exotic iris
Can you give us your general location? (Ex: what state you’re in)
Unfortunately, issues like that with the eyes are not something that you can deal with at home. Even if it was caused by a simple vitamin deficiency, they often need injections to get those vitamin levels back up. In your case, however, it sounds like there is either a different cause or things have worsened beyond just the usual symptoms.
If we have an idea of your general location, we can help you find your nearest exotic vet.
In the meantime, it would be ideal to keep him in a quarantine-style setup (paper towel substrate, simple hides and decor, frequent cleaning)
mild zodiac
I found one! It's a two hour drive though. My main goal is to get a diagnosis so I can get the meds from chewy for a better price
I just don't understand how things got so bad? It was a recent and fast decline for his eyes but his overall health is fine! He is super active and eats well!
TX 😭
exotic iris
With issues in the eyes, that’s really not recommended. I understand that cost and driving time can be rough when it comes to exotic vets, but the eyes are incredibly sensitive, so getting specific prescriptions with proper dosing and instructions for how to administer them is extremely important. Eye issues progress quickly and can be made much worse with a lack of proper intervention.
mild zodiac
well I would get an Rx and dosage, the scripts are Rx only
exotic iris
I just don't understand how things got so bad? It was a recent and fast decline ...
It could have been things building up over time and eventually reaching a tipping point. Like I mentioned before, deficiencies are often the start of eye issues, but even minor scratches to the eye could lead to bad infections
From what you briefly mentioned about your care, there are also some things that it sounds like could be changed or improved to help his overall health
chrome crypt
(and i know rich has this in the bag but if you could post a photo of the enclosure, we can also help rule out some husbandry related issues, recommend things that need to be adjusted to prevent this from happening again, etc.)
mild zodiac
yea and I think getting him from petsmart all those years ago wasn't the best idea. At the time I wanted to go to a reputable pet fair but just missed it. I walked out with him as a baby and he's very socail
social
exotic iris
Many of us have made the mistake of purchasing from chain pet stores 
ashen garden
Texas doesn’t allow for prescribing of medications without a vet visit in person. So you need to go to a vet either way.
chrome crypt
i am dealing with the aftermath of a petsmart gecko yea
mild zodiac
I actually just threw out lot's of stuff from his enclosure. It's just sand and his hide rn. I have a heatpad for the winter blizzard that i'm gonna set up soon. he had lots of things to climb on and some shrubs before but i've moved twice in the past year and a half.
I'll send a pic right away!
I just got a good job so I can afford to fix it up. Hence the questions lol
And yes I am going to the vet either way!
I just couldn't find one that would accept him!
it took me an hour of searching
ashen garden
Then you don’t need us to diagnose the condition 🙂
drowsy venture
If you want to dm me which part of Texas you’re in I can suggest a good vet :3
exotic iris
Texas has a good number of options, but especially if you’re rural, it’s probably going to be an annoying drive
Former Texan has entered the chat
drowsy venture
I had to do a lot of looking when I lived there too. I was fortunate that mine was in my town but if I hadn’t of found her I was gonna drive to Houston fr
exotic iris
Also just going to throw the !guide in here since it has all of our recommended care stuff
ionic mistBOT
ashen garden
Just keep in mind that a lot of reptile meds need to be specially formulated, so chewy may not have what you need
exotic iris
So there’s definitely a lot you can improve here. The sand definitely isn’t helping him, especially right now, so I would recommend removing it and replacing it with paper towels. When animals have open wounds or irritated eyes etc etc, you generally don’t want particulate substrate around them since it can get in there and cause further issues
mild zodiac
I wanna get him branches again because he really enjoyed those and a larger water dish to soak as well
Yea I had a quarantine travel tank that i used but I it broke during the last move
Tomorrow I’m going to petco and buying another so he can be clean with paper towels 🙂
exotic iris
Since there is quite a bit that I think you could improve on, I would suggest looking over the !guide as a first step. Your enclosure looks like it has pretty outdated husbandry, but the recommended care has changed a lot over the years for the health and welfare of our reptile friends
ionic mistBOT
chrome crypt
you could keep him in tupperware for the time being while you remove the sand!
drowsy venture
The red light also actually washes out their vision (leopard geckos have good color vision contrary to popular belief) so that also 🙏 probably isn’t helping the little guy.
But it mentions that in the guide 
mild zodiac
Thank you for saying that about the light because I had actually stopped using one for a few months till I was bullied into it again by my campus reptile server 😭
drowsy venture
If you’re any where near Bryan college station or Houston though I can make vet suggestions
mild zodiac
Ignore prison break in the background but as you can see he’s really active despite having eye issues. Today I soaked him and he started opening them again and blinking!
chrome crypt
Thank you for saying that about the light because I had actually stopped using o...
run away from that server 
exotic iris
Thank you for saying that about the light because I had actually stopped using o...
IME school and state-sponsored reptile groups have been really behind in their care recs. I worked for my college in undergrad as the lead animal caretaker, and red lights + 0 hides was still the norm
mild zodiac
If you’re any where near Bryan college station or Houston though I can make vet ...
I don’t wanna say my location but I found something near my hometown. It’s just a long drive but I’m willing 🙂
exotic iris
No prob
exotic iris
mild zodiac
IME school and state-sponsored reptile groups have been really behind in their c...
I had a really nice set up with a hide and some rocks and branches plus paper towels. I kept him in front of a window with natural light and he seemed happier without the red! But they told me I needed red and a day lamp plus a humidifier and all sorts of things
I also can’t trust Petsmart because they always try to sell stuff
And tbh this is a niche subject so online searching is 50/50
exotic iris
I had a really nice set up with a hide and some rocks and branches plus paper to...
I think our guide would be very helpful for you. Sounds like you’ve gotten some confusing and conflicting info so far. Our guide has sources and whatnot at the end and was made using some of the latest information from herpetologists and animal scientists who actually care about reptile welfare
drowsy venture
I don’t wanna say my location but I found something near my hometown. It’s just ...
you’re all good! Tis why I offered in dms if you needed help finding an actual reliable reptile vet in Texas!
I grew up in BCS but I now reside in Canada - however I had to do lots of digging for myself and other Texans here to find vets so ❤️ was extending the offer to you as well
exotic iris
And tbh this is a niche subject so online searching is 50/50
Yeah I don’t think there’s a single person here who hasn’t struggled with finding good care info
It’s legitimately difficult and takes a lot of time and comparing sources
mild zodiac
Thank you so much! I just want him to be happy again. I feel bad for not noticing sooner. I started grad school recently and he’s always been ok till now :/
drowsy venture
When I first joined I planned to do a 20 gal with carpet so 
exotic iris
Especially when many care guides online now are AI or just compiled from extremely old sources with 0 actual evidence to back things up
drowsy venture
mild zodiac
Him before
exotic iris
Thank you so much! I just want him to be happy again. I feel bad for not noticin...
Hoping for his recovery. At this point, all we can really do is hope the vet gives you a treatment that works, recommend a quarantine enclosure in the meantime, and give you care advice for the future
mild zodiac
I was even bordering surrendering him from everything they told me 😭😭😭 but tbh I think it can be solved and he’s so playful. Even if he’s blind he will be my blind little man
drowsy venture
your campus reptile server needs help from the sounds of it
exotic iris
Surrendering is an option and definitely something you could do without shame.
But it shouldn’t be something you’re pressured into when you’re willing to take him to the vet and improve your care to help his situation
mild zodiac
It was my old school and the one I’m at now doesn’t even have one but people are very mean and apathetic
exotic iris
My current school (in grad school now as well) is much better with animal care, so that’s nice. Although we don’t have any live herps on campus as of right now
big covid rip
mild zodiac
I asked about lighting for blizzards and they ate me alive…
I kept my gecko alive by holding him in my hands near a fire for two days when we had no power
My whole aquarium died
But I saved him
exotic iris
So loud and so wrong… really gonna bully someone when you think reptiles need a red light at night
drowsy venture
I didn’t have my Leos during the freeze luckily but I’m so sorry you had to go through that
chrome crypt
I asked about lighting for blizzards and they ate me alive…
we do have this information by the way, if you need it for this winter
drowsy venture
Luckily Texas hasn’t had a freeze like that in awhile
It was… bad though even in my town
mild zodiac
I didn’t have my Leos during the freeze luckily but I’m so sorry you had to go t...
Thank you
mild zodiac
we do have this information by the way, if you need it for this winter
Yes!
How much do you think the vet will cost? I saw it could be 150-250?
That I can be prepared for by my next paycheck since I’m also taking my dog to the vet
chrome crypt
it really varies on whats required
drowsy venture
Mine wasss 75 USD for a checkup
chrome crypt
a general physical checkup is about 100 for me
drowsy venture
And then additional for medication
mild zodiac
That’s fine! I can afford up to 250 max at the moment. Student things….
exotic iris
~125 for the checkup + maybe 50 for meds is what I generally expect unless it’s something severe
chrome crypt
i believe some vets also do payment plans
mild zodiac
That would be ideal
chrome crypt
yeah you can definitely call and check
exotic iris
Yeah def ask about payment options and that sort of thing. They might not bring it up right away, but it never hurts to ask and mention that you’re a student
mild zodiac
Could I get some feedback on the tank set up I’m attempting? I have a photo and have filled up my cart
chrome crypt
yezzir
mild zodiac
Yeah def ask about payment options and that sort of thing. They might not bring ...
I will milk the student card
chrome crypt
that is what we're here for
my vet didnt charge me for a whole ass xray when i was between jobs 
drowsy venture
If you want more inspo and such you can check out #enclosure-inspo !
exotic iris
Excellent inspo vibes
mild zodiac
Yay!
drowsy venture
Height of that one looks like maybe a 12 tall but otherwise it’s pretty
chrome crypt
that is a very nice lookin tank
i would say this specific tank looks to be too short for proper uv (?)
seems to be a 36x18x12
peachy beat me
mild zodiac
He lovedddd when I had rocks he could lay on
drowsy venture
Me and xia same brain
chrome crypt
you can use rocks in quarantine! if youre able to find them outside, go for it
drowsy venture
Lowes has pretty flagstone pavers you can break up
chrome crypt
quarantine doesnt mean zero decor/enrichment!
mild zodiac
you can use rocks in quarantine! if youre able to find them outside, go for it
Really? I will!
drowsy venture
They’re cheap
exotic iris
36x18x18” (or 16” tall sometimes, depending) is what we recommend as the minimum for an adult leopard gecko, just to clarify
mild zodiac
There is a Lowe’s next to the pet store actually so that works out lol
drowsy venture
It’s like 3 bucks for one big piece so you could get like 2 and be good
mild zodiac
My room is under construction so I think he can act as the decor for when it’s done lol
exotic iris
My reptiles 200% improve the vibes of my office space
chrome crypt
Petsmart + Lowe’s are basically married here
for us in canada its petsmart and michaels
mild zodiac
That’s so funny 😭
exotic iris
for us in canada its petsmart and michaels <:lmfao:910619539358748703>
IMO a worse combo unfortunately
drowsy venture
Old pics but the Lowe’s rock is what I did for these tanks way back in the day
exotic iris
Although I’m a Menards girlie, not Lowe’s
drowsy venture
for us in canada its petsmart and michaels <:lmfao:910619539358748703>
Micheals, petsmart and a dollarama
chrome crypt
Micheals, petsmart and a dollarama
YEA
exotic iris
100% rocks from outside here
mild zodiac
Also I just wanna thank everyone! It was very helpful and you were very nice. I get paid next week so I’ll order the tank supplies and he will see the vet on Thursday 🙂
drowsy venture
I can’t wait to buy more rocks from my rock man in the future
chrome crypt
100% rocks from outside here
jealous 
mild zodiac
100% rocks from outside here
Now that’s nice
drowsy venture
Also I just wanna thank everyone! It was very helpful and you were very nice. I ...
❤️❤️❤️
One day my tanks will be done. One day.
exotic iris
Also I just wanna thank everyone! It was very helpful and you were very nice. I ...
Hope it goes well! I def recommend checking out the guide or even some of the commands (we have one for making shopping lists too). There are some great links to affordable products there
I’m nothing if not a penny pincher
mild zodiac
I am gonna look at it right now actually
Well after reading that I feel like everything I’ve ever been told and sold was a lie
exotic iris
It really do be like that
chrome crypt
join the club
exotic iris
A lot of people who join the server feel the same way (including me, the owner of the server)
chrome crypt
i spent 300 on my initial setup for my leo just to learn that i wasted 300 bucks
exotic iris
Ik the info is a lot to digest and you’re probably going to bed, but if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask in the server anytime. In this thread or new ones
mild zodiac
My first set up was 250 so I feel that
This now is just me being broke
😂
But I can splurge on him because I got a deal for my dog’s visit and got her in for free!
Ok here’s what I’m working with. A cool hide, slate, sand and substrate to mix. I am keeping this tank for now because that will be really expensive even on Facebook marketplace (if I account for the drive). But I think this is a good start? I also got some living earth.
He can’t use it now because of quarantine but it’ll be ready for him 🙂
I wanna stack the slate to create a hot hide that way
And as far as lighting I’m a bit confused still. Would it be ok to leave him in natural light for now?
chrome crypt
And as far as lighting I’m a bit confused still. Would it be ok to leave him in ...
they do need heat to digest food so youll want to invest in a heatlamp and thermostat to regulate it
we have some cheaper options on our shopping list
!shoppinglist
mild zodiac
Thank you!
Also I need to talk to my brother about this but I am traveling for my job a lot once I graduate and I didn’t initially know this when I got my gecko. My brother wanted him but I’m not sure he’s up for the task anymore. After treating my gecko and giving him a better tank and life. I don’t know if can keep him past next August. I want to rehabilitate him and not just abandon him but it’s not like I can take my gecko in my carry on. Any suggestions for the future should my brother be unable?
exotic iris
Hmm. How far are you moving? Within the same country?
mild zodiac
Actually I’m moving to a different country most likely
For now I travel a few months out of the year starting in spring
But I have a very good update! I was able to remove the stuck shed in most of his toes and he opened his eyes even more! I think today I saw his pupil so I no longer think he is blind. He can follow large movements so I think it’s just an infection. His color looks better after turning off the red light too!
He DOES NOT like the baths though lol
Escape artist
The little nail marks
drowsy venture
Actually I’m moving to a different country most likely
if it's canada i can offer help / info on how to do that! process might be the same for other countries as well
mild zodiac
tis not in the americas
drowsy venture
his skin quality does look a bit rough- what do you dust with?
mild zodiac
oh he had D but that was awhile ago
he didn't like it and stopped eating his worms when I did it
drowsy venture
you should be dusting every feeder each feeding with proper supplements
mild zodiac
I tried dried vitamin treats too but he didn't like those
I think my best option is a syringe
drowsy venture
yee it can take some testing different options as vitamins have strong smells
not every gecko will like the same brand buttt
you need a pure calcium, a calcium with d3, and a multivitamin for them dusted on feeders in a proper rotation / schedule (pure calcium also offered in a small cap in the tank always) for them to be healthy so the eye issues and skin quality issues could def be because he wasn't receiving anything.
mild zodiac
I am going to go to the petstore to get him new ones and see if he improves.
drowsy venture
if you have a petsmart near you they have zoomed repticalcium with d3 and without d3 and reptivite without d3! those are the ones i generally send to people!
mild zodiac
there is! I just can't get to it till monday after my flight
mild zodiac
thank you!!!
drowsy venture
and thenn !suppschedule
ionic mistBOT
drowsy venture
❤️ we have example schedules of how they would be dusted based on age and such!
mild zodiac
i'm really pissed at the petstore tbh
all the stuff they reccomended for him never worked and made him worse
drowsy venture
yeh 
sadly it's that way for a lot of petstore recommendations.
mild zodiac
I'm glad he eats well and is so social despite all of that though
he poops well too
He usually hangs out in my sleeve or on my shoulder
drowsy venture
besides his eyes and skin his weight looks decent!
so i think just getting the vet's opinion and setting him up on some good vitamins and supplements will help the little guy fr
mild zodiac
I hope so
I decided to mildly upgrade his tank
30 gallon
I couldn't find a good 40
but while he heals it should be ok for a month or two
drowsy venture
yeh!
mild zodiac
for context I am studying to be a foreign correspondent
hence the travel
I will probably be based out out of asia
so my goal is to get him healthy and at the end of my grad life rehome him with all the supplies 🙂
my family doesn't like reptiles and my siblings will be starting college, my friend can't keep pets, and I don't trust the petstore with him
so a good fam would be nice
drowsy venture
for context I am studying to be a foreign correspondent
Oooh interesting!
