Leopard Gecko Health: Fractures

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

It can often be a bit tricky to identify a fracture on your own with a leopard gecko. Should you see any of the following signs, you should seek veterinary treatment immediately.

Bone fragment that is sticking through the skin.
Extremity or body part is swollen.
Gecko is not using a given leg or arm.
Arm or leg is bent in an unusual/awkward position or is dangling freely.
One arm or leg is shorter than the other arm or leg.

Possible Causes

The two causes of fractures in leopard geckos include:

Trauma
Fractures that are secondary to Metabolic Bone Disease

Diagnostic Techniques

As noted earlier, with any suspected medical problem, including a fracture, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance for your leopard gecko. Your vet will be able to determine the possible presence/absence of or severity of the fracture through the use of:

A complete physical examination.
Radiography

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause and severity of the problem. Fractures of any kind require IMMEDIATE veterinary assistance.

The rate of healing will depend on:

The type of fracture.
The bone that was involved.
The nutritional status of the given gecko.
Treatment time for traumatic fractures can range from 6 to 18 months.
Fractures that are the result of MBD for example, often heal within 6 to 8 weeks following the correction of the hypocalcemia.

Some of the treatment options available to your veterinarian include:

Cage rest and confinement may be all that is needed for minor fractures.
Immobilization of a fracture using fixation tools such as casts, splints and pins.
Severe fractures may require amputation. Most geckos will fair quite well after a partial of complete amputation of a limb.

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!