eyeless leo

[clint545]

We just had a baby hatch today. I was at work, so my girlfriend took it out of the 'bator etc etc. I just got home and was looking at it and it's right eye is just a wee slit. It doesn't look like it has an eye or even eyelids! Even that side of its head looks a bit deformed, kinda under developed (like its slightly caved in).
This is the 8th hatchling we've had, the rest have been fine.
Does anyone have any advice, past experience or such?
I'm trying to track down a digital camera so i can try to post a pic of it, hopefully by the end of the weekend.
I hope i gave enough info. Any help would be great, thank you.

[ydnic]

if thats true i`d probably put it out of its misery quickly - I don`t think waiting a few days to get a camera for a picture is going to help that little guy out at all

[clint545]

Do you think I should do that? IT's healthy otherwise? But the thought did cross my mind(just can't let the girlfriend know, u know). But I thought I'd present the problem here to see what people had to say. I'm a big softie, it might be the right thing to do, but I'm going to have a hard time doing it, I'm sure anyone here would.

[Bartman]

I think if it eats/poo's/etc. and can live "normally" then dont put it down. We dont put people down who are born with deformities, so whats the difference? Give the little guy a chance...

[ydnic]

Trust me - I have a hard time throwing mice in the freezer - or feeding one of my picky friends live
Seriously - if this leo had no eyes, and a mis-shapen head - it is probably for the best because who knows how this little guy might be feeling

[clint545]

It's just missing it's right eye, so it's a bit skidish if you approach it from that side, otherwise she seems ok

[Bartman]

who knows how this little guy might be feeling

I dont think reptile brains are capable of having the feeling of being an outsider :p But seriously, he doesnt know any better and as I said, if he functions and eats then he should be fine. No reason to be put down imo, but its up to you of course.

[lostwithin]

I personally would give it some time if the little guy has "unseen" problems it will not last long, and if it turns out just to be one bad eye it might live a full life. I tend to look at suffering as more of a Human concept. Unless the animal is clearly in pain from the birth defect I would let nature take it’s course. .

Good luck.
Devon

[clint545]

I think I'm going to give here a chance! If she ends up feeding alright, and has no other ill effects than like you said Adam, give it a chance at least!

[bistrobob85]

Good choice, lets just see what happens :)

[PaulBar]

Yes do what nature intends. Don't put it down if it has a will to live.

P

[ydnic]

lol- I didn`t mean it feels like an outsider - I ment it could be in serious pain!

[splizzy]

I, also had a leopard gecko born this year with only one eye and an offset jaw. Although his jaw doesn't meet and he only has half the vision of other geckos, he has thrived. He is now 3 months old and is so interesting to watch feed. He will bang the crickets on the bottom of the enclosure to make sure they're dead before eating them. I am so attached to this little guy and his disability has not stopped him from doing all a gecko should do to survive. He is a little smaller than others born at the same time, but not much, so it hasn't been much of a handicap for this little survivor. So, much to learn from this disabled hatchling!

Good luck with your new babe,

Sheila

[clint545]

Thanks everyone for the advice !! I'll keep ya posted on how she's doing! Thanks again!