AboutThea Expertise I can answer questions on the proper husbandry and diet of Iguanas, bearded dragons, geckoes, skinks, chameleons, tortoises, box turtles, treefrogs, non-venomous snakes and tarantulas. Also the breeding of some species of feeder insects.
I have no experience with venonmous snakes and only limited experience with aquatic turtles.
Experience I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 30 years. In addition to my regular job in the medical field I also worked for several years in a pet store that specialized only in exotics. The job entailed both caring for and answering questions on innumerable species. It required constant, extensive research into a wide range of reptiles. I have been called to appear on televised national media (CBC, CTV and Life Channel) as well as CBC radio to discuss the proper care of reptiles and other exotics in captivity. I currently own one or more species of those listed under my expertise with the exception of chameleons. I owned chameleons for years but keep none currently. I keep over 20 snakes comprising 5 species, both Colubridae and Boidae. I bred corn snakes for several years. I have a particular interest in treefrogs and currently have 5 different species. I've raised redfoot tortoises for 10 years and have two iguanas, one for 12 years.
Publications A small and now defunct local magazine called "Pet Vue"
Education/Credentials Diagnostic medical microbiology with some parasitology experience.
From another expert on this website, I learned that my son's leopard gecko's thinning tail is due to a lack of fat. She seems to be getting sicker. What can I do to help her?
Thanks.
Paige Brewer
Answer Hi Paige, Yes, the tail is a primary fat storage area for leopard geckos. Unfortunately weight loss is not a symptom that is specific to any one condition. If could be intestinal parasites (even captive bred reptiles can have these), a bacterial infection or intestinal impaction from sand or a similar loose substrate. Inadequate temperature in the enclosure (the warm end should be in the 85 - 90 F range) will also affect the metabolism and ability to digest food effectively.
If her condtion is getting progressively worse then a vet is really your best option. Take along a stool sample if you can. In the meanwhile there is some supportive care that you can offer to keep her hydration and nutrition levels up. Give her a daily soak in a half inch of tepid water which should encourage her to drink and may trigger a bowel movmement. Thin animals are often dehydrated as well. You can also dab a bit of chicken based baby food on her snout (they usually will lick it off) to help keep her nutrition and strength up. If she is still eating on her own then you might offer her some waxworms which are a calorie dense, soft bodied moth larva. Most stores that sell crickets will also carry these.
