Leopard Gecko Health: Bacterial Infections

Background Information

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common problems. As with any medical problem, we strongly recommend that you immediately contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms exhibited by a leopard gecko will depend on the type of bacteria that is involved. In many cases, overt symptoms of disease may only be apparent in those individual geckos that have an already suppressed immune system (due to a variety of reasons including improper husbandry) or have been exposed to a high number of pathogenic bacteria.

Common Bacteria

There are a large number of different bacterial microorganisms that can result in health problems with leopard geckos. Below is a brief description of the most common ones.

Aeromonas

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Commonly associated with: septicemia, respiratory problems, stomatitis and skin lesions.
Treatment is usually considered when present in high numbers or if the leopard gecko is showing overt signs of disease.

Pseudomonas

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Health problems are usually secondary to immune suppression resulting from improper husbandry.
Commonly associated with: septicemia, respiratory problems and stomatitis.
Treatment is usually considered when present in high numbers or if the leopard gecko is showing overt signs of disease.

Mycobacteria

Health problems are usually secondary to immune suppression resulting from improper husbandry (especially low environmental temperatures and poor enclosure sanitation/cleaning).
Commonly associated with: anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, joint swellings, diarrhea, respiratory problems and depression.

Salmonella

These are opportunistic bacteria/pathogen that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Affected geckos often show no overt signs of disease. Some may show some evidence of crusting skin problems.
Care should be taken around those with suppressed immune systems especially with humans as it can be transmitted to humans.
Strict hygiene must be practiced at all times!

Serratia

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Commonly associated with caseated abscesses.

Klebsiella

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Commonly associated with: stomatitis, hypopyon and pneumonia.
Treatment is usually considered when present in high numbers or if the leopard gecko is showing overt signs of disease.

Providencia

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Treatment is usually considered if the leopard gecko is showing overt signs of disease.

Escherichia coli

These are opportunistic bacteria that may be normally present as part of the normal flora in low numbers.
Commonly associated with: diarrhea, dehydration, stomatitis, skin and respiratory infections.
Treatment is considered when the leopard gecko is showing overt signs of disease.
Often becomes a problem when coupled with improper husbandry and poor enclosure sanitation/cleaning.

Diagnostic Techniques

The diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian will depend on the type of bacteria that is suspected. These techniques could include:

Physical examination.
Detailed patient history and overview of husbandry.
Gram-stain
Periodic acid-Schiff stain
Fecal cultures.
Acid-fast stain.
Culture and sensitivity testing.
Cytology

Treatment Options

The most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the bacteria involved, the symptoms and the severity of the problem.

Correct any husbandry or environmental problems.
Appropriate use of antibiotics.
Wound flushing of any lesions.
Removal/treatment of abscesses if present.
Fluid therapy.
Supportive care.

Many different kinds of bacteria make up a normal part of the natural flora found in a leopard gecko. In low numbers and assuming the gecko is otherwise healthy and is receiving proper husbandry practices, treatment may not be warranted/necessary. Your veterinarian is the one that is most qualified to make this final decision.

When dealing with medical problems, proper personal hygiene, quarantine and disinfection techniques are absolutely necessary.

Still Confused Or Concerned?

If you would like more information or further assistance, or just want to chat some more about leopard geckos, please feel free to post on the Reptile Rescue, Canada Leopard Gecko Forum!