Common Medical Techniques and Procedures: Fluid Replacement Therapy

Introduction

This section was designed to provide you with a basic look into fluid replacement therapy for leopard geckos. Fluid replacement therapy is one of the most common techniques used in treating serious health problems with leopard geckos.

Why might fluid replacement therapy be necessary for your leopard gecko? Dehydration in leopard geckos is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate correction by your veterinarian. Do not attempt any of these at home without consulting your veterinarian!

The actual need for fluid replacement therapy will be decided by your veterinarian. The decision could be based on:

Anorexia
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lack of access to water
History of shedding problems.
Appearance of the eyes.
Appearance of the mucus membranes.
Skin elasticity.
Results of lab tests.
Use of specific medications.
...and more.

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common medical techniques and procedures.

Treatment Options

There are 4 major ways that fluids can be administered to a reptile. The method of choice will depend on the nature and severity of the problem as well as the gecko itself. Please follow your veterinarian's advice only - this is provided merely as a background guide to the options and not a way of administering fluids!

PO (Oral) Administration

Most commonly used in geckos that are mobile, alert and have access to the proper environmental temperatures.
Usually administered using a ball-tipped feeding needle.
Possible disadvantages include that it can be stressful during the administration; possible regurgitation if not administered properly and may not be beneficial if proper environmental temperatures are not available.
Examples include Gatorade, Pedialyte and a lactated Ringer's Solution with 2.5% dextrose.
Most veterinarians will recommend that one does not exceed 2% of the gecko's total body weight.

ICe (Intracoelomic) Administration

While this tends be a bit more invasive, it is often less stressful on the gecko than the PO administration route.
Most veterinarians will recommend that one does not exceed 2% of the gecko's total body weight (large volumes of fluid in the abdominal cavity can easily compromise proper lung functioning).
Examples include lactated Ringer's Solution with 2.5% dextrose and other mixtures.

SC (Subcutaneous) Administration

This route of administration is one of the more common ones used with leopard geckos (aside from PO administration).
The same types and quantities of fluids can be used as with ICe administration.

IO (Intraosseous) Administration

This route is best used with debilitated geckos and not those that are active.
The same types and quantities of fluids can be used as with ICe and SC administration.
Involves the use of a needle that is secured to the gecko using tape, through which a slow drip is started.