Possible Causes

As with many other problems encountered with leopard geckos, there could be a wide range of possible contributing factors that you and your vet will work through and start to eliminate.  Most of the time, nutritional disorders are related to improper husbandry practices and not actually any disease.   The more common causes could include: Improper environmental temperatures and humidity levels. Improper lighting schedule - lack of a regular photoperiod. Lack of a secure hiding place. Food is being offered in the wrong place. Offering the wrong kind of food. Offering food at the wrong time of day. Improper feeding schedule. Improper supplementation schedule/products. Stress. Failure of a wild-caught specimen to adjust to captivity Breeding season. Dominate individual preventing others from  eating or may eat most of the food. Dystocia (egg binding) Gastrointestinal problems. Internal parasites. External parasites Bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Foreign body obstruction or impaction. Respiratory disease. Neoplasia. Other medical problems.

Diagnostic Techniques   There are many different diagnostics techniques available to determine the potential cause and/or severity of a nutritional disorder.  The most appropriate technique will depend on various circumstances and the results of other testing that may have been carried out. Evaluation of husbandry practices and detailed case history. Physical exam Fecal exams Blood work Cultures  Biopsies Radiography Ultrasound, endoscopy ...   Treatment Options   Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause of the problem.  If the anorexia is deemed not to be a form of seasonal slowdown, the therapeutic plan could include: Fixing contributing environmental/husbandry problems. Treating any disease that may be present. Nutritional support. Assist or force feeding (only recommended by a veterinarian and how to do this properly by your veterinarian). 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!

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