Okay after the $158 vet visit....

I decided to get as much possible as I could for my leopard gecko, Envie. At the vet visit I got a full scan of his body done, in which the vet examined him from head to tail. He found reminants of a yolk sac, possible 2 parasites, and non-intestinal fluid, which is why his tummy looks so full in the pics.

I decided to get the fecal test done to determine which parasites it is, however the test couldn't detect cryptospiridium, which was the main infection that I was worried about because there is no cure. He told me that there is a possibility that he could be carrying that infection and if so then there's nothing we can do.

He weighs on 6 grams.

Next I decided to have him dewormed.

He did comment on me feeding him chicken baby food... and he was happy to know that I syringed him considering he's had some patients not feed them anything until the vet visit.

He prescibed a liquid diet and antibotic for the next 28 days along with a follow-up visit.

I'm still trying to be as optimistic as I can...

He also told me that I should switch to an overhead uvb 5.0 light? But I've read numerous discussions saying that this wasn't neccessary especially since they're nocturnal?

The lamp + bulb would be an additional $100... so i'm very weary on getting it.

Check on line. You can set it up for less than half that price or better!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I thought Leo's didn't need UVB? Double checked the care sheet and it said they don't also. Is there some benefit to the UVB that might help the sick gecko or some other reason that it might need it now even tho normally it wouldn't?

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Low level UV exposure has been proven to increase healing times. While Leopard Geckos don't require regular exposure, low level exposure is immenent in the wild. Dusk and dawn, when these critters are active, provides low level UV exposure naturally.

I would actually advise against the 5.0 and grab a 2.0 if you can. Even then, only keep that light on for 3 hours per day, and preferably in the am. It should come on before any other lighting kicks in since the leo wont feel as inclined to hide with such a low level of light being emitted.

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.:: Rich ::.

+ Spread The Info

Good luck with the healing process I hope your little guy makes it ok!

I would have to agree with Rich,, I have used low level uvb to rehab some snakes I have gotten here. It helped them tremendously,, it usually kicks in a feeding response for them,, I have also used it in frogs that have had skin infections. Just make sure they always have somewhere to hide and get away from it if they choose.

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I have sucker tattood on my forehead

I never knew that! thanks for explaining!

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a low level bulb will only run you $8 - $10 at petsmart and you can get a dome light fixture at Home Depot for $6.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

okay thanks everyone for your help! yeah I kept questioning the vet and vet assistant about the uvb lamp and I told them that I read that it wasn't necessary but instead of explaining it to me, they kept trying to get me to defend my reason. But I'm obviously not a herp expert.

As I've been telling everyone I talk to, I really believe he has a chance. I could understand if he was acting very legarthic and sick but he's so active almost as if he doesn't even know what's going on. So I felt so obligated to get as much help as possible at all cost.

I'm going to look into the lighting cost tonight and pick it up tomorrow.

I'm going to keep everyone updated on the progress! The next 28 days are very important to me and Envie!

Wait I have a question about the light bulb?

Does the UV light (2.0 or 5.0 mentioned above) have to be the specific UV lights that cost around $35 to $50 or can you use any basking/ heat light to obtain the UV rays?

Sorry I haven't used a light of any sort for reptiles since I had my anoles and my dad's scorpions around 10+ years ago!

Oh yeah, what wattage would be correct/ideal for a 15 gallon long aquarium?