Expert: Pam - 9/26/2006

Question
How Hot should that bath be?
and do i put her in her cage while she's wet. or dry her off? When i put her in her cage after that do i put the heat lamp on? she has a heating pad in there but do i put the heat lamp on too? i did spray her with a spray bottle with some hot water but not too hot.

should i put her in the sink while doing this bath? do i just let her run around in the water? I did get her to lick some calcium dust off my finger. and that seemed to make her a little bit more active.

I've called a vet in Lombard IL, and they say the check up fee will be $58 and additional fees to the medication if they need to give her anything. What do u think i need to do now with this information?
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Followup To

Question -
My Leopard Gecko, i've fed it 1 time in the last 12 days because i was away on a trip. I'm very concerned with my Gecko because her tail which is usually big and fat, is like a stick. All skinny and she seems to be very inactive (sleeping, moving to go sleep again). and the worst thing is i just noticed this at 11:30 pm. which i cant go buy crickets or mealworms for her. i have no food with me, and she wont drink much water. over that time she didnt have water or food. I'm very concerned and i do not know what to do.

I tried cutting up carrot pieces really small and tried that but it didnt work. i put her vitamins in her water and she hasnt dranken any of it. she did have water before i put the vitamins in it. but i'm very concerned and worried.

She is acting extremly different. she's usually very active and alert. now she wont do much. She did just shed incase if that has anything to do with anything.

PLZ WHAT SHOULD I DO!? please send me a reply as soon as possible. i feel awful for this.

Answer -
  Mitch, did someone tell you that reptiles were like snakes as far as husbandry goes?  Whoever gave you the idea that any animal could be left without food or fresh water for 12 days should be shot!  The gecko is starved and dehydrated, and at this point needs a vet or a professional rehabber as soon as possible.  Until appointment time give the leo a series of very lukewarm shallow baths and mistings to get some water into him.  Then get him to a good reptile vet immediately!  A vet can replace fluids and nutrition invasively.  If you don't have a reptile vet, go to:
http://herpvetconnection.com/
 The next time you need to go away for more than a couple of days, find a petsitter.  Sometimes the vet has boarding or one of his techs will do this.  Or ask a herp society if there is someone willing.  If it's for a day or two, leave extra food and a super moist salad, and make sure his moist hide has extra moisture.

Answer
 Number 1--You gave me prices...I trust you made the appointment.  The vet must see the gecko...immediately if not sooner...the other stuff I tell you is absolutely no substitute.
 Number 2--I did mention lukewarm water, that's tepid water, if you put your wrist in, it's neither warm or cool.  Never use hot water, except to clean the enclosure when needed and while the animal is not in it.
 Please don't wait on this.  If you can't afford the vet, I can only suggest you surrender that poor baby to a reptile rescue.