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I have a leopard gecko that is approximately 5-6 months old. I have notice that he is not very active and seems to drag his upper body as he is moving. I have been reading that he should be receiving calcium suppliment which we were originally told that was not necessary. He also does not seem to have the appetite he used to.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: leopard gecko Gender: Male Age: 6 months
Hello I am Dr. Amy and will help you with your question. Unfortunately, there are really no good protocols for reptiles as we have not been able to harvest a good food source for them in the reptile industry... we are limited to crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, all very nutrient poor types of prey... everyone has their own opinions on diets but calcium supplements with a UVA /UVB light source is imperative to keeping reptiles. I am not a fan of the calcium sand that pet stores sell, I have seen too many reptiles die from sand impaction.
Your little guy sounds like he is lacking calcium... inability to move the legs well, not eating well are telltale signs of this. Before this turns into metabolic bone disease you need to have some veterinary intervention, I think he is beyond just a supplement. He needs to be force fed, and given a prescription grade calcium supplement.
So how/where do I find a reptile vet?
IN the meantime of finding a vet near you to take him to, make sure you have UVA lamp that is less than 6 months old, a heat lamp or hot rock, force feed gut loaded crickets (the vet will hbave a liquid food that is easier to feed.
hang on let me get you a website for that
http://www.arav.org/
they have a member directory that you can research a vet by zipcode
researching now
alternately try the yellow pages and look for a vet that works on exotics
if you have a banfield near you (vet inside petsmart)... they are usually knowledgeable because they work with the pets at petsmart
I like the OTC repi-cal for when he's feeling better
We have a petsmart but it doesn't have a vet in it.
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Calcium-Vitamin/dp/B000UJSUO4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336356196&sr=8-1
darn
what state do you live in?
illinois. Nearest reptile vet from list is 45 miles away.
ouch that will be a drive, I would call some local vets in your area and see if they can see him, most will try to help you out or can refer you to a nearby vet that can help you.
for now try to keep him hydrated, you can use gatorage for electrolytes and calories +/- a meat baby food
*gatorade
ok. Going to petsmart first thing tomorrow to look for supplements
sounds good, good luck!
They are slow to improve so don't give up.
ok
do you have any more questions?
Ok, I am going to step out of the chatroom... if I have helped you please click the accept button :) Have a good night. I can receive questions in a Q&A format until you accept.
Experience: I have been in practice for five years mainly specializing in cats and dogs.
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