Sign & Symptoms of Parasites in Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are popular and interesting pets. They are small (up to 9 inches long) geckos with yellow skin and black spots, giving them their leopard-like appearance. Their tails will separate and fall off as a defense mechanism if they are in danger or frightened (the tails regrow later). Leopard geckos are nocturnal animals native to Pakistan and India that only eat live insects such as meal worms and crickets. They live up to 20 years when healthy and living in the right environment, but they can get some health-threatening parasites.

  1. Internal Parasites

    • Leopard geckos can contract internal parasites that cause discomfort, health problems and even death. Signs that your leopard gecko has internal parasites include loss of appetite (it leaves the meal worms in its dish untouched for more than a day), bloating, vomiting, bloody stools and sudden weight loss. It's a good idea to weigh your healthy gecko weekly so you can be aware of any changes in weight that may not be apparent visually. Because of the small size of this animal, it is not advisable to try to treat internal parasites yourself. The animal should be seen by a reptile specialist or a veterinarian specializing in exotic animal care.

    Mites

    • Your leopard gecko can contract mites from infested plants in the living environment, from overcrowding and unclean cage conditions or from a newly introduced gecko. Mites are tiny dark-colored bugs that look like specs of dirt, but they move. They are easily apparent on white paper towels that many gecko keepers use on the bottom of glass aquariums but the parasites are not so easy to see if a mulch or soil environment is used. Mites affect the health of leopard geckos by biting and sucking blood, and a few can quickly multiply and become a dangerous infestation. Any indication of mites on your leopard gecko will need quick action to cleanse the mites from your pet and clean and disinfect the living area.

    Mouth Rot

    • Mouth rot (stomatitis) is caused by a bacterial infection, usually from injury by fighting with another gecko or contact with something rough or hard. There may be swelling in the jaw area, pus or other malformations of the skin of the mouth. Mouth rot will interfere with eating and will get progressively worse if not cared for properly with veterinary treatment, although a mild case may be cleared up by gently swabbing with hydrogen peroxide and then an antiobiotic ointment.