Can cryptosporidiosis lay dormant in my healthy pet reptile for years?

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!

Submit a stool sample o your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Check Gecky's other toes and tail for any stuck shed. This can compromise blood supply, resulting in lost digits. If he has a tough time shedding, soak him or mist him daily during a shed and provide a moist hide at each end of the enclosure. Monitor the foot for swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge. See your vet if necessary to treat infection. A daily soak in diluted betadine or chlorhexidine can keep the area clean. Use plain paper towels as a substrate and change them daily until he is healed.

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. While I would recommend your mother consult with her doctor about their recommendations for her, I see no reason why they couldn't be in the house. However, be aware that Salmonella bacteria is part of the natural skin flora of many reptiles, so I would take that into consideration and limit her contact with the pets. But, again, her doctor would be the best person to offer her guidelines. Hope this helps.

Hello, When reptiles become stressed or sick, they often quit eating. I would recommend taking Leo in to be seen by a veterinarian who can assess if she needs medical treatment to regain her appetite. The best way to check for parasites is by looking at a fecal sample under the microscope. Your vet can help get this test done for you. I hope this is helpful.

Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. If he is on loose substrate, switch him to slate, paper towels or reptile carpeting to prevent material from sticking to his vent. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites.

Thanks for reaching out about Crystal. Unfortunately can not give you an answer, as a veterinary visit would be needed for a diagnosis. Try a shallow warm water bath for 5-10 minutes to see if this will stimulate defecation. If truly constipated, an enema might need to be performed at the vet, and at then a fecal sample can be checked for parasites. Good luck.

This may be due to liver/gall bladder infection, impaction/constipation or parasites. This gecko may be quite ill and should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample ot diagnose intestinal parasites. Soak Flavio in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm him up and provide hydration. If he perks up, offer Fluker's Repta Boost. You can find it in the local Petco. Maintain proper environmental parameters and have him seen by your vet as soon as you can. Review leopard gecko care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/