My leopard gecko won't eat and is losing weight, what can I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on May 4th, 2017

  If she hasn't lost weight, then she is eating something or using the reserves in her tail. Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Mist her daily or soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid to treat or prevent mild dehydration. Offer appropriately sized prey. They should be no bigger than the space between her eyes. Crickets, dubia roaches or locusts can be fed. Gut load them and dust with vitamins and minerals several times a week. Follow this link for more information: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on May 5th, 2018

  They can go on mini "hunger strikes" occasionally for various reasons (stress, breeding, etc). Monitor her weight. If she isn't losing a significant amount and is behaving normally, then continue to offer food. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes twice daily.
  The best time to offer food is about 2 hours after the heat lamp comes on in the morning. She should be warmed up and ready to eat. Offer appropriate sized prey, nothing bigger than the space between her eyes. Try crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worm or mealworms. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value.
  If she will allow, look in and around her mouth for signs of injury or infection. This may include redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. See your vet if Nala is losing weight or if you see any of the above mentioned symptoms.

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 3rd, 2019

  The bathing and drinking may be due to a degree of dehydration. The breathing and biting at herself may be due to stress or discomfort. Since the symptoms are vague and don't point to any one condition, a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended.
  In the meantime, confirm proper environmental parameters (again if necessary). Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and any tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Make sure she is eating regularly and is kept as stress free as possible until she sees the vet.

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 29th, 2019

  Check the temps in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Make sure the worms are appropriately sized, no bigger than the space between her eyes. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. this will provide warmth and hydration. If she hasn't defecated, a gentle abdominal massage, front to back, during the soak may cause her to poop. Offer other prey such as dubia roaches or crickets. Be sure to gut load them for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful