Leapord gecko prolapse

Question
QUESTION: Hiya,
my leopard gecko was diagnosed with an infection and given 3weeks worth of medicine its been over two weeks and he still doesnt appear to be any better, we took him out tonight and noticed hed had an anal prolapse, we read a few forums and they said we should put him in warm sugar water we cant take him to the vets for two days as its the weekend, this morning he woke us up because he was screaming in pain and being very aggressive which he has never been before but we did not see the prolapse, i was just wondering if there is anything we can do or should we just have him put down because we really dont want him to suffer any more then what he is so just a bit of advice please
thanks.
Jessica.

ANSWER: Hi Jessica,
I'm so sorry to hear about your leo being ill.
You don't say what he was diagnosed with.  Many times with medications it can cause them to become constipated due to many medications, especially antibiotics and medications used for internal parasites kill off all of their needed gut bacteria along with the infection or parasites.
For the prolapse, soak his bottom in a heavy sugar/water mix..many times the mix helps to shrink the tissue, allowing it to go back in place.  Also, if a prolapse, a vet is needed asap ...you can take gauze and soak it in the sugar/water solution, and place it on your leos vent area on the way to the vet...keep the gauze well soaked. It will help prevent drying out of the exposed tissue. Be sure to only use paper towels in his cage.Sometimes the prolapse will reappear and a suture can be put in place. Sometimes nothing can be done for it that will prevent it from happening over and over.
If he is constipated, its important to know if it is from a blockage such as sand or even parasites.Many times a blockage can  do internal damage that really can't be repaired.  Placing him in a warm, shallow pan of water may help him to go. Also try offering water from an eye dropper.  You can call a vet or emergency clinic to find out if there is any medications such as mineral oil that can be used, but that is a call that a vet needs to make.
Depending on what he was diagnosed with, the decision to try and treat or to end his suffering needs to be based on his chance of recovery and of course his quality of life. Reptiles are generally very quiet about pain and if yours is vocalizing, I can't even imagine the pain the poor leo is in.  Do try calling a vet even though it is a weekend. Trust yourself to make the right decision. Sometimes the right decision is the hardest one to make especially when they are in pain or have a very serious heath problem.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks i will try that
he had an infection which affected his brain like he was always leaning to one side he didnt appear to be in any pain though, but now after weve give him the medicine he seems to be in more pain im not sure weither to carry on giving him it what do you think?, he just isnt moving at all and i dont want to get him out incase we disturb him we have just given him a dark hide to go under but he hasnt moved from the posistion we put him in, and we cant do anything about the vet situation as theres only 1 reptile expert vet in our area and she was bust today and monday so i just dont know what to do we really dont want him to suffer

Answer
Hi Jessica,
I'm so very, very sorry. When I saw what his diagnosis was, I figured there would not be a good outcome to it.
Its horrible when vets won't take on a emergency case.  Many times I think its the front desk that does that and not the vet.
I read both your recent posts and I am sorry for your loss. With how he was acting, its a blessing he has passed. With a brain infection I really don't think he had a chance to live a normal life. I do suggest that if, in the future you decide to get another one, be sure to bleach and rinse well the tank and all the accessories in the current tank.
Also, check into any that may need rescued.  Getting one that is a few month old or even older is much easier than a baby. With their life span being about 20 years, getting an older one is good.
I lost my favorite leo about 18 months ago to a ruptured gall bladder..Unlike you, I didn't have to see her suffer as she was fine and healthy one night and gone the next morning.
Again, I am so sorry that you and your family has to go through this.