Leopard Gecko Health: Digit Abnormalities

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

When assessing your gecko for possible problems of this nature, your veterinarian will look for several things including evidence of:

Dysecdysis (improper shedding)
Abrasions and wounds
Thermal burns
Infections
...and more

Possible Causes

Most of the digit abnormalities seen in leopard geckos come as a result of improper husbandry. These and other common causes include:

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
Improper environmental conditions.
Inappropriate cleansing and disinfecting.
Nutritional problems.
Trauma
Bite wounds
Fractures
Swellings
Thermal burns
Retained sheds (shedding problems)
Neoplasia

Diagnostic Techniques

There are a variety of diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian which could include:

Complete physical examination.
Detailed patient history and review of husbandry.
Culture and sensitivity testing for any possible infections.
Radiographs
Cytology

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause and severity of the problem. It is important to note that healing in reptiles can be a very slow process. If these wounds are left untreated, secondary infection may set in.

Maintain the appropriate environmental temperatures to help with the healing process.
Keep the cage as clean as possible and practice good hygiene and disinfections.
Ensure proper nutrition.
Do not use a cage substrate that can stick to the wounds.
Thorough cleansing of the wound using an appropriate wound flushing agent.
Application of topical antibiotic ointment.
Treatment of any burns, fractures, retained shed ...
Amputation may be necessary in extreme cases.
Treatment of any possible secondary infection with the appropriate medication.

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!