My albino gecko :/

Question
QUESTION: A few months ago I got two geckos from my animal-lover neighbor who trusted me to take them off her hands.  She gave me all the instructions I would need and I've followed them EXACTLY.  I know she knows what she's talking about and I've done lots of research too, though, since I got them they have had several problems and the leopard gecko just passed away.  I still have no idea why it died or how I am going to tell my neighbor :(  Now the other gecko which is an albino gecko is starting to develop the same problems.  I cannot afford to take it to a vet right now and they won't offer me any suggestions without me bringing him in.  They were both about 4 years old.   The problems started with loss of appetite and it now has what seems to be a large tumor on it's head which, along with shedding skin on it's head has closed it's eyes completely!! There is now a purple-ish red spot on the tumor and I have no idea what to do.  Please Help!!

ANSWER: Hello Emily,

That is too bad, I am sorry to hear that you lost one of your geckos.
the one that is ill now, it is Albino also?

Well, unfortunately, a majority of albino reptiles, are highly inbred which decreases the lifespan & increases the mortality rate.  It is likely he has birth defects which there is not a whole lot that can be done about it.
If you can post a few pictures for me, I can try my best to help with supportive care, etc.  How long has he been ill?
If he is not eating, try getting some chicken, turkey or beef babyfood to feed to him through a syringe or plastic dropper.  
I need to see the tumor area on his little head.  

What type of lighting are you using currently, any UVB lighting, or not?  What type of substrate?  Though I don't think the substrate has anything to do with these problems.  There are some terrible UVB lights though that can cause a myriad of eye problems as well as health problems.


Tracie

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The spot :/   QUESTION: Hi Tracie :)
  Yes, the current one is albino, though, the other was a leopard.  I am just using paper towels for the substrate because that is what my neighbor recommended.  I have been feeding him crickets and waxworms.  When I first got it, everything in it's terrarium was fake and I thought it would be happier if I added a little more natural decoration so I did add a piece of bark for it to climb on a and some leaf-less ivy vines just for looks.  I only had time at first to add it to the leopard gecko which got sick first and after it passed I combined the two sections so the albino was exposed to those things and it got sick after that. I just took them out completely because I'm not sure if that could be causing the problem.  Do you think that it could be some type of reaction to that?   The light-bulb I use is also the one she gave me and I'm not sure what kind it is, but I added a picture of it and I know she got it from Petsmart.  He also has not finished shedding the skin from his head, toes, or tail.  It has  been at least a week since he started shedding but I think longer.  Any ideas? :/ I'm not sure how to add more than one picture so here's the best one.

ANSWER: Hello Emily,

WOW, that does not look good.  That area appears to be some type of blood clot, or bleeding like a hematoma or something similar.  He really should see a vet for that.   
Well, without knowing what type of plant/leaves were in there, I don't know if he has had a reaction to it or not.  It is possible that it could have been a toxic plant to him, yes.
The light bulb you are using, is it a UVB light, do you know?  Is it a compact/coil type of light?  
Good that you are using paper towels, that is fine.  There is no chance of impaction through that.
Try soaking him in some warm water to help with the shedding.  
Is he eating very well right now?

Tracie

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light   QUESTION: No it doesn't.  He is scratching at it and rubbing it on everything.  The light bulb has no writing on it but I was able to attach the picture this time.  I have been dripping water in his mouth and misting the walls because he seems to drink better that way.  he has not been eating at all (I'm guessing because he can't see right now) but I tried jarred baby chicken as you suggested and he really seemed to like it.  

Answer
Hello Emily,

Ok, so you don't know what brand the bulb is?  Do you remember where you got it?  I am trying to decipher whether or not it could be a hazardous UVB light/MVB light or not.  
Since we don't know, let's take that light out & replace it with a regular house hold light bulb to see if that will make any difference at all.  How close is it to him & what are the temperatures in the tank again?  Do you use a digital probe thermometer or a round stick on type?
Great that he enjoyed the chicken baby food.  You can also try the turkey & the beef too.  At least he is drinking & has taken in some food.  Don't forget to include some calcium & vitamins a few times per week for him, also.

Tracie