Leopard Gecko Health: Internal Parasites

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.

Why are internal parasites a problem in captivity?

Many different kinds of parasites make up a normal part of the natural flora found in a leopard gecko. In low numbers and assuming the gecko is otherwise healthy and is receiving proper husbandry practices, treatment may not be warranted/necessary.

Problems in captivity tend to suppress a leopard gecko's immune system, thereby making the gecko more susceptible to health problems resulting from the internal parasites that it may be harboring. Potential contributing problems in captivity could include:

Inappropriate/altered diet.
Stress
Overcrowding
Inappropriate heating and lighting.
Inappropriate hiding areas.
Problems with the substrate.

The other major problem in captivity is unclean cages which could result in a much higher load of parasites. Once the parasite becomes present in higher loads, it may result in health problems with respect to the leopard gecko. This is why regular cleaning and disinfecting is critical to maintaining a healthy gecko.

In the wild, a leopard is not confined to a small environmental area which means the concentration of parasites tend to be quite low for the most part.

Basic Terminology

In order to understand the nature and role of specific internal parasites with respect to leopard geckos, it may be beneficial to have an understanding of some basic terminology.

	Dead end host This type of host will only provide nutrients and protection from the environment (shelter) for a parasitic organism but it will not provide them with a place to reproduce.
	Definitive host A host that provides the parasitic organism with nutrients, protection from the environment (shelter) as well as a place to reproduce.
	Direct life cycle These are parasitic organisms that do not require an intermediate host (ie multiple hosts) in order to reproduce.
	Host This is a living organism (such as a gecko or an insect) within which a parasitic organism can live.
	Indirect life cycle Some parasitic organisms will only require a single host in order to complete their life cycles (ie reproduction).
	Intermediate host Some parasitic organisms will require more than one host in order to complete their life cycles (ie reproduction).

Common Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms that your leopard gecko may exhibit if it is infected with internal parasites. Ultimately the types of symptoms will depend on the type of parasite itself. Common signs of internal parasites include:

Possible Causes

There are several different types of internal parasites that could cause healthy problems in leopard geckos. For a more in-depth discussion (including diagnosis, specific symptoms, treatment etc...) of each parasite, please choose from the type of parasites below:

Nematodes
- Ascarids (Roundworms)
- Filarial nematodes
- Hepatic worms (Capillaria)
- Hookworms
- Lungworms
- Pinworms
- Stomach worms
- Strongyloides
Protozoans
- Amebiasis
- Coccidia
- Cryptosporidium
- Flagellates
- Hemoparasites
Trematodes
- Flukes
Cestodes
- Tapeworms
Pentastomids
- Raillietiealla spp.
Subcutaneous parasites

Diagnostic Techniques

There are several different techniques available to your veterinarian to help determine the possible presence of internal parasites. These could include:

Complete physical examination.
Detailed patient history and overview of husbandry.
Fecal exams.
Blood work.

Treatment Options

For the most appropriate treatment options, please click on the type of parasite above under, Possible Causes.

Therapeutics: Medications used for treating internal parasites.

It is recommended that you wear gloves while handling an infected leopard gecko and disinfecting.

When dealing with medical problems such as internal parasites, proper personal hygiene, quarantine and disinfection techniques are absolutely necessary. Treating the gecko alone without treating the environment will NOT eliminate the problem!

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!