Have you ever experienced that your leopard gecko was suffering from a certain disease and you didn’t know what to do? This is a basic problem for owners who are not familiar with the most common diseases of leopard geckos. One of the most important things is to recognize the symptoms and know the best course of action to take. Here are some of the most common leopard gecko illnesses and possible solutions whenever they occur.
1. Osteodystrophy and hypocalcemia. These are usually caused by calcium deficiency due to poor diet. These result in loss of bone density, leading to underdevelopment and brittle bones that break easily. Symptoms of these include body weakness, chills, as well as enlarged legs and limbs. These can be treated with calcium injections or oral calcium as well as correction of nutritional needs.
2. Constipation. This happens when a gecko swallows substrates like sand, gravel, or bark chips, eventually blocking the excretory system. Small amounts of mineral oil can be given when they swallow small pieces of substrates. Other severe cases may require surgery to remove the substance. Be careful when serving food to your pets. Liquid or aqueous substances can wet substrates and stick to the food they eat.
3. Oral and respiratory infections. These are the result of an excessively high humidity level, unsanitary enclosures, or an unbalanced diet. Symptoms of mouth infections are swollen mouth, bleeding gums, bad odor or drooling. Respiratory infections are evident when your pet is panting profusely or when there is a mucous discharge from the mouth or nose. Giving your pet antibiotics and maintaining a healthy diet and shelter are the best cure.
4. Intestinal parasites. This is caused by severe intestinal parasites found in the intestines, resulting in diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and stool protruding into the anus. Immediate examination of your gecko’s fresh waste is necessary. This can be treated with medication and keeping a clean enclosure to prevent this type of disease.
5. Xanthomatosis. This is a disease caused by excessive fat intake and can lead to organ damage due to the formation of cholesterol in the abdomen and internal organs. This is usually the result of obesity, especially if your gecko eats too much fatty prey such as waxworms, butterworms, and mealworms. You can see this when your pet loses its appetite and weight (usually manifested in a thinner tail) but has a large abdomen. This can be prevented by giving them foods rich in protein and vitamins.
These illnesses that leopard geckos often experience can be prevented by maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, providing a clean and hygienic shelter, and closely monitoring your pet’s behavior. Diagnosing the symptoms and promptly identifying the disease will usually save your leopard gecko’s life. Since pets depend on their owners, it is the latter’s responsibility to take care of them.