I preface this entry by saying: I understand that geckos are not capable of love. I know that Geeky doesn't know me and will never wag his tail or bark for my attention. I know that he is not capable of higher level thought and that he's just a stupid lizard. But I've had him since my freshman year of college- and he's listened to a lot of boy problems and witnessed a lot of drama. He's been a source of entertainment for family and friends, he's been a muse for artists, and he's my special little dino. So when he got sick this month, I wasn't going to let him suffer. I had to take him to the vet and make my little friend well!
Geeky stopped eating a few weeks ago, and I knew that was a bad sign. He's done this before- a few years ago, he got hook worm and needed parasitic treatment. It was dramatic to treat him then too. Do you know how many vets laugh at you when you ask if they'll see a gecko? Parasites were my first suspicion, but then I noticed that his left eye seemed cloudy. I called my dad, who said it sounded like it could be a bacterial infection of some sort and that I should get him to the vet right away. Honestly, how long can a gecko withstand systemic bacterial infection?
After many calls, I finally found Dr. Stahl in Fairfax, VA and headed out Thursday night through rush hour traffic to Fairfax . Dr. Stahl was the answer to my prayers to St. Francis. As soon as I walked into the practice, I knew I was in good hands. There were gorgeous framed National Geographic-style photos of lizards on the walls. There were statues of birds, reptiles, and turtles adorning arboretum in the middle of the office. And best of all, the walls were tiled to look like reptile skin!
Dr. Stahl was so caring and compassionate to my little friend. He is a famous reptile doctor, so he had interns from all over the country studying with him and checking out little Geeky! I asked him to teach me anything he could and he was very generous with his time. He drew me diagrams, showed me different parts of Geeky's anatomy, and explained to me every in and out of Geeky's illness.
As it turns out, Geeky is a girl. And Geeky wanted to lay some eggs! Her belly was swollen with two pea-sized, half grown eggs that were responsible for depleting levels of Vitamin A in her system. The brand of reptile vitamins I use didn't have sufficient Vitamin A to replace it, and so her immune system began to fail and she fell prey to natural bacteria in her own system. Her little mouth was swollen and infected, her eye was infected, and she also had skin problems. All needed mini-surgery, so the doctor drained the infection in her mouth, cleaned out her eye, and removed the dead skin from her face and feet.
My poor little Geek was exhausted by the end of the night, and so was I. I loved learning about reptile medicine, but am embarrassed to report that watching my friend bleed left me a little faint and nauseous. At one point the doctor joked, "Are you ok, mom?" I'm sure I was pale and clammy! I don't know how I'm ever going to have children. Geek (whom I will now refer to as "she") is on a system of antibiotics, vitamins and creams and we are hoping for a full recovery. She is shedding her skin today so I gave her a warm bath and have been doting on her incessantly.
My dad wanted to know how many new geckos I could have bought with the bill from the vet. I told him that is NOT the point! Thanks to everyone who's had a smile and a thought for me and Geek this week. A pet is a pet and you don't become a pet owner to let them suffer or give up on them when they're sick. Peace and Love- I will update you all about her progress soon!
