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My leopard gecko is hurt and sick. What emergency care can I give?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Other Reptile | Female | unspayed

1 year ago my leopard gecko escaped outside. 5 minutes ago we heard our dogs barking.When we found them we found our lizard Diana. She was and still is in terrible shape. She has a bloody eye and lost her tail. She is very pale but that may be because of shedding.We dont think she has eaten for a long time and now is so skinny. Right now she is on some paper towels and wont open her eyes. She is still moving and breathing.Please help us.She is hurt. We need help ASSAP. The second pic is her eye.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 21st, 2020

Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian, at the nearest veterinary ER or by a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If this is not possible, get her under a heat lamp to start warming her up. You can also soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, clean the tail stump with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Dab a bit of triple antibiotic ointment on it after each cleaning. Clean it gently once daily and dry thoroughly afterwards. Keep her on paper towels and change it daily. Pick up some Fluker's Repta Boost and use that to feed her initially. When she is more active, you can introduce prey slowly. She may eventually regrow her tail. Even with care, she may not recover. It cannot be determined without a physical exam. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/flukers-reptaboost-insectavore-and-carnivore-high-amp-boost

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