Common Medical Techniques and Procedures: Nutritional Support

Background Information

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

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

You should always consult your veterinarian when dealing with the issue of nutritional support. Your veterinarian will know:

If nutritional support is needed or not.
What form the support should take.
How much support should be administered.
How long nutritional support is needed.
Any other issues/concerns that may need to be addressed.

Important Considerations

When providing supplemental nutritional support to a debilitated leopard gecko, its imperative that you closely monitor:

The provision of water.
Environmental temperatures.
Environmental humidity levels.
The type of substrate you are using (paper towel is preferable).
The provision of the necessary hiding places.
The stress level of the gecko.

Important Note

When providing a leopard gecko with nutritional support, it is imperative that the changes are brought on gradually. In many cases, the gecko may be brought up to the full nutritional levels over a period of 2 to 5 days.

The nutritional support is then gradually decreased once the gecko starts to eat regular meals on its own.

Type and Frequency Of Support

Nutritional support can be administered either voluntarily or involuntarily. If the leopard gecko is still eating and very little added support is required, it may be enough to dust the usual prey items.

Diets used for nutritional support of leopard geckos tend to be high in protein and fat and not as high in complex carbohydrates (which is more the case in reptiles such as iguanas). These geckos are typically fed more smaller meals as opposed to less larger ones.

Regarding Force Feeding

Force feeding is typically only used as a last resort method.
It is rarely used because of the potential stress and injuries that it may cause to the given gecko.
It is often only done AFTER the gecko's hydration and electrolyte levels have been dealt with appropriately.
Typically involves the oral administration of slurries and enterals.

What Are Enterals?

These are nutritionally complete liquid replacement diets (commonly used with humans that have been hospitalized).
Common brands used include Ensure, Isocal and Osmolite.
They contain the necessary levels of protein and fat, as well as fiber.
Usually are preferable in terms of nutritional value over your basic sports drinks (such as Gatorade) and even homemade concoctions.
Enterals and slurries are administered orally - very carefully! Your veterinarian will advise you on how to do this properly.
May be blended with other food sources (such as mashed bugs, high protein baby food) to form a slurry.
Many veterinarians will advise that an enteral or slurry be slightly warmed before being given to the gecko.