By Leopard geckos are popular reptile pets due to their ease of care and relatively long lifespan. However, like any pet, they can be prone to various health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ten common leopard gecko illnesses and diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent and treat them. Ensuring the health and well-being of these fascinating creatures is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership.
Table of Contents
1. Chronic Malnutrition
Causes and Symptoms
Chronic malnutrition is a common issue among leopard geckos, often resulting from an improper diet or poor supplementation. Unsuitable diets, such as only offering crickets and mealworms, can lead to health problems like hepatic lipidosis. Symptoms of malnutrition include lethargy, weight loss, poor growth, and a weakened immune system.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent malnutrition, leopard geckos should be fed a variety of insects that have been gut-loaded with a calcium-rich diet. Additionally, insects should be dusted with calcium powder just before feeding. In cases of severe malnutrition, long-term stomach tubing or feeding tube support may be necessary until the gecko regains its appetite, which can take between 6 to 8 weeks.
2. Hypovitaminosis A
Causes and Symptoms
Hypovitaminosis A, or vitamin A deficiency, is another common issue among leopard geckos. It typically results from an inadequate diet and insufficient supplementation. This deficiency can cause a range of issues, including retained hemipenal casts, impaired shedding, and eye problems.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent hypovitaminosis A, ensure that your leopard gecko’s diet is rich in vitamin A and provide appropriate supplementation. In cases where deficiency is already present, consult with a veterinarian for guidance on appropriate treatment, which may include vitamin A injections or oral supplements.
3. Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Causes and Symptoms
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, also known as metabolic bone disease (MBD), remains a common issue among leopard geckos fed inadequate diets. Symptoms of MBD include difficulty shedding, anorexia, lethargy, reluctance to move, misshapen limbs, soft mandible and maxillae, kyphoscoliosis, and the inability to raise their body off the ground.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of MBD involves providing a balanced diet with appropriate calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation. Treatment for MBD can be lengthy, often taking several months, and requires commitment from the owner. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate treatment and supplementation.
4. Phalangeal Dysecdysis (Retained Shed on Toes and Tail)
Causes and Symptoms
Phalangeal dysecdysis is an abnormal condition in leopard geckos caused by multiple retained sheds on the digits due to low humidity. As the retained sheds accumulate, they restrict blood circulation, leading to avascular necrosis. Symptoms include difficulty shedding and swollen or discolored toes or tail tip.
Prevention and Treatment
This condition can be easily avoided by providing a moist hide or nest box in the gecko’s enclosure. To treat phalangeal dysecdysis, carefully remove the retained shed after soaking the affected area on damp paper towels. In severe cases, amputation of the affected toes or tail tip may be necessary. Systemic and topical antibiotics may also be required.
5. Intestinal Impactions
Causes and Symptoms
Intestinal impactions are common in leopard geckos housed on inappropriate substrates, such as sand, fine sharp gravel, or crushed walnut shells. Symptoms can include lethargy, straining to defecate, and anorexia. Cloacal or colonic prolapse can be a consequence of intestinal obstruction.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent intestinal impactions, use a suitable substrate like smooth gravel or reptile carpet, ensuring it is too large for the gecko to ingest. Calcium-enriched sands should be avoided. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your leopard gecko has an impaction, as treatment may involve manual removal, laxatives, or even surgery in severe cases.
6. Abscesses
Causes and Symptoms
Leopard geckos are prone to developing massive subcutaneous abscesses, particularly in the area behind the eyes. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and discomfort.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing abscesses involves maintaining proper husbandry, including clean living conditions and avoiding injuries. Treatment consists of lancing and debridement of the abscess under anesthesia, aerobic and anaerobic culture with sensitivity tests, antibiotics, pain medications, and nutritional support.
7. Diarrhea
Causes and Symptoms
Diarrhea in leopard geckos can be caused by various factors, including parasites, bacterial infections, or improper diet. Watery or smeared stools, especially with undigested insects, are abnormal. Affected geckos may have a good appetite but experience weight loss, eventually stopping eating altogether if left untreated.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent diarrhea, ensure your leopard gecko has a balanced diet and maintain proper hygiene in its enclosure. Consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment, which may include medication to target the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
8. Ocular Problems
Causes and Symptoms
Ocular problems in leopard geckos can result from various factors, such as hypovitaminosis A or infections. Symptoms include cloudy or discolored eyes, swelling, and discharge.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing ocular issues involves providing a proper diet and maintaining clean living conditions. Treatment for ocular problems may include removing debris from the eyes, flushing them with saline, and administering broad-spectrum systemic and ocular antibiotics.
9. Stomatitis
Causes and Symptoms
Stomatitis, or mouth inflammation, is relatively rare in leopard geckos and often involves an underlying hypovitaminosis A. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge around the mouth.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent stomatitis, ensure your leopard gecko receives adequate vitamin A in its diet. If you suspect your gecko has stomatitis, consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics and vitamin A supplementation.
10. Egg Retention
Causes and Symptoms
Leopard geckos typically lay two eggs at a time and are generally good layers. However, they can experience egg retention, also known as dystocia. This occurs when a gecko has difficulty laying eggs, often due to insufficient calcium in their diet. Symptoms include a single egg being visible in the gecko’s abdomen, straining to lay eggs, and general distress.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent egg retention, ensure your leopard gecko receives adequate calcium supplementation. If you suspect your gecko is experiencing egg retention, consult a veterinarian immediately. Treatment may involve radiographs and celiotomy to remove the retained egg.
In Conclusion
While leopard geckos are generally hardy and healthy reptiles, they can still experience various illnesses and diseases. As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to be aware of these conditions and to provide proper care and husbandry to prevent them. If you suspect your leopard gecko is experiencing any health issues, consult a veterinarian for guidance on appropriate treatment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.