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#1076745
Dollfie_nut
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 HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
Can anyone help me out? I have no idea but first he seemed to poop out blood then he looked ok but now his tail is shrinking (shriveling up) I don’t know what to do? He has been eating his normal diet of crickets so I’m not sure what is up? I will be taking him to the vet tomorrow because I don’t know what else to do?
Orlena
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11/29/06 01:03am
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#1077059
Cabalist
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Message To: Dollfie_nut In reference to Message Id: 1076745
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
What kind of gecko? I am assuming you have a Leopard gecko. If so, how big is it and what substrate do you have it on. If it is a small gecko ( less than 4 in’’ ) and you have it on sand or any other small particle bedding that may very well be the problem. You gecko pooped blood? Well that in my experience can be a sign of impaction which is caused by sand or dirt being stuck in the animals intestines. This causes a blockage and can result in the animals appetite to decline rapidly. If it is still eating are you dusting your crickets with a mineral supplement this might not be the cause of the animals tail shrinking but adding the supplement will definitely help keep the animal healthy. Another thing to look at is the lighting. How big is the tank, what kind of bulb(s) are you offering in the day/night, how hot is it on each side of the tank during the day/night. Over heating can be a cause of an animals decline as well as under heating. I’m not sure where you are located but winter is starting to pick up here in the states so you might want to think about how cold it gets at night when the lights are off. Your vet will want to know all these things when you take your animal there, good luck and I hope he gets better.
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11/29/06 11:31am
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#1077776
Dollfie_nut
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Message To: Cabalist In reference to Message Id: 1077059
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
It’s an Afican fat tailed gecko and I was recomended sand the kind that is used in bird cages and mixture of calicum sand. He has always had sand since we got him 6 years ago. I just tried a pinky and he is not taking it? Should I change his cage to something else? Instead of sand? He has a heating pad that came with his tank which is huge and it’s only on one side of the tank. I have a special bulb in there for day time which is some kind of sun type lamp for geckos. HELP? What should I do?
Orlena
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11/29/06 11:40pm
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#1079354
Cabalist
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Message To: Dollfie_nut In reference to Message Id: 1077776
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
Personally I would discuss it with a vet, your gecko should be large enough to where sand impaction shouldn’t be a problem any more. The impaction problem I told you about can still be an issue once the animal gets older but its more common among younger animals because their intestines are much smaller and the sand obviously has an easier time becoming stuck. The heat sounds like it is also sufficient especially if you have had him for 6 years without seeing this problem before. I’m not sure how cold or hot your house gets during the day and night so its difficult for me to say. I would take him to the vet just to be safe... Hope he gets better, good luck
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12/01/06 12:45pm
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#1079435
Stormyone
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Message To: Cabalist In reference to Message Id: 1079354
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
When you mentioned substrate in the tank. Are you using the sand that is normally used in bird cages?
The sand on the bottom of bird cages is not for Geckos. I have been checking around, almost every site recommends paper as your substrate. I personally use white paper towels. They roll up when you clean the cage for discarding, I change then every Saturday or if needed more. I clean all poop from the cage every night.
Also, bring a fecal sample with you. Could the blood have been from the base of the tail. Maybe the tail is shrinking because there is damage to the base of the tail. Instead of the Gecko throwing his tail, it is drying up from that. Good luck, Hope everything is okay.
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12/01/06 02:34pm
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#1080085
Dollfie_nut
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Message To: Stormyone In reference to Message Id: 1079435
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
Hi thanks for all your help. I took the gecko to the vet and yes the gecko is impacted. The vet got a little present from snickers also. He bit her finger and he wouldn’t let go but after all she did check him out and squeesed his tummy and his insides came out. I hope that doesn’t hurt him? Once he settled down it started going back in and she helped it along. She feed him some food with vaseline and said that would make him poop. I have to of course keep a good eye on him. Here are a few photos of him and of course I will keep everyone up to date on how he is coming along.
Orlena
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12/01/06 11:34pm
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#1080520
Cabalist
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Message To: Dollfie_nut In reference to Message Id: 1080085
HELP my gecko’s tail is shrinking? Why?
Well that’s good that you were able to catch it before it became to severe. He will probably give him a vegetable oil enema to help the sand slide its way out. Giving some vegetable oil by mouth will also help lubricate his stomach and intestines enough to let the sand pass easier. Anyways hope he gets well soon!
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12/02/06 01:36pm
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