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Leopard Gecko Burn
Wounds
Leopard gecko burn wounds are occasionally
seen. This happens when a Leopard gecko is exposed directly to a
heat source, i.e. a
heat pad or
sometimes improper or incorrectly installed lighting. Burn
wounds can be identified by discoloration of the skin, localized
blisters, swelling or pieces of skin sloughing. It will usually go with a
significant amount of pain, discomfort and loss of function of
the burning site.
Depending on the area affected or the extend,
Leopard gecko burn wounds can be graded from mild to very
severe. Severe burn wounds are life threatening and should be
treated as such. Burns can commonly occur on the feet / toes or
the facial are of the gecko.
Leopard
Gecko Burn Wound Prevention
This type of Leopard gecko injury can be prevented by the
proper installation of the
heating equipment.
Make sure that the heat pad is covered with a heavy
substrate and
that lighting
is mounted high enough to prevent direct contact.
Leopard
Gecko Burn Wound Treatment
Leopard gecko burns wounds should always be
seen in a serious light. Rather be safe than sorry. These
animals are very fragile and even a mild burn can cause
significant pain and discomfort to lead to serious eating
problems and dehydration. These cases should always be presented
to a reptile veterinarian
for treatment.
Leopard gecko burn wound treatment can range
from topical antibiotic or antiseptic ointment in mild cases to
hospitalization with parenteral fluids (drips), antibiotics,
anti-inflammatory drugs and supportive force feeding in severe
cases.
More severe wounds might take weeks to months
to heal properly might lead to permanent scars and / or
Leopard
gecko shedding problems.
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