Leopard Gecko Shedding problem..

[Dr Pies]

Hi,

I have a problem with one of my female leopard gecko's.
I looked in the tank today to see that one of her eyes was stuck shut, and that her skin hadn't come off completely. I moved her into the sink straight away to bathe her in warm water and eventually removed the old skin. The problem is that the eye is still closed, but she can open it for 2 mins after I wash the eye for her.
I've no idea what to do to help her out as I've never come across this problem before.. Why would she keep closing the eye? Could it be an infection or anything?
Hope someone can help!
Thanks.

 

[chris73]

It's possible it's sore from your removal of the old skin. I am NOT blaming you at all! I would have done the same thing. What kind of substrate are you using? If it's sand, it may be impacted in her eye. Get her on clean dry paper towels in a quarantine tank, suspend feedings, and leave her be. I would give her until Thursday and if it's not better DEFINATELY go to the vet. Try to flush the eye with warm water GENTLY with an eyedropper. Good luck.

 

[Dr Pies]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the reply

The gecko is on paper towels already, used to be on sand but that was a nightmare.
Its eye is still closed as we speak, was thinking about taking her to the vet tomorrow if didn't clear up, but do you think thursday is ok?
I know what you mean about damaging her removing the skin, I usually try not to do it, but the eye was already closed by the hard skin that formed around it..
I'll post back and let you know how it goes.
Thanks.

 

[chris73]

BY ALL MEANS if you can get her to the vet tomorrow, do it! The sooner the better. Just try and watch her tonight. Maybe even make her a SMALL BIT warmer than usual. Give her an extra hide on the cool end of the tank with some moist paper towels in there as well. It's really hard to give any other advice not being a vet. I have had very strange things happen to some Leos I've bred while they were only a few months old and the vet could do nothing. It's a hard road, but unfortunately it's in front of you. If she seems incomfortable in that eye, a DROP of mineral oil may ease any pain. This is what I would do and it's how I remove the occasional stuck eye cap from a snake.

 

[chris73]

Re-reading what you've written, if there is hard skin around the eye still, mineral oil WILL SOFTEN IT and be harmless to the animal. Try it tonight. I have a good feeling about this home remedy as it has worked miracles for me before.

All my best to you and your scaly friends,
Chris

 

[Dr Pies]

Cheers Chris,
I'll definitely give that a try Thanks for the help and info.

 

[Dr Pies]

Just to let you know that after following your advice Chris, the gecko has opened her eye and looks to be in great shape
Had no need to take her to the vet.

Many thanks for the help, much appreciated

 

[chris73]

:clap: :clap: :clap: Love those Geckos! I'm very happy for you.