Leopard Gecko Health: Seizures, Spasms and Tremors

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.

Seizures, spasms, tremors and convulsions in leopard geckos are extremely serious medical problems and require immediate veterinary intervention.

Symptoms Of Seizures

Uncontrolled body movement which may be accompanied by muscle tremors.
Gecko may flip on its back and roll uncontrollably.
Gecko may appear demented or confused.
May be unresponsive.

Possible Causes

Common Causes Of Seizures:

Head trauma.
Septicemia (bacteria in the bloodstream).
Bacterial, viral or protozoan menegitis.
Neoplasia (especially on the central nervous system).
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Intoxication (toxins in the blood).
Epilepsy
Gout
Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
Vitamin B1 and E deficiencies.
Infectious disease.

Common Causes Of Tremors

Calcium deficiency.
Glucose deficiency.
Biotin and thiamin deficiencies.

Diagnostic Techniques

The techniques most commonly used by veterinarians in diagnosing seizures, tremors, spasms and convulsions include:

Complete physical examination.
Detailed patient history and husbandry.
Radiographs
Blood work

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause and severity of the problem. There are serious medical problems that require immediate veterinary assistance.

The most common treatment options include:

Immediately contact your veterinarian.
Nutritional supplementation.
Treatment of any underlying disease.
Fluid replacement therapy.
Antibiotics.

The treatment of problems stemming from nutritional problems have a much better prognosis than those stemming from inflammatory, metabolic or infectious diseases.

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!