Leopard Gecko Problem!

Question
Dear Diane,
Maybe you can help me! I have a Leopard Gecko for about 4 years, and everything was doing well until about a month ago when he stopped eating. I noticed that he keeps his eyes closed a lot, and that his fatty tail has lost all its girth. The temp is right, and the lighting is also right. I been giving him some water from an eye dropper which he lap up nicely, but he is very lethargic and will not eat a thing. He has lived on sand for years with no problem, but early on in life he developed what looked like a hernia off to his on side. This lump has been there and growing as he grows, I just thought it probably was a herniated intestine. Any suggestions that may help!
Thanks,
Roger

Answer
Hi Roger,
Its very important to keep him hydrated...good on the eye dropper.  Is he pooping at all, or trying to poop?  
If your warm area temps are 88-92 degrees, with a cooler area in the 70's-80, then your temps are fine.
Do you gut load your insects prior to feeding them to your leo?  This needs to be done for at least 24-48 hours prior to feeding them to your leo. Gut loading is done with nutritious foods such as grains(oatmeal) no sugar cereals, fruits, veggies, dark leafy greens or specially prepared insect foods.  This does not include the gel stuff that is used for water as that is not nutrition.
Do you dust the insects with a vitamin powder about once a week?  If no to all the above, your leo may have a vitamin deficiency...mainly vitamin A.  Do you feed what they call giant mealworms?  (Not superworms) The so called giant meal worms are treated with a growth hormone to prevent them from turning into a beetle...giving the worm more time to grow larger.  They should not be used for reptile food and over time may cause problems if fed.
Have you cleaned the eye with a sterile saline such as what is used for contact lenses to make sure there is no sand in his eyes?  Sand really is deadly to leos as it can, either quickly or over time cause severe blockages..and can scratch their eyes.
What is your lighting for daytime?   If its one of those spiral fluorescent tubes, they have caused eye problems in reptiles.  If you are using a nocturnal bulb, is it for reptiles, and not a poster black light or party light?  The last two can cause eye problems.
The lump your leo has may be an intestinal problem that is now causing pain and other complications, such as blocking off the bowel, stomach, etc.  Its best to have your leo seen by a vet that can treat reptiles to find the cause of him not feeling well, and of course to check out the lump. Leos, just like all living creatures, can also be hatched/born with birth defects..which can be an organ that just isn't in the right spot.To find a vet that can treat reptiles:
http://www.herpvetconnection.com
http://www.arav.org/ECOMARAV/timssnet/amm/tnt_mdsearch.cfm
http://www.anapsid.org/vets/