Common Medical Techniques and Procedures: Cleansing and Disinfecting

Introduction

This section was designed to provide you with an in-depth look into the issue of cleansing and disinfecting with leopard geckos. Doing these properly could ultimately keep your gecko healthy and prevent the exposure of the gecko to potential pathogens. Proper disinfection can ultimately work to control infections and should always be an integral part of a therapeutic plan.

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common medical techniques and procedures.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting

Cleaning

Refers to the actual physical removal of any debris (ie fecal matter, blood, dirt ...).
Will help reduce the exposure to potential pathogens.
Everything should be cleansed before being disinfected. This will enable the full penetration of the disinfecting agent to the respective surface.
A good example would be liquid dish soap.

Disinfecting

Refers to a physical or chemical agent that will actually kill a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
While it can significantly reduce the number of pathogens over cleaning, it will not sterilize a surface.
True sterilization can only be accomplished with the use of specific chemicals, heat or even steam.

Important Guidelines

Doubling the concentration of a disinfectant will not necessarily cut the required contact time between the surface and the disinfectant itself.
Never mix different cleansers and disinfectants together unless you have been properly advised to. This could not only produce dangerous compounds and gases, but it may even decrease the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
Avoid cleansers that contain phenols or pine scents as these are highly toxic.
All objects should be thoroughly cleansed before being disinfected.
Always read the product labels very carefully!!!
Use water to wash the glass of the enclosure. Other cleaners (such as a vinegar and water mixture) can only be used if the gecko is not in the enclosure at the time and you can thoroughly rinse all residue and fumes before putting the gecko back into the enclosure.

Selecting The Right Product

Not all disinfectants will be effective with all problems. There are essentially 5 types of disinfectants to choose from:

Inorganic iodine products (Betadine, povidone-iodine...)
Ammonia (5% ammonia solution often used with Cryptosporidum)
Household bleach (5-10% mixture - most commonly used)
Chlorhexidine products (ie Nolvasan)
Quartenary ammonium products (ie Roccal-D)

In order to select the right disinfecting product you need to base it on:

what pathogens or parasites might be present, if any.
the efficacy of the product itself
the risk of infection

Always talk to your veterinarian when trying to decide what would be the most effective disinfectant in your situation. They will also be able to instruct you on how to use it properly.

How To Use A Disinfectant

When dealing with sick or injured pets, you should always contact your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate disinfecting technique and schedule for your situation.

Always cleanse and rinse all items/enclosures thoroughly before applying a disinfectant. Remove all signs of debris.
Minimum recommended contact time between the disinfectant and the surface is between 15 and 20 minutes.
One can soak smaller cages, water dishes and cage furniture in the disinfectant. For larger habitants it may be easier to spray the disinfectant onto the surface.
Rinse items thoroughly with fresh water to remove any trace amounts of residue and/or fumes.
Use a disinfectant in a well ventilated area.
It is recommended that you wear latex gloves during cleaning and disinfecting.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before/after cleaning and disinfecting.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Schedules

By developing a comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting schedule, you are helping to prevent the possible growth of bacteria and other organisms - this will decrease the chances of your gecko coming into contaminated matter and developing health problems.

Talk to your veterinarian about the optimal schedule for you and your gecko if there are any on-going health issues/concerns.

Daily Chores

Remove any fecal matter, urates, shed skin and other debris.
Cleanse and disinfect objects that may have fecal matter deposited on them.
Cleanse and disinfect water bowls.
Replace substrate if necessary/applicable.

Weekly Chores

Thorough cleansing and disinfecting of the enclosures.
Thorough cleansing and disinfecting of all interior items.
Replace substrate if necessary/applicable.

Bi-Monthly Chores

Replace sand if being used as a substrate.

Dr. Gecko prefers to clean and disinfect enclosures during the dusk or early dawn hours so as to not disrupt the natural sleeping period of a leopard gecko. These geckos are nocturnal and sleep during the day and cleaning out the enclosure during the daylight hours may stress the gecko.