Leopard Gecko Health: Dysecdysis

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.

Leopard geckos go through regular periods of shedding which is also known as ecydsis. These geckos will shed their entire body all at once and not in individual sections. As the gecko goes through the shed cycle, the skin will become dull and take on a milky hue. The old skin will eventually start to peel off with a little bit of help from the gecko. Most geckos will then eat the shed skin. Once the gecko has shed, its colours are vibrant and bright once again.

The frequency of shedding in leopard geckos is dependent upon:

Age of the gecko	Reproductive status
Rate of growth	Parasites
Environmental factors	Hormones
Nutritional factors	Infection (bacterial, viral or fungal)

What Is Dysecdysis?

Dysecdysis is defined as improper or difficult shedding. After shedding, the retained skin will appear firmly attached to the underlying new skin. One may also see dry, flaking skin as well.

Improper shedding can be quite dangerous around extremities such as the tail and digits. It is critical to remove any retained shed as soon as possible or the skin will shrink, dry and constrict the bloodflow to the area. This can lead to necrosis (tissue death) in the affected digit and it may eventually fall of. There is also the chance that infection will set it.

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

Possible Causes

As with many other problems encountered with leopard geckos, there could be a wide range of possible contributing factors that you and your vet will work through and start to eliminate. Most of the time, improper shedding is related to improper husbandry practices and not actually any disease.

Humidity level is too low (or lack of a humid hide)
Lack of a rubbing object to get the shed started
Improper temperature
Site of a previous injury/trauma
Hypervitaminosis A and hypovitaminosis A
Metabolic Bone Disease
External parasites
Thyroid problems
Bacterial or fungal infections
Systemic diseases (ie septicemia)
Thermal burns
Neoplasia

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause of the problem.

Closely examine the gecko's habitat/environment and make any necessary modifications to temperatures, humidity etc...
Treat any ongoing disease or health problems - contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and therapeutic plan.
Implement a proper supplementation schedule.
Provide a humid hide/shelter for the gecko to retreat to in order to ensure proper shedding.
Gently remove retained shed.

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

Removing Retained Shed

As noted above, it is critical to remove any retained shed as soon as possible. The best treatment is ultimately preventing the problem.

Ensure the provision of a humid hide/shelter.
Warm water soaks and then gently working off the old skin.
Gently rub the affected area with a moistened cotton swab and then gently working off the old skin.
Do not force the skin - it may take several treatments to soften the skin enough for gentle removal.
For eye areas use a cotton swab moistened with saline or an opthamalic lubricant. Contact your veterinarian first though for advice.

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 Rooms Leopard Gecko Forum!