Why is my gecko losing weight drastically? Is it stick tail?

There are a few things that can cause anorexia and a small tail in leopard geckos, but one concerning and common cause is called stick tail disease. This disease is caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium, and can cause wasting and death in geckos without treatment. I highly recommend that you bring Rufus to a herp vet as soon as you can to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Cryptosporidium can't be cured, but it can be managed with medication. There is a vet in Dallas that sees reptiles - here is the information in case you don't have a regular herp vet: Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic 12300 Inwood Rd #102, Dallas, TX 75244 (972) 387-4168 The vet will probably collect a stool sample from Rufus as the crypto parasite lives in the intestines. They may also recommend bloodwork to check for other conditions as well. Good luck, and I hope that Rufus recovers!

By "stick-tail" I'm assuming that you mean the tail has become skinny. This means that he has been losing weight over a long period of time. This usually happens because of a disease process or incorrect care. Since this has been happening for a long time, it's not an emergency, but it's definitely wise to visit the vet tomorrow. Without knowing what caused this, I cannot recommend anything in the short-term to make him feel better. I can only recommend that you ensure that he is being kept at the optimum temperature and environment. I've given a link below to a website that has great information about proper care of Leopard geckos. http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html I hope this helps and Garbanzo gets better soon.

You'll need to submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to definitively diagnose the condition. It is caused by an intestinal infection. There are several medications that can be dispensed for treatment. Confirm proper husbandry and diet, either can be predisposing factors. The links below will provide more information regarding Stick Tail and Leopard Gecko care. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Stick-Tail-Disease-in-Leopard-Geckos/ http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

Make sure any prey is appropriately sized, no bigger than the space between his eyes. They should be gut loaded for at least 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Consider adding LaFeber’s Emeraid for Carnivores, Oxbow’s Carnivore Critical Care or Fluker's Repti-Boost to get weight on him. Submit a stool sample to your herp veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. If there are cryptosporidium in his stool, they may be responsible for his condition.

Have him examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose and treat any infection related to the loss of the tail. In the meantime, increase tank temps by about 5-10 degrees F, soak daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes. Once he warms up and rehydrates, offer appropriately sized prey. Gutload prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Supplement with a product such as Fluker's Repti-Boost to get weight back on him. You can clean the stump with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine. Use paper towels for substrate until the stump is healed.

Pinky is severely emaciated and weak. She needs to see a reptile veterinarian immediately for any chance to save her. They may be able to help diagnose her underlying disease and offer supportive care or nutritional support. If her disease had progressed too far they can offer humane euthanasia to prevent her from suffering further.

Thanks for reaching out about your gecko and including photos. This animal is emaciated and starving for nutrients. A veterinary visit if highly recommended, ASAP, as it appears severely ill. Intestinal infections/parasite and metabolic disorders (liver, kidney) are among the most common causes. Check and correct husbandry as environmental parameters (heat, UVB exposure, humidity) are extremely important for recovery. Offer water and food through a syringe until a veterinary appointment can be made. Good luck.