Leopard Gecko Health: Skin 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.

Common Symptoms

Here is a list of some of the more common skin problems that may been seen in leopard geckos:

Ulcers
Inflammation
Infections
Tumors
Dyscedysis
Abscesses
Abrasions
Blisters
Hyperpigmentation
Parasites - external and internal
Necrosis (tissue death)
Nodules
Dry, flaky patches
Trauma
Scarring
Petetchia
Edema
Discolouration
Cysts
Crusts
... and more

Possible Causes

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

Trauma
Environmental problems.
Heredity and congenital problems.
Nutritional or metabolic problems.
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
External parasites.
Internal parasites.

Diagnostic Techniques

There are a variety of diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian in the event of an abrasion or wound. These could include:

Complete physical examination.
Detailed patient history and review of husbandry.
Culture and sensitivity testing for any possible infections.
Biopsy

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the cause and severity of the skin problem. It is important to note that healing in reptiles can be a very slow process. If these wounds are left untreated, secondary infection may set in. Some of the more common treatment options include:

Correct any environmental problems.
Correct any nutritional problems.
Reduce stress.
Application of appropriate topical antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Administering of appropriate systemic antibiotics or antifungal medications.

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!