Leopard Gecko Health: Thermal Burns

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

If you suspect your gecko may have a thermal burn, you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. Here are the more common symptoms/signs of thermal burns:

Pain
Discolouration of the skin/scales.
Wrinkling of the scales.
Blisters
Crusting ooze (dried plasma).
Dehydration.

One tends to find thermal burns in a more local area unlike bacterial or fungal dermatis which may be more widespread. Common thermal burn spots include the bottom of the gecko and the top of the gecko.

Possible Causes

There are several different factors and situations that can lead to thermal burns on your gecko. These include:

The gecko came into direct contact with a heating source.
The gecko was unable to thermoregulate properly if the entire cage floor was heated.
The cage was placed in direct sunlight.
The cage over-heated because of a lack of ventilation.
You failed to regularly check the temperatures and the proper functioning of the heating equipment.

Diagnostic Techniques

If you suspect your gecko may have a thermal burn, you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. The diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian include:

A complete physical examination
A complete patient history
Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing for possibly infected burn sites.

Treatment Options

Ultimately the most appropriate therapeutic plan will depend on the severity of the problem. It is important to note that burns in leopard geckos heal very slowly and it may even take 6 to 10 sheds to heal completely. You can expect to see scarring afterwards.

Here are the more common treatment options available to your veterinarian:

Removing the source/cause of the burn.
Debridment (removal) of any necrotic (dead) tissue.
Application of water soluable topical antibiotics (ie Polysporin, Neosporin, Betadine, Silvadene cream...).
Application of wet or dry bandages in some cases.
Oral or injectable antibiotics used in cases of septicemia and infection.
Fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy for large burns or if dehydration is present.
Supportive care with strict attention to temperatures and nutrition.
Replacement of the cage substrate to something that will not stick to the wounds such as paper towel.

The best treatment is prevention itself. Here are some ways that you can prevent thermal burns with your leopard gecko:

Do not place heating equipment inside the cage or where your gecko can come into direct contact with it.
Do not heat the entire floor of the cage. You must allow your gecko the opportunity to thermoregulate.
Do not place the cage in direct sunlight.
Make sure the cage is well ventilated to prevent it from over-heating.
Use a thermometer or several thermometers to monitor the temperature in the enclosure at all times.
Check your heating devices regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

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!