Wierd problem with Leopard Gecko (long)

Reptscue · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 04:37 PM

Ok...
We got a call at work (on 7/7/05)about a gecko with stuck shed on its toes and head. I told them to soak the little guy and such to get the shed off. Then the called back and said they wanted to bring her in. So when they did OMG!!!! The poor thing ate her own skin off of herself. From both of her back legs and under her lower belly down to her vent. It looks like she had a small burn on her belly and it escalated from here. Well we sutured her up the best we could and bandaged the open areas to help keep it moist like a burn victim.
So when she brought her back in on Tuesday (for me to gecko sit for 2 weeks). Her skin was granulating in and the areas were getting smaller, so the bandages were left off for healing to complete.
Well....I came home last night from work to find her eating herself again!!!!!
This time much worse...muscle is now missing from her left thigh and there isn't any skin down to her ankle. It now looks like she will need her leg amputated, but we are trying to save it. She has a small e-collar on and is soaked in saline to keep her moist. Oh and mega pain meds every 2 hours.

WHY!?!?!?!

Joanna · #2 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:06 PM

Could it be possible that originally she chewed off the shed, and then the second time was chewing off the granulated tissue, cos it would be like an itchy scab?

Royal Python · #3 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:14 PM

That is about the weirdest thing I have ever seen. I really wonder what is making it do that.

buck2003 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:19 PM

Is there a chance this could be parasite related or mite related. Or even a lack of vitamin suppliment causing the joints to irritate ? Perhaps once the skin is completly healed he/she may be fine? I hope so. Thast certainly very very strange?

Reptscue · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joanna

Could it be possible that originally she chewed off the shed, and then the second time was chewing off the granulated tissue, cos it would be like an itchy scab?

The second time she chewed out her sututres. Could be it was itchy. The only granulaed tissue was on her side where she didn't reinjure. But the stitches could have been. But her legs were moisten and she left her bandages alone before.

Joanna · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:22 PM

fingers crossed it was just chewing round the stitches so when it heals fully with the little collar she'll be ok. It's what a dog would do.

Reptscue · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lethargiic

ow! the poor baby.. =(

this is just my .02 cents but it sounds like a psycological problem with the gecko thinking she still has shed on her still ??? i dunno..but whatever it is..hopefully she can make a full recovery and stop eatting her own flesh.

Possibly

Reptscue · #8 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joanna

fingers crossed it was just chewing round the stitches so when it heals fully with the little collar she'll be ok. It's what a dog would do.

No, she mutilated herself worse than the origional time. She may loose the one leg.
She is alligator rolling in her rubbermaid right now.

Joanna · #9 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reptscue

No, she mutilated herself worse than the origional time. She may loose the one leg.
She is alligator rolling in her rubbermaid right now.

I bet she's bummed that she's got that collar on!! Poor little thing! good luck with her, and I hope it doesn't become more serious. Keep us updated on how she does.

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