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Glossary Of Terms
  References Cited
 

Therapeutics
  Introduction
  This section was designed to provide you with a basic look into the more common therapeutics used when dealing with leopard geckos.  

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Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common medical techniques and procedures.
  The Immune System 
  An immune system that has been compromised in any way, can leave your leopard gecko more susceptible to health problems such as infections and parasites.  There are several different factors that can affect the status of your leopard gecko's immune system:
  • The nutritional state of the leopard gecko.
  • The environmental temperatures in the enclosure.
  • The age of the leopard gecko.
  • Seasonal variations.
  • Stress.
  Things To Consider
  When your leopard gecko is sick or injured, your veterinarian will consider several different factors when trying to develop the most appropriate therapeutic plan to help your gecko.  The various things that are considered could include:
  • The effects of various dosages of medications on leopard geckos.
  • The nutritional status of the gecko.
  • The status of the immune system.
  • The body temperature of the gecko.
  • The hydration of the gecko.

Click here to learn more about Hospitalization versus Homecare.

  How To Administer Drugs
  The preferred method of administration of a given drug will depend on:
  • The type of drug being used.
  • The size of the reptile.

There are four different ways that drugs may be administered to a leopard gecko.  These include:

  • Orally (PO)
    - Usually administered using a ball-tipped feeding needle.
    - Should be administered slowly into the oral cavity to cause the gecko to lick and   swallow.
    - May need to gently tap the nose to get the gecko to open its mouth.

  • Injections (IM, SC)
    - Your veterinarian will either do this or will show you how to administer drugs properly using this method.
    - The effects of the gecko's renal-portal system must be taken into consideration when administering drugs this way.
    - Typically administered in the anterior (front part) of the body to avoid the renal-portal system.

  • Topical application.
    - Often used for treating skin problems, stomatitis, abrasions, abscesses, thermal burns, bacterial infections, fungal infections and more.
    - Often applied with a fresh cotton swab.
    - Usually applied after wound cleansing and debridment.
    - Paper towels should be used as a substrate during treatment period.
    - Ensure water dishes are not large enough for the gecko to soak in during the treatment period (to ensure the ointment is not washed off or ingested).


  • Aerosol and nebulization therapy.
    - Commonly used for severe respiratory infections.
    - Usually used in conjunction with various systemic antibiotics, supportive care, hydration, nutritional support and proper temperature gradients.

What is the renal-portal system?

The renal portal system is essentially blood vessels (veins) that carry blood from the posterior (lower) part of the body to the kidneys. Oxygenated blood is then carried to the kidneys by the renal arteries.

The renal portal system is something that is kept in mind when injecting drugs into any gecko and in some cases (especially with those drugs that are nephrotoxic), it is best to avoid the renal portal system. In some cases, the drugs may even be eliminated through the kidneys before it has a chance to be distributed to where it is needed.  This is why the drugs are typically injected in the front half of the gecko.

  Types Of Medications Used
 

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