Leopard Gecko Health: Neurological Problems

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.

Neurological problems in leopard geckos are extremely serious medical problems and require immediate veterinary intervention.

Common Symptoms

There are a wide variety of different manifestations of postural abnormalities. The head is often the first part of the body that is affected. The most general signs include:

Total body weakness (paresis).
Listing to one specific side.
Loss of the righting reflex.
Inability to strike prey.
Paralysis

The more specific neurological symptoms can include:

Ataxia
Head tilt
Seizures
Walking in circles.
Star gazing.
Convulsions
Twitching
Muscle fasiculations.
Tetany

Possible Causes

There are a wide variety of different possible contributing factors to neurological problems in leopard geckos. The most common causes include:

Metabolic Problems
- Circulatory disturbance.
- Hypoglycemia
- Freezing damage.
Trauma
- Fractures
- Head trauma
Nutritional Problems
- Hypocalcemia
- Biotin deficiency
- Hypothiaminosis
Toxicities
- Insecticides
- Improper use or side effects to various pharmaceuticals
- Various chemical such as phenol-based cleaners and paint solvents.
- Cedar wood.
- Ingestion of lead.
- Nicotine
- Parrafin
- Napthalene
- Iodoforms
Infectious Problems
- Bacterial infections.
- Viral infections.
- Toxoplasma
- Acanthamebic Meningoencephalitis
Neoplasia

Diagnostic Techniques

There are a variety of diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian. The most common include:

Complete physical examination.
Complete patient history and overview of husbandry.
Neurological assessment.
Blood work.
Fecal exams.
Radiographs
Cytology
Culture and sensitivity testing
CT scans
MRI scans
Urinalysis

Treatment Options

The most appropriate treatment option will depend on the nature and cause of the actual problem. Some of the more common treatments include:

Nutritional and supplementation correction.
Treatment of underlying disease.
Provision of supportive care.
Removal of harmful substance/item from environment.
Prevent further exposure.

Please note that in many cases, damage to the central nervous is permanent and cannot be reversed. Successful treatment of the underlying disease/cause may not necessarily mean the overt symptoms will disappear.

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!