skinny leo

[snakers55]

Hey everyone..I have a couple quick questions.. Someone I know recently dropped off an extremely underweight leopard gecko for me to try to beef up a little.. Can anyone suggest some good ways to get weight back on this poor little guy? It seems he can digest crickets just fine, and I've tried waxworms, which he regurgitated (I gave him 4, he's a sub-adult,did I give him too many??) Any help is appreciated.

[mathaldo]

Hi,

2 things I'd recommend...
Give him a couple days to acclimate to his new home first, unless he already has.
Make sure he is hydrated as well. (don't soak him, just try to make sure he's drinking)

Also I think if they haven't been eating for awhile, then eat a lot, they will regurge, correct me if I'm wrong.

Mat

[peterm15]

silkies is what ive heard fattens up leos

[snakers55]

Hmm..I don't know if I can get silkies here,I'll check though. I've had him here for about a week or so.. The person who dropped him off said he eats fine, but lost a lot of weight quickly (maybe was regurgitating without them knowing).. The person has others and has had this guy from a hatchling...

[peterm15]

um i dunno.... it shouldnt be to bad... alot of places carry them... as far as i know.. i dont use them often though.... ask around.... some ppl might be able to get them in if you give them a weeks notice.......

[mathaldo]

Maybe it has some worms, or parasites in it. IF you think it may have parasites you should take it to a vet.

[snakers55]

I'll look closely at it's stool next time it deficates.. I can deworm it myself if I see any...

[Tim and Julie B]

When animals eat, but begin to lose weight there is most certainly an internal problem to consider. The usual would be worms, but there are many kinds and they require specailized treaments. I would recommend taking in a fresh stool sample to a local vet to have it inspected and treated accordingly. It is generally quite inexpensive to get a fecal done, and the medication shouldn't cost much either. If you try to medicate with some generalized medication, you will probably do more harm than good.

As for food I would stick to crickets, gut-loaded and calcium dusted. Also try an appetite stimulant and be sure that the leo has access to a basking area so that it can get it's body temp up, which will ensure proper food digestion. For a non-eating sub-adult, try only 2-3 crickets at a time. When you see that it has digested those and deficated then try a couple more.

Good luck, and keep us updated!:)

Julie

[JVG]

What about warm water baths a couple times a day, could be impacted?