toes

Question
QUESTION: ok i have another question to ask you my older leo has just shedded and i have recently read that if there shedding remains on there toes they could lose them so i was wondering if it can like serisoly hurt my gecko.
ANSWER: Hi Wes,
Yep, it can harm your gecko...not only can the retained shed amputate their toes, but it can also cause infection which could lead to further amputation of their limbs and internal infection. They can also develop gangrene from lack of circulation, which would lead to the need for surgical amputation by a Vet.
With the amputation of the toes, it makes it very hard, if not impossible for the leo to dig or climb. By making sure they have a proper moist hide, and checking their toes, etc after shedding its easy to prevent any of the retained shed from doing any harm to them.


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

QUESTION: ok well this has already started to happen i have the moisture but she doesn't use it she wont go in there and her front toes already began to bleed

Answer
Hi Wes,
Be sure to provide her a humid hide on the warm area of her tank...is it made so that she can easily get into it?  
You might want to also provide a humid hide in the mid temperature range of her tank also.  That way, she will have a choice.Both my leos prefer to have a humid hide that has a small front opening over ones that have a top opening. I use the small plastic coffee containers and cut an opening in the lower 1/2 of the lid..and lay the container on its side.   Also, made sure that there is nothing in her tank that she may have gotten her toes caught in.  Another thing to be careful with is leaving crickets in the tank with her...they can bite your leo and with their toes being so tiny, even a cricket bite can cause problems.
Applying some neosporin ointment to her toes can help with loosening the shed also. Its also a safe ointment to apply to any sores on her toes now.  If you see the toe or foot turning black, or she acts ill in any way, then you need to get her to a vet asap so that the vet can prescribe an antibiotic medication for her to take orally. If you have sand in her tank, its best to remove it as it is not only not safe due to them eating it, but it can be very abrasive to her toes that are trying to heal.  If she still won't use the humid hides, it would be a good idea to remove her from her tank a few times a week and mist her. Don't mist her in her tank as that leos do not do well in a humid environment and it can cause a breathing problem for her.