Leopard Gecko Health: Neoplasia

Background Information

Neoplasia is easily defined as a new and abnormal growth of tissue. These growths often pose health threats to the gecko itself and tend not to have any beneficial function. Not only does neoplasia affect all reptiles, it can affect any part of the reptile body as well.

These growths can either be malignant or benign. They can be composed of a single cell or even multiple cells.

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

When your veterinarian is presented with any sort of an abnormal growth, they will need to rule out any other conditions that may produce similar swellings that are not neoplastic in nature. Some things that are similar include:

Gravid females.
Recently ingested food items.
Lumps, bumps and abscesses.
Septicemia.
Enlarged or firm kidneys.

Possible Causes

There are a wide variety of possible causes behind neoplasia and more research in underway into reptiles and neoplasia - not too much is known at this point. Some of the possible causes that have been identified already include:

Viruses
Leeches, flukes
Immune suppression
Possible geographic factors
Possible environmental factors
Possible genetic links
Exposure toadiation
Trauma

Diagnostic Techniques

There are many different diagnostics techniques available to determine the potential cause of the diarrhea. The most appropriate technique will depend on various circumstances and the results of other testing that may have been carried out. Unfortunately most neoplasias are not diagnosed until a necropsy is performed.

Thorough patient history and examination.
Fecal analysis
Blood work
Radiographs
Urinalysis
Cytology
Culture and sensitivity testing
CT scans
MRI scans
Impression smears
Skin scrapings
Endoscopy

Treatment Options

The treatment options available to date are limited and the success of them varies from patient to patient. Some of the treatment options available to your veterinarian include:

Surgical removal of the growth/tissue.
Radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy (really limited use and success at this point).
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involving the use of a laser to kill abnormal cells.
Cryosurgery.

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!