Leopard Gecko Health: Fungal 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.

Types Of Mycoses

There are 3 different categories of fungal infections:

1. Superficial Mycoses

a) Dermatophytosis

Also known as ringworm.

Caused by: Mircosporum, Trichophyton, Epidemophyton.

These fungi can only live on the superficial dead layers of skin.

b) Yeasts

These are commonly caused by Candida and tend to attack those geckos with already compromised immune systems.

They tend to affect those tissues that remain moist.

2. Intermediate Mycoses

Usually contacted after the penetration of the skin with a foreign object of some kind. Can also be acquired though, via the gecko's digestive tract.

Overt disease tends to be produced in geckos whose immune system is already compromised/suppressed.
Examples include: Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, Dermatophyton, Beauvaria and Trichoderma.
Common treatment options include the surgical removal of the affected region since most antifungal medications have little effect.

3. Systemic Mycoses

These are normally acquired by inhaling the infectious spores.
Typically characterized by respiratory problems.
Examples include: Coccidiocles immitis, Histoplasm capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitis.
Treatment includes the use of system antifungals such as Ketoconazole or Itraconazole.

Possible Causes

There are a variety of different factors that can lead to a leopard gecko developing a fungal infection. Usually the most common contributing factors are related to improper husbandry.

Fungal infections are often found in geckos that already have a suppressed immune system (resulting from disease, improper temperatures, inadequate nutrition, improper humidity etc...).
Exposure to fungal spores.
Overuse of antibiotics.
Environmental humidity levels that are too high - this can support fungal growth (especially in the substrate).
Environmental temperatures that are too low. Not only do improper temperatures affect the immune system, but fungi tend to grow more rapidly at these lower temperatures.

Diagnostic Techniques

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

Physical examination.
Detailed patient history and overview of husbandry.
Microscopic examination of the scales.
Fungal culture.
Biopsy
Cytology

Treatment Options

The treatment options available for your leopard gecko will depend on the type of mycoses present and the severity of the problem. The options could include:

Address and correct and husbandry and environmental problems.
Antiseptic washes.
Topical application of antifungal ointments.
Environmental decontamination/disinfection.
Systemic medications such as Ketoconazole or Itraconazole.
Surgical removal of the affected area.

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!