I took Cleo to the vet today.
Overall, the vet says she is good health. She thinks that she had a mouth irritation that has now turned into mild mouth rot. She prescribed Metacam for three days (taken orally) and Chlorhexidine Oral Solution to be applied for 3 days and then 1-2X a week after to her mouth area.
She does not think the infection is systemic at all and said she thinks some of Cleo's hunting issues have more to do with age (lower energy and or arthritis etc) and reduced eyesight. She considers her a "senior" at this point. She said to expect 8-12 years out of a female Leopard Gecko and said that genetics and breeding can play a part in that. Being a morph may not help her in this regard.
I plan to "brush" Cleo's mouth with the oral solution and q-tip 2X a week after the initial treatment this week.
The vet recommended the low dose and short duration of Metacam because it can impact her kidney function. She did not draw blood as she said with LG's they often drop the tail when doing this and that does more harm than good. She felt that a 3 day dose would not harm her and would be beneficial, but was reluctant to prescribe more at her age especially since she believes the infection is limited to her mouth.
Further, she sent the scab she got out of Cleo's mouth out for Cytology, but did not take any tissue as there really wasn't anyway to do that given how mild the infection is. There are no puss pockets, or open infections, to draw from.
Cleo seems no worse for the wear, and I am letting her rest for a bit before applying the oral solution this evening.
I'll keep everyone posted, but assume no news is good news.
Thank you all for your concern and for encouraging me to take her in. I am glad I did.
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