Force feeding gecko?

[poop1010]

Is there away to force feed a gecko because I need to get this gecko to eat asap. his tail is really skinny and he isnt really active... I took him out of the cage and he just stayed in one spot, I managed to get the skin off both eyes but he isnt opening them and they look black. If he does walk he either walks in a circle or walks to the right with his head tilted to the side. Sometimes he falls on his back and just lays there...

[Jennicat]

Has he been to the vet to address his medical problems? Force feeding really isn't going to do any good if he's still having whatever problem caused him to stop eating in the first place.

[canadiancritter]

Your gecko needs a vet A.S.A.P

Whats your set up like? Substrate?

If your using sand are another like substrate he could have ingested some causing a blockage, that needs to be treated now.

[canadiancritter]

I just read your last post in your other thread. You said you had a container of sand in the tank.How long was it in there and when was it taken out?
As I stated in my last post he could have ingested the substrate causing a blockage.

From:http://www.swanimalhospital.net/html/leopard_gecko.html

Quote: Molting problems: Leopard geckos shed their entire skin regularly, similar to snakes. When preparing to molt the lizard will turn a milky pale color and should be handled minimally. If humidity is too low and/ or the animal is too cool, molting may be difficult and skin may fail to shed properly. Old pale skin is often retained on the toes, face and tail tip. If not removed, this old skin can lead to eye damage or more commonly loss of toes due to lack of blood circulation. Treatment involves softening the skin with water and carefully removing it; the toes and eyes are delicate structures and veterinary assistance may be needed to remove skin without damaging the lizard. Prevent molting problems via keeping the cage mostly closed with a water bowl inside to humidify the air; spray misting the lizard daily when molting may also help the skin shed.

Quote: Stomach or bowel blockage: Leopard geckos easily develop blockages from swallowing bedding such as bark chips, sand or gravel. Small amounts of bedding may be passed with the aid of oral mineral oil. Severe cases may need surgery to remove the obstruction. Be sure that moist food items such as worms are offered in a shallow bowl, not on the bedding material which may stick to them. Cool temperatures also slow the lizard’s bowel and increase risk of blockage or constipation.

As Jennicat said force feeding isn't going to do much without finding the underlying cause.Your gecko need to be seen by a vet A.S.A.P

[poop1010]

i only had the sand in it for like a week and then took it out because he pooped in it like everyday. The sand is Exo-Terra Desert Sand. It's supposed to be rich in calcium if digested and says it shouldnt cause backup.

[Kendalle]

sand can cause back up no matter what it says on the package. Pet store's sell horrible things for reptiles.... you need to take him to the vet.

[Jennicat]

Ditto Kendalle. Never trust the package to tell you the truth.

[canadiancritter]

Ditto

[poop1010]

He isnt opening his eyes though and where the eyes lids are open just look black and kind of dried out... is that even a side effect of him being backed up

[canadiancritter]

No offense but please just get your gecko to a vet NOW. We can treat over the internet.

[swedishfish]

ok here is my advises:

1. make sure the temp is warm enuf if its too cold he cant digest and will not eat

2. soak him in warm water(but not too hot) because if he dont move alot he probably dehidrated and soak will help

3. it could be MBD(metabolik bone dissese) make his jaw soft so he dont eat if thats it get PURE calsium powder but probably its too far so he need calsium injektion from a vet

4. try if you haved not live mealworms to stimulate him

5. try silkworms if hes just being picky, my leo loves them(but this sounds more serius)

6. if he geted skinny fast it may be intestine parasite chek his poo if its chopy or rough or not normal if its this then he needs meds from a vet

7.tilt head atleast in mammals means inner ear infektion, if that it then he needs meds froma vet fast or it may be too late

8. if you blend egg white(not yolk) and any bugs you have or replite meal replasment powder with water to make a good consistansy and put it on his lips so he lik it off may help put some foods in him


post a pic it may help to find out what is wrong. but listen mate this gecko needs a vet. anyway good luck i hope hes ok.

[Jennicat]

It's probably a side effect of the extreme malnutrition and dehydration that he is suffering because he is not being seen by a vet to address whatever is causing him to lose him appetite.

This gecko is very sick. He deserves medical care. Stop dinking around on the internet and GO TAKE HIM.