Leopard gecko emergency!

[EightLeggedFrea]

I was changing the soiled towels in my gecko's cage, and was carrying him around as I worked. The bugger was awfully skittish so I opened my closet to place him in a small holding enclosure while I finished but then he freaked out suddenly, bolted right out of my hand and onto the floor!

I immediately checked him out, and he doesn't seem to be suffering any injuries. He still walks normal and can even still run. But my god is he scared of me now! After placing him back in his cage I looked back at him to see how he was doing and he ran faster than I've ever seen him do so just to get away from me (and obviously understandably so).

I've been meaning to drop off a fecal sample at a vet just to check if he doesn't have any parasites anyway, as I've got some waste stored in a bag in my fridge from yesterday, so do you think I should have him checked out? It's still relatively cold outside, but the temp is supposed tor ise to the mid 60s for the next couple of days. If I am to transport him anywhere, how can I keep him warm?

Any help at all on this matter will be appreciated. I'm tearing myself up inside because of this!

 

[Mushroom Spore]

If I am to transport him anywhere, how can I keep him warm?

I've taken my ball python on an hour-plus road trip to my parents' in the middle of winter with snow on the ground (I used to go back and live with them over the holidays during college, so I'd bring his tank and stuff with me). It's not like you're going to be standing outside, gecko in hand.

Just pack him in a locking rubbermaid or something with airholes and a lot of padding/substrate - I used my BP's aspen shavings, I suppose a leo would be fine with a layer of paper towels and then wadded up (or shredded) paper towels to kind of huddle in. Or maybe give him a pillowcase to hide in in there.

Then you just get in your car ASAP, run the heat, don't put the box in direct sunlight, and don't loiter in the parking lot at the vet. He'll be fine. Good luck and I hope nothing's broken!

 

[EightLeggedFrea]

UPDATE:

My gecko, still showing no signs at all of injury, just now ate several mealworms and a red racer nymph. This is good because he hadn't had a very good appetite as of late which was another reason I was planning to take him to the vet.

Since he is still eating and active, should I still have him personally checked out for injuries? I plan to give the vet a call and perhaps drive him over there first thing in the morning.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Since he is still eating and active, should I still have him personally checked out for injuries?

Yes, absolutely. Wild animals are very good at hiding any sickness/injury for as long as they possibly can - by the time it becomes obvious something is wrong, it's usually gotten a lot worse than if you'd found out right away.

 

[Craig]

I'm sure he's fine. If you are concerned have your vet do an x-ray.

 

[Boanerges]

Sounds like he is okay to me too. IMO I would take him to the vet to be sure. Just keep a good eye on him and if anything seems wrong then off to the vet you go

 

[gecko_keeper/KBfauna]

I've had this happen many, many times. And it's never caused a problem with them. They are actually a bit more tough than you would think. If it's alert and eating, I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[EightLeggedFrea]

UPDATE:

When to the vet this afternoon. Nothing's broken, but he's got hookworms! Surprising even for the doc, but no prob. He gave me some meds to treat him with so all should be well in a few weeks.