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 Common
Medical Techniques and Procedures: Quarantine
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This section was designed to provide you with an
in-depth look into the reasons behind quarantining new
geckos and how to do this properly.
All newly acquired geckos should ideally be
quarantined for approximately 90 to 120 days. If
problems develop with the gecko during the quarantine
period, this period may need to be extended until the
problem has been dealt with and eliminated.
Please read our Disclaimer
before reading any further into these common medical techniques
and procedures.
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- It will enable you to determine whether or not a gecko
is feeding and drinking.
- It will enable you to determine if the gecko is
gaining, losing or maintaining its weight.
- You will be able to monitor the individual gecko
stool. Bring the gecko's first two stools minimum
into the vet for a fecal
exam even if it appears normal.
- You can easily determine the presence of external
parasites such as mites and ticks and prevent them from
being passed on to the rest of your animals.
- You can diagnose any potential health
problem(s) and provide the appropriate treatment.
- It will help you make any necessary modifications to
the gecko's
habitat based on their behaviors (ie regulate the
temperature gradients to ensure proper
thermoregulation).
- You will be able to isolate potential pathogens as
part of your infection control program.
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- Both wild caught and captive born geckos need to be
quarantined.
- Keep the gecko in a separate room from the rest of
your pets. This will help prevent the spread of
any parasites and other potential pathogens.
- Maintain a simple and easy to disinfect
enclosure.
- Cage furniture should ideally be something that is
disposable or easy to disinfect (ie not porous).
- Be sure to provide all the basic
requirements for the gecko including substrate,
basking areas, heat, light, humidity, shelters and fresh
water.
- Substrate should ideally be paper towel, newsprint or
butcher paper. This makes it easy to replace and
to monitor the stools on. It will also be easier
to spot external
parasites such as mites.
- Observe the gecko closely. Refer to the Checklist
of a Health Gecko.
- House a single gecko in a single enclosure - do not
group geckos together.
- Maintain a daily
log. Monitor feeding, drinking, activity,
shedding, body weight, behavior etc...
- Practice proper hygiene
to prevent the spread of pathogens to other reptiles or
yourself.
- Recommended that you have a minimum of 3 fecal
exams done or cultures 5 days apart to check for the
possible presence of internal parasites.
- Do not share the uneaten food with other reptiles -
this can pass on potentially harmful pathogens.
All uneaten food should be disposed of.
- Do not share cage furniture, handling
equipment...without proper disinfection.
- Its a good idea to handle/clean/disinfect the
quarantined gecko after the already established
collection.
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