Sick Leopard Gecko
Although it is said that Leopard geckos are
very hardy, they can like any other pet also get sick. Although
it is said that these animals are hardy and very adaptable, they
are still dependant on the correct
Leopard gecko
husbandry to thrive. It is said that more than 80% of
Leopard gecko
diseases are due to incorrect keeping.
A healthy Leopard gecko should
always be bright, alert and almost always willing to eat. Sick
Leopard geckos will hide away under obstacles for long
periods of time and do not spend most of the evening actively
walking around looking for food. Some sick Leopard geckos can
also have a poorly fleshed bodies and tails with visible
wrinkles on the skin, while others will have ocular, oral and/or nasal discharges.
Faecal matter which should
mainly consist of two parts should always be semi-solid and
never too watery or runny. The darker part of the faeces should
be firm and free from excessive slime, blood and should not
contain large amounts of undigested particles. A sick Leopard
gecko will often present with diarrhoea.
Symptoms of a sick Leopard gecko are the
following:
Partial or complete anorexia (lack of
appetite)
-
Weight loss & poor body condition (esp.
seen in the tail)
-
Diarrhoea (abnormal or runny
faeces and / or cloacal soiling)
Lumps, bumps, sores & abrasions on the skin
-
Dehydration (wrinkled skin &
sunken eyes)
Paralysis or lameness of the limbs or tail
-
Weakness (lying flat)
-
Sudden or regular abnormal
(jerky) movements of head & extremities
-
Head tilting & circling
Mucous secretions from the mouth or nose
Lethargy or dullness (unaware of its surroundings)
Laboured breathing
If any of the mentioned
signs are seen a
Leopard gecko friendly veterinarian should be consulted without
hesitation.
Leopard Gecko Diseases
Not all animals get the same diseases. Some diseases can be seen
in a variety of species, but differs with regards to their
severity or frequency. Some diseases might look exactly the
same, but they are caused by different disease processes.
Common Leopard gecko diseases include the following
(links will open in a new window):
Sick Leopard Gecko
Veterinary Consult
A sick Leopard gecko should be
evaluated by a
Leopard gecko friendly
veterinarian as soon as possible! The vet
will take a short history on how the Leopard gecko is kept. Be
honest and do not answer what you think the vet wants to hear.
This will aid in the diagnoses. Remember to accompany the
Leopard gecko with a
fresh / wet stool sample sealed in an airtight sealable bag. |