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(*Editor's Note- The following e-mail was provided by a fellow
gecko keeper that was experiencing a major issue with this gecko.
The jaw would not close at all. We e-mailed each other several times
and, as a result, Ken came up with this quick explanation of the
problem and the steps he took.)
First have a vet check the gecko to make sure its jaw is not
broken so you're not fighting an impossible battle. If the jaw is
broken chances are good it will not heal properly even with a jaw
splint.
Please note, calcium deficiency must be treated as soon as possible
for the best chance of healing and gecko survival. The gecko will
die a very painful death from calcium deficiency if untreated.
(Optional treatment) Provide UVB bulb at least 8 hours (during
daylight hours) to help gecko metabolize calcium.
Treat as normal calcium deficiency as Follows:
Have a vet give the gecko a calcium injection. Then treat it with
calciquid as prescribed by the vet. First week of .08cc calciquid
twice daily. .01 cc metacam oral suspension every other day for two
weeks. Include the following treatment at the same time- .5 ml
crested gecko diet .5 ml water given to gecko daily by syringe for
two weeks.
Second week .08 cc calciquid once daily.
If after second week the condition persists:
.08 cc calciquid every other day. After two weeks allow the gecko
to eat and drink out of a dish. Feed every day for one week then
every other day after this. The gecko may still be a little weak
after the first two weeks. It would be best to hold the gecko and
allow it to eat and drink from a small bowl on its own. Monitor and
measure how much the gecko eats and drinks. Should be at least .5
ml of each water and Created Gecko Diet Quickly dip its snout in
water to prompt eating and drinking. Eating and drinking should
take no more than 30 minutes. After this return the gecko and allow
it to rest.
After the third week start prompting the gecko to walk if it has not
begun already. Gently nudge it near the junction of tail and body.
The gecko will take a couple steps. Do this only a few times as the
gecko will tire easily. Continue this every day for one week then
every other day after four weeks. The gecko will slowly rebuild
strength.
Please note I am not a vet. The most common sign of calcium
deficiency is tectonic twitching of the toes. The gaping jaw
appears only in severe cases of calcium deficiency and may not give
any prior indication. I have read multiple books and care sheets on
the specific care of crested gecko and did not see anything about
this condition. The only place I saw this was a posting on the
Repashy forum.
Have been treating gecko since 8/23/07 almost two moths of the above
treatment. Gecko condition is not completely healed but is better.
-Ken Carlisle
