Dying Leo Gecko

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

I've taken my son's gecko to the vet.  He's terminal...vet gave us some antibiotics for a possible parasite infection and some vitasupplements that we are to mix with water and force feed 3x daily.  He finally pooped today - I hope that's a good sign. He has not been pooping and the possible parasite/infection is not conclusive, just hypothetical given our Leo's dramatic weight loss, loss of appetite and excessive fatigue.  Today, he pooped and peed; on me. UGH! - though I am grateful.  It was green and gooie.  Not soupy, more like pudding. LOL.  This pooping, is it a good sign?

ANSWER: Hi Rachel,
Reptiles are amazing creatures. They can bounce back when there seems to be no hope.  The tough part is that so many times, its too late to help them when they finally show signs of being ill.  The fact that he is pooping is good news.  The fact it has "firmed" up a bit is also good news.  The color and texture now is most likely in part due to the antibiotics and parasite medication, which I am guessing the vet put the leo on Albon, which is both an antibiotic and takes care of some parasites or other infections. Plus, he is getting a lot more water than what a leo would normally take in, its understandable if the poops aren't normal at this point.
You may want to ask your vet about a product called "critical care" which is a wonderful product for feeding ill reptiles.  If your vet does not carry it, you can order it and read about it at www.calvetsupply.com
Again, with reptiles that are ill, they can surprise you.  I've taken the road that says expect the worst....and then be thankful when they prove ya wrong!  Best of luck to you and your sons leo...I'm crossing fingers for a nice recovery.
Before your leo got ill, were you gut loading the insects with a good, healthy food/foods such as sugar free cereals, grains, fruits, veggies and greens?  If the insects aren't fed good foods prior to feeding them to the leos, the leo can't get much nutrition from the insects.  If you need more info on any care, please let me know.

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much Diane!  I am at least a bit more optimistic. The vet gave us "Carnivore Care" and prescribed Enrofox.  I was instructed to keep him comfortable: keep misting, monitor temperature consistency, etc.  My son (10 yrs old) got careless and wasn't gut loading as instructed. After all this I'm certain he'll NEVER forget!

Also, I have found him sleeping with his upper body elevated at a 45 degree angle (which the vet says is a bad sign). Poor little guy I feel so bad for him - he looks like he's in pain.  I'm doing everything I can for him including softly singing to him. I am crossing fingers, toes and praying til I fall asleep.  Thanks again.
Rachel

Answer
HI Rachel,
My heart goes out to you and your son...its so tough to watch and wonder just which way the lizard is going to go. Yes, a hard lesson for your son, but one well worth it in the long run. If the leo has the strength and will power to pull through, he may do it...
The elevation helps them to relieve pressure and make breathing easier for them...not always a bad sign..sometimes its the lizard being smarter than we are. If you feel that there is no hope, and that the leo is suffering, then you might have to make that decision to "make that decision", not the easiest thing to do...but sometimes we do what we have to do.