HELP: To rescue or not to rescue

[geckoluv2187]

I was just at a large corporate pet store that many of you know very well and I saw the sickest hatchling I've ever seen. It was so skinny, it appeared to be dehydrated, and had a very prominent backbone. It was in a cage with no moist hide and its skin was loose but still stuck to it. I alerted the store clerk who said he would talk to the girl in charge of the reptiles and then I left.

Here's my dilemma. I'm thinking about going back and either buying it, or saying "look, its dying I'll take it off your hands for you". I've never cared for a sick gecko before. However, I am a veterinary technician (for dogs and cats) with 5 years of experience and feel ready to take on the challenge. We also have 7 geckos, adults, juvies and babies in perfect health.

Some questions: What type of things can I do besides feeding it the slurry? I'm not sure how sick it is, since it was just laying there. Would it be better to get it to a vet immediately. Our reptile specialist is over an hour away and does not see patients on an emergeny basis, they are just there a few times a week. I know an emergency hospital that says they take reptiles on an emergency basis but I know that they don't see reptiles on a regular basis (and might not have as much experience).
Can anyone give me an idea about what exactly I would need to do to help out this little guy?

 

[Kwyk]

My first gecko was a rescue in bad shape also and i had slim to none experience,he is one of my dearest geckos now since cared so much about him.
DO IT or you may regret it forever.
Believe the feeling when he is healthy again and looking at you with that certain gecko smile can not be explained.

 

[Halley]

Honestly, I truly recommend not “rescuing” sick or unhealthy geckos. My personal feelings on this matter is that when you buy a gecko from a place that has poor husbandry practices, that you are telling them that it is okay. Another thing to think about is when you take this gecko, and they replace it with another in the same condition are you going to “rescue” that one as well.

The only way I can see “rescuing” a sick or unhealthy gecko from any pet store, is if you get it for free. This way they loose out on their profit, and the gecko is still fine.

However if the case you do get the gecko, I will answer your questions:

What type of things can I do besides feeding it the slurry?

I would make sure to clean the cage out daily, with a good disinfected. More than likely this gecko has parasites, and allowing it to stay in a cage with its own fecal matter will only help him re-infect himself. Also make sure to maintain his cage last. If you maintain it first, you have a higher possibility of transporting the parasites over to your healthy geckos. I would also recommend washing your hands with soap, after handling him or his cage, even better would be to take a shower.

I'm not sure how sick it is, since it was just laying there. Would it be better to get it to a vet immediately? Our reptile specialist is over an hour away and does not see patients on an emergency basis; they are just there a few times a week. I know an emergency hospital that says they take reptiles on an emergency basis but I know that they don't see reptiles on a regular basis (and might not have as much experience).

At this point they will really only take a fecal sample to test and see what parasites he has. They obviously cannot take blood due to his condition. This can be done at any vet clinic, probably even the one you work at. But, after they check the fecal sample they should give you some medication, give him the recommended dosage (maybe mix it in with the slurry), and all that good stuff, and he should be okay.

Can anyone give me an idea about what exactly I would need to do to help out this little guy?

The biggest thing I can think of is to not overfeed him. As you probably know overfeeding a starved or anorexic animal can put them in shock, as they are not use to handling so much food. So always in moderation.

 

[bitterbeauty]

You may need antibiotics or antiparasitics which are relatively cheap but the vet examination/ fecal float (so you can get them) is what kills you. But maybe since you have connections to a vet the prices will be cheaper. I am currently trying to nurse back to health a gecko I got from someone on craigslist and I got her in back in June and she is still not doing great. (she goes up in weight then loses it again). It is a lot of work and takes alot of patience but the decision is up to you.

 

[nats]

I recommend DO NOT rescue!! you are only perpetuating a cycle.
The store knows someone will feel sorry for, and buy the animal so they
can get new stock and the cycle starts over.

Buying a weak or even sick animal from a pet store almost guarentees it will die, or never be normal. You may think you can nurse the animal back to health, but that probably wont last long. You will be stuck with vet bills, or it will die.

I have been tempted myself, but please resist the temptation.
Instead, if you see abuse, tell the manager that you are going to report his store and file a complaint (follow through and DO IT!). You should also inform the Better Business Bureau of with almost all stores are a member.

Also, send a letter to the Corporate Head Office of the store chain (they can be found on their website, or search).

A popular chain store near me was notorius!! after I reported them to every agency I could think of (I even took pics w/ my cell phone) that store cleaned up and they now take very good care of their reptiles.
So I know, YOU CAN make a diference :main_yes:

 

[Halley]

I agree with Nats!

 

[Kwyk]

Ok,my rescue was from a private person that couldn.t care for it ptoperly,but i would do it again.

 

[Mel&Keith]

Buying a sick gecko only adds $20 the the store's register and makes room for more inventory. I would go back to the store and let them know that they lost a sale because their geckos aren't properly cared for. You can also report the store through the store's website or customer service number.