Home

>

Reptile

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

I gave my adult leopard gecko (female) a large horned worm (size of a pointer finger) as somebody I know told me any size will do, since they’re mostly water. She struggled to get the worm down, and its head was visible in her mouth for a short while. Her abdomen appears “full” and the color of the bright blue worm is showing through her abdomen and neck. She’s stretching her body out and swallowing/licking non stop. Other than that, she appears normal. Should I be worried, or?

I gave my adult leopard gecko (female) a large horned worm (size of a pointer finger) as somebody I know told me any size will do, since they’re mostly water. She struggled to get the worm down, and its head was visible in her mouth for a short while. Her abdomen appears “full” and the color of the bright blue worm is showing through her abdomen and neck. She’s stretching her body out and swallowing/licking non stop. Other than that, she appears normal. Should I be worried, or?

Updated On April 5th, 2019

Pet's info:

Image profile

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

Choking is possible, though uncommon in geckos. Most of the time they won't swallow prey that's too big for them, but it is possible for food to get stuck. Your little gecko will most likely be fine - it may be a bit uncomfortable from a larger than usual meal. However, if it continues to act uncomfortable or if you're worried by its behavior, then it could warrant a vet visit.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

See More Answers

Related Questions

left image

My dogs are experiencing a bad flea outbreak. We used a generic for Frontline (fipronil) two weeks ago, with no results. I have purchased a generic for Advantix II (Imidacloprid, Permethrin, and Pyriproxyfen) and am wondering if I need to wait the full 4 weeks to use this, or if I can treat with the second medication now.

In severe outbreaks, 2 weeks between different drugs is ok. You will also need to use a household flea treatment in order to break the cycle, only 5% of the flea population are adults and actually present on pets, tge remaining 95% are eggs/large and will continue to hatch, develop and reinvest your pets. All in contact animals should be treated together and also given a tapeworm treatment because tapeworms are also transmitted by fleas

Read More

There seems to be two wounds underneath my cat’s ear. There is not one on the other side. Does it look like ringworm or caused by fleas? What can I use to help her? It was smaller a week ago.

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Tor and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. Yes, I see the two wounds, and they could be caused by her scratching at her ear. While that could be due to fleas, it may be she has an ear infection causing her to scratch at her ears. Continually scratching at them would cause the wounds to get bigger. This does need to be checked out by a vet, as if she does have an ear infection, it could be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria. In addition, the ear drum needs to be visualized through an otoscope to make sure it's still intact before any medication is given. Ear problems can be considered an emergency as leaving them untreated can lead to hearing loss. Given that these wounds are getting bigger, I'd see if you can get her into her vet asap. I hope this helps!

Read More

Belly ate her own simperica trio pill (for dogs 22-44lb) and accidentally ALSO ate my other dog's simperica trio pill (for dogs 11-22lb). How bad is this for Belly? Something we need to go to the emergency vet for??

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Belly. She should be ok. According to studies done by Zoetis who make Simparica, "In the overdose groups, transient and self-limiting neurological signs were observed in some animals: mild tremors at 3 times the maximum exposure dose and convulsions at 5 times the maximum exposure dose. All dogs recovered without treatment." You don't need to do anything. I hope this helps!

Read More

Are these just hairballs my cat is daily throwing up, or is he ingesting something like yarn? He's bad to chew and swallow strange stuff, but we can't find what the source of these might be. You can see that his stomach contents have to come up when these gobs are in there, so he's not getting enough nutrition. One of the pellets shown is pretty solid, and the other is squishy. What to do?

It is ot possible to identify the source from the photo but your vet may be able to examine to confirm if it is indeed cat hair or synthetic yarn. I would recommend feeding a diet formulated for hair ball reduction for 3-4weeks. A full health check and abdominal xrays would be recommended to rule out any partial obstruction or sooner if there is any weight loss

Read More

My Mini Schnauzer Cooper has started scratchong excessively a few weeks ago. Hes always scratched a bit but never like this. Hos neck is raw. Ive tried some moisterizing lotion for dogs thinking it was dry skin. He doesnt have fleas. His diet is stable so i dont think its an allergy. Ive tried to redirect him but tonight he snuck off and ended up doing this. Ill be calling the vet tomorrow but it can take a week to get in there. What can i do in the interim?

Poor Cooper! It sounds like you're already on the right track for ruling out issues, however, environmental allergens can also flare up this time of year which may be causing the excessive itchiness. Since that area is very badly irritated and inflamed, I definitely agree with getting into your vet ASAP. Since it's right on his neck, you can try inverting an Elizabethan (cone) collar so that the cone part covers the irritation and the neck park sits up closer around his ears, so that it doesn't rub against the irritated spot and protects it from further scratching. Keeping the area clean and dry can also help reduce any secondary infections that may take hold in the irritated skin. An over the counter allergy medication such as Benadryl can also help by reducing any irritation/itchiness, and may also have the added benefit of making him a little drowsy so he's less likely to scratch. However, getting into the vet like you planned is the best course of action. If there is a big wound opening up, it gets worse, it oozes debris, or Cooper seems in major distress, getting into your vet sooner or reaching out to an urgent care vet may be a good idea.

Read More

My cat has signs of gingivitis. Will it hurt her if I start to brush her teeth? She had a teeth cleaning with the vet last year, but her gums are already a little red and slightly inflamed again. I hate the idea of putting her under anaesthesia unnecessarily, so can I try to do something at home? I’ve tried gels and plaque off, neither seem to keep it at bay. She eats dry food only and seems to have no pain or issues eating (she’s very healthy otherwise) Thank you!

Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Cassie. I think it's a great idea for you to start brushing her teeth, and that can help with the gingivitis. Be sure to use a pet toothpaste, as human ones are toxic for cats. You can get a pet toothbrush and paste at a pet store. I'd brush her teeth three times a week. I hope this helps!

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored