My Leopard Gecko hasnt eaten in a few weeks

Question
I have a very healthy leopard gecko, she loves to be held. I went on a trip a few weeks ago and when i came back i noticed she was eating less, after two days she quit eating. She use to love crickets and meal worms (she wouldn't eat wax worms), i keep her temp at around 80-84 F, and she goes to the bathroom regularly. She is blind in one eye, but i show her the food in the opposite eye (it still works). I don't know why she hasn't been eating, now she looks really skinny, and I've had to force feed her for two days now, today she tried to eat the syringe! I should probably take her to a vet, but i can't afford it, can you help me?

Answer
Hi Springy

There are two medicated foods that were developed by Ron Tremper that you could try and see if they have a beneficial effect on her

One is an anti-parasitic  and the other is an anti-bacterial

Without at least a fecal exam done by a vet to see if she has parasites-it is unknown what effect if any that the products will have on her

It is called Reptile Xtra
Medicated Anti-Parasite and Anti-Bacterial Diets
and they are supposedly sold at all PetSmart stores

You could mix these products with Rept-A-Aid and it might do her some good but without knowing exactly what is wrong with her-it is  gamble
This is not aimed at the products -but they are meant to be used for known conditions

I am a bit concerned about the temp that you describe

Generally it is recommended to keep the under the tank heater for belly heat at a constant temp of 88-90 degrees

Basking lights should not be used for two reasons-
one Leos are nocturnal animals and are light sensitive
and two they are not sun basking lizards and require belly heat for proper digestion

I would like to suggest that you call around and see if any of the vets in your area will work with you on  payment plan for seeing and treating her

Here is a link to a care sheet on Leos

http://groups.msn.com/LadyGeckosLizardLounge/yourwebpage7.msnw

Check that out and the message boards-there may be other info there that can help you

I wish you the best of luck with her and I wish that there was more that I could do to help you both

Sandy aka LadyGecko