PLZ HELP! my leo is eating DIRT

Yes, I would definitely keep an eye on it. If its needs are well met (humidity, lighting, temperature, supplements/feeding, etc.) nothing should come of it. Just take extra care and watch the poops and behavior/activity.
What substrate were you using? :slight_smile:

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It might be a commute, but when you need a vet, you need a vet, so keep their address and phone number handy.

A lot of people here have firsthand experience with Leopard Geckos- I don’t- so they may have had discussions about Impaction or when to see a vet. If Searching doesn’t turn up anything, people here have been very friendly. Good luck!

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paper towels

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so my Leo




seems to have something in her stomach and it seems concerning and I need help

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There is a possibility she could develop impaction. Do not keep her on the substrate. What do you use as substrate? Instead, house her on paper towels or newspaper.

I personally have nothing against using loose substrate UNLESS they are ingesting it. Because she is, it is a necessity that you get her away from any loose substrate ASAP.

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she is on paper towels

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I can’t tell from the picture but I don’t think you need to worry about it. Geckos have lots of organs and fat bodies that can be mistaken for other things. Do you know how old the leo is? Also, what kind of dirt was she eating and what was it from? Was it in a humid hide?

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Honestly 2 hours is not bad IMO. I take my pig to a vet thats 2 hours away. There are closer vets, they just don’t understand pet pigs like the vet I take him to does.

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the dirt was from outside

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Ok, there is the possibility that their could have been parasites or other harmful pathogens or chemicals in the substrate, if it was not properly sterilized. Did you sterilize the dirt first? Also, did you remove all the rocks, bark, etc.? (Sterilize means to bake it in the oven, etc. I bet there are a few other ways)

Sorry about all the questions lol. It really just helps us know the circumstances to help diagnose the problem.

I do agree with @erie-herps. The “dark thing in her stomach” may simply be other organs from that area.

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One of my vets for my herps is 1 hour away but the others are 3-4 hours one way if I need another opinion, but totally worth the commute.

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nooooo I did none of that and my mom told me yesterday that if there was something wrong with my Leo she wouldn’t take her to the vet

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I think that should give you some perspective on how your mother values and respects other living things. If you are a minor it is her responsibility to ensure any pet you get is cared for or she should not have allowed you to get it.

It does not sound like your gecko needs to go to the vet for illness, but in general one should never get a pet they can’t afford to provide standard veterinary care to. I suggest you try and do chores for your parents, relatives, or trustworthy friends of your family in exchange for a bit of money, so you will be prepared if your gecko does get an illness. Inexperienced keepers especially benefit from doing yearly wellness visits, just as you should do for a cat or dog. That way your reptile vet can guide you and spot any developing issues as early as possible.

It also sounds like someone misguided you in the extreme with regards to proper husbandry for leos. You definitely need to do your own research immediately to educate yourself regarding the bare minimum for leo care. At the least you should google ‘leopard gecko care sheet’ and read 4-5 of the ones that come up from reputable sources.

I have not finished my care sheet yet, but I will get you started:

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the nearest one is almost two hours away in Dallas and I cant legally drive yet and she doesn’t really care for having to take a reptile to a vet if it were a cat or a dog then shes fine with it but it sucks because if my Leo gets sick I cant help her and that breaks my heart

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OMG i just found one near me so if something happens ill just bribe my sister

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Where are you in Texas, that close to Dallas?

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i live in a small town called whitewright

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Wonderful! Be sure you know their hours and how to get to their location, and you’re good to go. Ah siblings. So useful.

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Yes, it does sound like you were misinformed in the care. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure to research MULTIPLE REPUTABLE SOURCES!

@graci-sosa, if you find that nothing is wrong with your leo, and wish to go back to substrate, I suggest using Coconut Coir. It is dirt cheap (pun intended) and exponentially safer than the dirt you find outside. Do not go straight back to it, though. If the leo is sick, than the healing process could be long and you do not want to further risk an impaction problem.
ONLY go back to substrate if your gecko has all of its basic needs met and is not attempting to use dirt as its primary source of vitamins.

Good luck! I hope you figure out if anything is wrong with Lemon! :slight_smile:

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And that is amazing that you found a closer vet office!

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