shes only a little lethargic i think,, but not as bad as before. She walks upright, she doesn't drag her elbows or legs. When I said she walked funny I meant her tail moved up and down in a unusual way, not like a display or anything. I have been worried about mbd, but she has a normal figure and walks normal again. I'm sorry again I can't provide a video, I'm not sure how to attach it and its difficult to get a good video of her. She's doesn't like being handled, especially after I had to give her those baths, but doesn't get aggressive. Again, sorry for the late response

 

[Geckoliv3]

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

hi, sorry for the late reply. I got her a new heat mat, and a low watt halogen bulb, its a much better temperature in there and she has uv now. She seems a little better but still won't eat anything, not crickets, dubias, or meal worms. Shes only a little lethargic i think,, but not as bad as before. She walks upright, she doesn't drag her elbows or legs. When I said she walked funny I meant her tail moved up and down in a unusual way, not like a display or anything. I have been worried about mbd, but she has a normal figure and walks normal again. I'm sorry again I can't provide a video, I'm not sure how to attach it and its difficult to get a good video of her. She's doesn't like being handled, especially after I had to give her those baths, but doesn't get aggressive. Again, sorry for the late response

View attachment 49756

No problem. I always say "Better late than never."

Kindly re-read my posts from the beginning of this thread. I'm still looking for key info (enclosure size, etc). Without that information, I can't share much advice. :sad: Once I have that information, I'll be able to guide Daphne better.

I'm glad Daphne has a new heat mat + a low watt halogen bulb.

Does she have a secure warm dry hide + a warm humid hide with small entrances similar to this hide, so she can feel safe? She should have 3 hides in all.

​

1. Please share an image of Dapne only -- NOT in a hide.
2. What size is her enclosure?
3. Is Daphne hiding underneath a clay pot? If so the sides seem wet.
4. Are you using a circle-type thermometer to measure the temps? Digital thermometers are usually more accurate. Temps need to be 88-92*F on the bottom/ground of her warm dry hide. Zoo Med makes a yellow digital thermometer with a probe that costs about $10 USDs.
5. "(Daphne's) calcium is ZooMed Repticalcium without d3."
6. How often do you dust Daphne's prey?

Here are early MBD signs.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) symptoms include uneven (lopsided) gait, walking on one or both "elbows", bowed limbs, belly dragging, and an underbite. Difficulty chewing should be closely monitored.

The video you could provide is my most important diagnostic tool!!! All you need to do is film Daphne walking about for 1 minute on a carpet. Then I'll post info on how to attach your video to a message. That video is important to rule out issues.

 

[Geckoliv3]

I found the dimensions of the tank, its 24"×18"×12", 20 gallons. The heat bulb is 25w reptile basking spot lamp by zoo med. The hide she's in is her humid/cool side. She has a hide on the warm dry side too, I'll provide overall photos. Her new vitamins has vitamin d among other supplements, its by Repashy for insect feeders.

 

[Geckoliv3]

I found the dimensions of the tank, its 24"×18"×12", 20 gallons. The heat bulb is 25w reptile basking spot lamp by zoo med. The hide she's in is her humid/cool side. She has a hide on the warm dry side too, I'll provide overall photos. Her new vitamins has vitamin d among other supplements, its by Repashy for insect feeders. I haven't been able to see her eat yet, but I think she may have eaten 3 crickets dusted with the multivitamin and calcium mix.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I found the dimensions of the tank, its 24"×18"×12", 20 gallons. The heat bulb is 25w reptile basking spot lamp by zoo med. The hide she's in is her humid/cool side. She has a hide on the warm dry side too, I'll provide overall photos. Her new vitamins has vitamin d among other supplements, its by Repashy for insect feeders. I haven't been able to see her eat yet, but I think she may have eaten 3 crickets dusted with the multivitamin and calcium mix.

It's best to keep the humid hide on the warm end of the enclosure, just like the warm DRY hide. A wet hide on the cool end might cause Daphne to get sick with an Upper Respiratory Tract infection. :sad: Daphne needs a 3rd hide: a cool DRY hide.

Did you buy Repashy's Calcium Plus all-in-one multivitamins? Here's a great schedule for that.

Schedule(s) 144: Repashy's Calcium Plus (all-in-one multivitamins) for Leopard Geckos
(withOUT UVB)​

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) symptoms include uneven (lopsided) gait, walking on one or both "elbows", bowed limbs, belly dragging, and an underbite. Difficulty chewing should be closely monitored.

1. Feeding & Supplementing HATCHLING leopard geckos - 0-2 months old & any slow-growing leopard geckos under ~6 grams ~ Feed 3x per week.

• Feed Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays
• Dust prey with Repashy's Calcium Plus (all-in-one) multivitamins at every other feeding
• ALSO: Keep a bottle cap of plain calcium in the cage 24/7.
• [See dusting chart below]

2. Feeding & Supplementing JUVENILE leopard geckos ~ Feed 3x per week.

• Feed Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays
• Dust prey with Repashy's Calcium Plus (all-in-one) multivitamins at every other feeding
• [See dusting chart below]

3. Feeding & Supplementing ADULT leopard geckos ~ Feed 2x per week.

• Mondays ~ feed (no dusting)
• Thursdays ~ feed & dust prey with Repashy's Calcium Plus (all-in-one) multivitamins

\/ \/ \/


R = Repashy's Calcium Plus, Cc = pure precipitated calcium carbonate (withOUT vitamin D3)

Week 1 Repashy dusting (for HATCHLINGS & JUVENILES):
M-------T-------W------Th-------F-------Sat-------Sun
............R...........................................R...................

Week 2 Repashy dusting (for HATCHLINGS & JUVENILES):
M-------T-------W------Th-------F-------Sat-------Sun
..................................R..........................................​

-----> For hatchlings 0-2 months old & any slow-growing leopard geckos under ~6 grams: Aliza also places a bottle cap of pure precipitated calcium carbonate (withOUT vitamin D3) in the cage 24/7.

 

[Geckoliv3]

I have 3 videos of her walking, I'm realizing its not as normal as I thought. The thing she does with her tail is unusual for her though. Could you show me how to upload them?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I have 3 videos of her walking, I'm realizing its not as normal as I thought. The thing she does with her tail is unusual for her though. Could you show me how to upload them?

Thanks soooo much!


(5) Posting Photos/Videos . . . . . . inline or attached
Follow Hilde's red arrows. [2019: Inserted Hilde's 2 screenshots.]
To attach a video to this post click the ladder icon to the right of the image icon.

(click to enlarge)​

Click: vBulletin FAQ

• To insert a video find 3 lines of choices at the top when you make a post. On the second line, 15 icons in from the left, you'll see the video icon. It looks like a ladder. Click this video icon & paste your video URL right there. Your video and arrow like you may have noticed here will be displayed, not just a link.
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Imgur and YouTube offer free online sites for sharing photos and videos.

 

[Geckoliv3]

 

[Geckoliv3]

 

[Geckoliv3]

 

[Geckoliv3]

these are the videos, I used the straw in the last video to gently try to get her to walk.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks!

I'm awaiting some feedback on your videos. I've never seen such a "tail twitch". Could Daphne have injured her tail?

I see left rear foot "twitchy" toes, definite "inward bending"/weakness of her right front arm, and maybe right front foot "twitchy" toes.

Do you see "twitchy" toes on any other foot?

 

[Geckoliv3]

Thanks. I'm not sure about her tail either, it started when she was constipated, but I'm not sure if its because of how her stomach feels or if it got hurt when she struggled in my hands to get away from the bath. When she struggles i keep my hand loose but it may have hit the bowl or something. Her back left foot looked kind of shaky to me. Just today I noticed her ankles and wrists are slightly purple.. The only definite injury I know of is just one toe on her left front foot got kinked from stuck shed. I got it off and still its attached but it looks segmented.

Her constipation was a few days ago but she's only passed one urate since then, no poop. I also remember it was nit normal looking poo but I assumed it was like that because her digestion was blocked for a while. But I just did some reading and it said green poo like that is a sign of infection. I have a picture but idk if u want it.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I don't know whether you're checking in by phone or computer. Can you see post #10? I added the title to Schedule 144.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Reptile Supply Company (Lodi, California): 916-226-4089 https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/8-products

Use e-mail for customer service ---> info@ReptileSupplyCo.com
[Zoo Med's Reptivite multivitamins withOUT D3 source
Ultratherm 11 x 17 heat pads = $22 here too in October 2020.]
​

Source for

1. Zoo Med's ReptiVite multivitamins withOUT D3
2. Zoo Med's Repti Calcium with D3
3. Zoo Med's yellow digital thermometer with a probe, maybe

Here's a healthy dry diet/bedding for mealworms/superworms and for bugs too! After you get mealworms or superworms, replace the bedding they come in with already ground Professional Reptiles' Pro Gutload dry insect & worm diet (1-775-359-1085). Let's keep those worms in 6 quart plastic Sterilite tubs with bedding & ventilation at room temperature, NOT in the refrigerator.

Click: Professional Reptiles' Pro Gutload dry diet: 1, 5, & 10 pound bags​

Wheat germ, wheat bran, and oats contain hugely excessive phosphorus amounts! Use something else for a mealworm or a superworm bedding!

Please request the latest expiration date possible on ALL these products!