Albino Leo eye problem

My sister-in-law just called me and told me that she is having a problem with her albino leo, and asked me for help. I told her that I would bounce a few questions off of you guys and see what I can come up with. Apparently, her albino leo is having an eye problem, and is getting thin because it won't eat. I asked her about eye caps or dents and she said that those weren't the problem. She told me that it is either holding them shut, or can't keep it's eyes open, and if it does try it can only open one of them a little bit. Im going down to her house after work to investigate, and I should have some pics up tonight or tomorrow. Any help is appreciated greatly!

Get the gecko to the vet ASAP. Sooner than ASAP.

Eye problems can sometimes turn very serious very quickly and the fact that this has been going on long enough to actually cause the gecko to start losing weight tells me that this has already gone beyond serious.

Eye issues can be something simple (but still need immediate attention as by the time the eyes are affected the condition is serious) like a vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin A) or they can be more complex like an eye injury. My leo had a corneal ulcer a few months ago--he didn't want to open the affected eye and stopped eating. Luckily I caught it right away and got treatment for him and his eye is fine, but things like that can lead to serious infection and blindness.

There is no way for us to accurately diagnose this problem over the internet, but my first guess in the case of this gecko if there is no sign of eye injury would be a severe vitamin deficiency. This may be caused by internal parasites, so a fecal should be done by the vet. Please understand that by the time the animal starts showing signs of such a deficiency it is serious and needs veterinary attention ASAP, especially with the weight loss the gecko is experiencing.

Well, my sister-in-law took Izzy to the vet today, and the vet told her that they needed to keep her for a few days. From what I've picked up it sounds like she has lost so much weight that there is no fat left around her eyes? So apparently the vet wants to run tests/give vitamins over the next couple of days. Thanks for the response! :)

I'm glad to hear the gecko is in good hands. Hopefully the vet will be able to remedy the immediate issues and provide a plan for the long-term getting the gecko back to 100%. :)

It has been awhile, but I figure I'll post the update. After getting the leo back it is looking much better. They have corrected some husbandry issues, followed the vets medication instructions, and have vitamins that are used regularly. The leo is pretty much back to 100% health, and is being taken much better care of now.

That's great! Thanks for the update--it's always nice to hear about a happy ending. :)

hey i just wanted to thank everyone from this forum. Sneakerpro is my brother inlaw who posted my cry for help and all your help was greatly appreciated..

Good to hear!

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Originally Posted by sneakerpro

It has been awhile, but I figure I'll post the update. After getting the leo back it is looking much better. They have corrected some husbandry issues, followed the vets medication instructions, and have vitamins that are used regularly. The leo is pretty much back to 100% health, and is being taken much better care of now.

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Just curious, what medication was given? I'm trying to learn as much as I can :-)

I would shoot Homergeckogeek a pm, she could answer all your questions about that

Sorry I have not replied sooner.. busy busy schedule.. The vet had her on antibiotics called Ciprofloxin for 30 days on odd days only. also she got an eye treatment three times a day which consists of Triple Antibiotic Ointment perscription only! As for food she was feed through a syringe that consisted of a formula called Carnivore care formula twice daily, so untill her eyes were fully opened she got fed and watered through a dropper. she was watered through the pipette several times a day on her forehead and lips to keep her hydrated. Her tank had to be extremely warm and i have had a lot of criticism about this from other leopard gecko owners who think that they know more than my vet but i listened to my vet and my tank was at 90 degrees with a focal heating spot around 100 degrees and was maintained 24hrs a day untill she was better.. I also started her on meal worms before crickets because they were easier to catch, she normally does not like meal worms but she loved eating them after being on that formula. Now my gecko is healthy and eating plenty of crickets dusted with the right amount of everything and gutloaded and has had two very healthy sheds.. my vet was a lifesaver.. anyone who lives in southern michigan i recomend him to you for your reptile

It's good to hear that your gecko is doing much better!!! :gj: Thanks for sharing the info about her treatment!!

I was just wondering though if the vet had said what caused her health issues with her eye and weight loss, if you don't mind sharing. Was it from just not eating enough or lack of vitamins? I looked back through the posts here and didn't see an answer to this. Just curious and trying to learn is all. I recently got a Leo myself and just trying to pick up info in order to give her the best care possible! Thank you.:)

the vet said it was a combo of things.. not enough vitamins, her tank wasnt warm enough.. she also had a alot of calci sand in her eyes and was causing infection.. he also said that she could have had a bad cricket and wasnt healthy enough to heal.. i have learned my lesson.. i did a lot research and got her the proper habitat, heat, hides, the right crickets and vitamin dust and she looks great..