6duckie6
Member
Hello all.
My leopard gecko has recently been diagnosed with hypovitaminosis A, which is a vitamin A deficiency. It was originally misdiagnosed, and I went back to the vet for an answer after the antibiotics didn't clear everything up. I unfortunately learned the hard way that better supplementation is needed for the insects I feed him.
He is currently doing a bit better, but he is still in need of help, and my vet has given me Fluker's Liquid Vitamin. I was directed to put a drop on an insect four times a week.
The gecko absolutely hates the stuff. He will refuse to eat insects that have the vitamin on them. I decided to give it directly via syringe instead, as the directions say you can do that, and I've never seen such a blatant display of pure disgust before. Shaking his head several times, frantically rubbing his mouth on the ground trying to remove any of the substance around his mouth, moving his neck as if he was trying to get a bug down. I felt pretty bad about it, I'm sure it's disgusting.
Upon Googling it, I came across some anecdotal reports of Fluker's Liquid Vitamin causing deaths in leopard geckos and other herptiles. He didn't seem to get sick from what I gave him, but between his extreme reaction to it and these personal reports, I am admittedly nervous.
My question is, should I be continuing to give Fluker's Liquid Vitamin to the gecko despite his tantrums, or should I be looking into alternatives? I have not tried putting it in his water yet, I've heard you can do that to dilute it. But I do not want to do that if it is going to be a danger to my gecko. I'd like to believe my vet, but I thought it would be best to get a second opinion from people who actually own leopard geckos themselves, as this forum has been great help to me and my geckos in the past. Much thanks!
My leopard gecko has recently been diagnosed with hypovitaminosis A, which is a vitamin A deficiency. It was originally misdiagnosed, and I went back to the vet for an answer after the antibiotics didn't clear everything up. I unfortunately learned the hard way that better supplementation is needed for the insects I feed him.
He is currently doing a bit better, but he is still in need of help, and my vet has given me Fluker's Liquid Vitamin. I was directed to put a drop on an insect four times a week.
The gecko absolutely hates the stuff. He will refuse to eat insects that have the vitamin on them. I decided to give it directly via syringe instead, as the directions say you can do that, and I've never seen such a blatant display of pure disgust before. Shaking his head several times, frantically rubbing his mouth on the ground trying to remove any of the substance around his mouth, moving his neck as if he was trying to get a bug down. I felt pretty bad about it, I'm sure it's disgusting.
Upon Googling it, I came across some anecdotal reports of Fluker's Liquid Vitamin causing deaths in leopard geckos and other herptiles. He didn't seem to get sick from what I gave him, but between his extreme reaction to it and these personal reports, I am admittedly nervous.
My question is, should I be continuing to give Fluker's Liquid Vitamin to the gecko despite his tantrums, or should I be looking into alternatives? I have not tried putting it in his water yet, I've heard you can do that to dilute it. But I do not want to do that if it is going to be a danger to my gecko. I'd like to believe my vet, but I thought it would be best to get a second opinion from people who actually own leopard geckos themselves, as this forum has been great help to me and my geckos in the past. Much thanks!
