Ailments a Leopard Gecko Can Get

Whenever you have a leopard gecko, you have a very special pet. However, there are a lot of different ailments your Leopard Gecko can display that you will need to be familiar with. This is because they are prone to these illnesses, but whenever you are able to recognize them ahead of time, you will be able to head off any problems before they become serious.

Mouth Rot

Mouth rot is a type of mouth infection that can occur if a leopard gecko is kept in unsanitary conditions or at a low temperature. You will notice this illness in your leopard gecko because his mouth will swell up and there will be the presence of what looks like a cheesy tissue. Other signs include bloody gums, loss of appetite, blackening of the teeth and yellowish buildup between the teeth. Treatment includes antibiotics and daily cleaning of the area. Without this treatment, this condition can be fatal.

Parasites

Both internal and external parasites can affect your gecko. Symptoms of this leopard gecko ailment include sudden weight loss, constipation, bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting and sluggish movement. Internal parasites need to be treated by a vet, as they will require either an oral or injected medication. If they are external parasites, then more than likely they are mites (tiny blood sucking insects). In this case you will want to thoroughly bathe your gecko. Quickly dip him in cooking oil then soak up any excess with a towel. Make sure that you also clean the terrarium. Dispose of any substrate and live plants. Wrap any items that you keep in aluminum foil and place in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. Soak the terrarium in bleach for 18 to 24 hours before rinsing it thoroughly and airing it out.

Respiratory Infections

Keeping your gecko at a cold temperature for an extended amount of time will cause his immune system to become suppressed, which in turn will lead to respiratory infections. Some of the signs to be on the lookout for are mucus bubbles on his nostrils and labored breathing. This can be remedied by simply increasing the habitat’s temperature.

Metabolic Bone Disease

A lack of dietary supplementation can lead to metabolic bone disease. This can cause soft bones, weakness, impaired mobility and even disfigurement. By simply ensuring that your gecko gets the proper supplements he will begin to recover. If not, you will need take him to a veterinarian.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *