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"Pet Leopard Gecko Care & Information (Eublepharis macularius)"

Leopard Gecko Health

Leopard Gecko Health Issues

Leopard geckos are certainly one of the more hardy gecko species in the pet trade today. Because their basic vivarium setup is extremely simple, Leopard gecko health issues are very uncommon with the most common being incorrect Leopard gecko temperatures and Leopard gecko feeding. It is said that about eighty percent of Leopard gecko health issues are caused by husbandry related problems.

A healthy Leopard gecko should always be bright and alert. Physically they should have a well fleshed body and fat tail without any visible wrinkles on the skin, have no ocular, oral or nasal discharges.

Leopard Gecko Health Problems

Leopard gecko health problems can be divided into various broad categories namely infectious, nutritional and physical.

The most important infectious Leopard gecko health problem is probably Leopard gecko worms.

The most important dietary problems surely are Leopard gecko metabolic bone disease (MBD) and Leopard gecko eating problems. This is mostly due to inadequate feeder insect preparation and incorrect Leopard gecko supplementation.

Other important conditions include Leopard gecko impactions (usually secondary to MBD) physical Leopard gecko injuries. and Leopard gecko abscesses.

Signs of Leopard gecko health problems include:

• Partial or complete anorexia (lack of appetite)

• Weight loss & poor body condition (especially evident in a thin tail)

• Diarrhoea (abnormal or runny faeces and / or cloacal soiling)

• Lumps, bumps, sores & abrasions on the skin

• Dehydration (wrinkled skin & sunken skin & eyes)

• Paralysis or lameness of the limbs

• Weakness (lying flat)

• Sudden or regular abnormal (jerky) movements of head & extremities

• Mucous secretions from the mouth or nose

• Lethargy or dullness (unaware of its surroundings)

• Laboured /  open mouth breathing

If any of the mentioned signs are seen a Leopard gecko friendly veterinarian should be consulted without hesitation.

Leopard Gecko Health Inspections

As with all pets, it is recommended to have even a healthy Leopard gecko evaluated by a Leopard gecko vet on a routine or regular basis. It is preferable to have a gecko evaluated at the time of purchase, before or during the Leopard gecko quarantine period and then at least every six months after that. During the quarantine period various veterinary visits might aid in the identification of subclinical diseases. Remember to accompany your Leopard gecko with a fresh / wet stool sample sealed in an airtight sealable or ziplock bag.

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