Hello everybody!
I just rescued a leopard gecko 2 days ago from a pet shop where he wasn't being taken good care of. He was going to be euthanized so I took him. He is EXTREMELY skinny, his pelvis bones are visible and he has no fat in his tail. (I say he but I really don't know if it's a male or female). I want to nurse him back to health and give him some TLC that he is badly in need of. I should start by saying that right now I can't afford to take him to the vet, although I'm saving up for it... but I'd like to know what I can do for him meanwhile.

This is the habitat I set up for him: a 10 gallon tank, he's got some calci-sand, a shallow water dish, a little plant, and a hiding log... he's got a 100 watt light bulb (incandescent) which keeps his temperature at about 85 during the day, and a 75 watt black light during the night which keeps his temperature at about 80. I keep a small dish with mealworms and leopard gecko food (they're like little flies) but he doesn't touch them. I also put some crickets in there (small) but they're happily jumping around and he won't go near them. He's not eating AT ALL. I mist him once or twice a day and he seems to enjoy that.

Right now I am force-feeding him a powder called reptile rescue (or something like that) that I bought at a pet store. I give him 2 of the little spoons mixed with about 1 cc of warm water (although I will switch to pedialyte today) I give him about 0.80 cc's of that mixture once a day, by puting it outside of his mouth with a syringe and waiting for him to lick it up (it takes a LONG time). Any advice on how I can do this better?

He poops every day and his poop looks firm. I've seen him soaking himself in the water dish at night, and he sleeps most of the time (day or night). He does walk around his enclosure but he's not too energetic.

I'm also giving him an antibiotic called Cipro, about 0.02 cc's once a day. He has no spots, seems to be a "patternless albino" but he has gray eyes. His skin is very transparent and I can see through it, in his belly I see a large black spot (inside his body). Is this normal?

I'd like to know if there's anything else I can do for him, any advice, or anythign I'm doing wrong. I'll continue to give updates as time progresses. I really want him to get better and I want to give him the best possible care. Any advice/help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

Bump his temps up a little and get him off the cali sand, put him on newspaper or paper towels. He needs a moist and a dry hide. I might also suggest a vet visit. Is he eating anything on his own?

I also think you need to read the care sheet to get a better idea of what care you are going to need to provide him/her..

http://www.herphabitats.com/reptile_...pard_gecko.htm

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Looks like venus got you taken care of, would just like to add that other than for a day/night cycle the bulbs arent needed, belly heat would be better, by using an under tank heater (Under Tank Heater) on the bottom side of the bottom glass. Your temp should be closer to 88-90 degrees for him/her. As venus mentioned get him/her off that calci-sand ASAP, i know that package tells you digestible but its not, its one of the worst things you could do for a leo, especially a sick one. What foods have you tried offering him/her? and be sure to dust whatever prey you offer him/her with a calcium powder/dust... keep us posted and good luck!!!

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Jayr & Mandy Robinson
J&M Herp Shack
"Are you watching closely?"

yeah what they said about the cali sand.
http://homepage.mac.com/exoticdvm/re...oAlbum181.html
http://www.avimedia.co.uk/other/necropsy1.jpg
http://www.pythons.com/calcium.html
Who told you to give him antibiotics? Have any pictures of him? How old/big is he? What have you been trying to feed him? What size? Also make sure you take a look at more then one caresheet. A lot of them disagree with eachother, go with your own judgement or ask if there are any inconsistencies. Hopefully they won't get another leo and let him die...stupid pet stores...never buy reptiles from pet stores. Also make sure you are reading off a digital thermometer...those stick on and pet store ones can be up to 35 degrees off (at least mine was). Make SURE to get a digital...Best of luck and keep us updated!

Welcome to HC Network! Sounds like you have some fabulous advice...hope your little guy makes a comeback....its tough with these underated pet stores....best wishes.....and let us know if you have any questions.....

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

Another point is that if he is not used to the food items, the crix could be disturbing him. You should try to emove anything uneaten (crix) when he is sleeping as they can cannibalise him and this will stress him further.

I also agree that a vet check would be a very good route to follow. Is he pooping at all? If so, try toi get a fecal done as there could be a chance he is carrying some form of parasites which are preventing him form eating.

I wish you all the luck in the world witht he little one

Also, if you have pics of him, maybe post them up so we can see how severe it is.

And, of course, welcome to HC

you could always try feeding him some waxworm they absolutley go mad for them and it may help you to get him to start feeding again good luck

Welcome to Herp Center, it looks like you have some good advice.

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Colleen

Be wary of the wax worms, they can cause an addiction and you can have trouble getting your leo back onto a healthy diet.

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