Loss of appitite & a swollen eye.

Question
QUESTION: My Husband and I got our leopard gecko from a guy that used to work with my husband about 3 months ago. She has been in great health and a wonderful pet for us. I am growing conserned though because for the fist time since we got her she wont eat. She will usually go through 2-3 mealworms a day, and we give her some crickets during the week for some sport, but never more then 1 at a time. For the last 5 days she hasnt eaten anything. I've had people tell me at the pet store we buy our feeders from that geckos sometime go through fasting periods. If thats the case I will be very relieved.

Also, her left eye started swelling day before yesterday. my husband and I thought it was just some irritation because she was fixing to shed, but she has shed now and her yes is still swollen. I dont see anything in her eye, and it doesnt seem to affect her behavor. Should I be conserned or is it just irritation that will pass?

ANSWER: Hello Samantha,

What type of substrate are you using right now, sand, tiles, paper towels?  What are the temps in the tank & how do you measure them?
Do you have a moist humid hide for her to help with shedding?
The swelling of the eye is concerning.  Could there have been some retained shed that got stuck on or around the eye causing some irritation?
Can you post a picture of her?
They can go through a brumation or slowing phase during wintertime, yes.  Though we need to get the eye problems solved first.  I would get some sterile saline solution to put in the eye daily to see if that will help out any.  

Tracie

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QUESTION: Unforunatly I cant post any pictures, the only camera I have is on my phone and I cant get them to transfer to my comp. After she sheds I always got behind her and make sure she gets it off her toes, a friend of mine's gecko lost some toes due to unshed skin cutting off the circulation, and when i was checking her out I wasnt able to see anything in her eye. However, today it is almost swelled shut and now I am very confused because she now has a swollen area behind that eye thats turning kinda redish/pink. I think that the area behind her eye is whats causing her eye to swell closed. The area is between her eye and ear, but closer to her eye, and I cant get her mouth to open so I can see if its a sore in the back part of her mouth or something.

ANSWER: Hello Samantha,

So how is your girl doing?  
It sounds like she has gotten some type of mouth infection which is manifesting itself as an abscess coming out behind the eye.  
I highly suggest that you get some antibiotics for her as soon as possible.  She needs to have that area aspirated to see what type of bacteria is in that area.  It can make her very ill, or possibly kill her if the infection becomes systemic.
I sure wish I could see a picture, but I understand.  
Do you have a vet you can get her in to see possibly?
If you need some help finding a vet try this site:
www.herpvetconnection.com

Let me know how she is doing.

Tracie

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QUESTION: I took her to the vet yesterday and the vet said it was a non-fully-formed absest (under the skin thought, not in her mouth). He her a local antibiotic injuction and she follows ups the 3 days. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hello Samantha,

GREAT you got her to the vet.  I figured that it would be an abscess, that is just how they manifest themselves in that manner.  What antibiotic did he put her on & what is the dosage?  
Be sure to keep her hydrated while she is on meds.  You might also want to get some non dairy soy yogurt as a probiotic just to help her tummy while she is on meds.  
Is she is not eating very well, you can use babyfood such as turkey, chicken or beef, by way of using a plastic syringe or a plastic dropper to help her out.  


Tracie