Common Diseases for Leopard Geckos

Most leopard geckos bred in captivity will typically be healthy when purchased, but there are a few common health problems that gecko owners should be able to recognize, prevent and treat to extend the lifespan of their gecko.

  1. Calcium Deficiency

    • Calcium is an essential staple of a leopard gecko's diet. When a deficiency exists a gecko will eat substrate, the material such as sand, at the bottom of an aquarium. This behavior will cause intestinal blockage, which is fatal. A constant supply of calcium supplements and small easy-to-digest substrate is critical to the health of the leopard gecko.

    Mouth Infections

    • Mouth infections, also known as mouth rot can occur in leopard geckos with unsanitary habitats, as a consequence from fighting or an accidental injury. Signs of mouth rot are swelling and presence of a cheesy looking tissue. Treatment for a mouth infection is antibiotics and daily cleaning of infected area.

    Parasites

    • Captive-held leopard geckos are still susceptible to external and internal parasites, such as ticks, pinworms and mites. Practicing proper hygiene, keeping the habitat clean and quarantining new additions to a habitat are ways to avoid parasite infections

    Respiratory Infections

    • Keeping a pet gecko in cold temperatures for extended periods of time will cause immune system suppression and respiratory infections. Signs of this infection will be mucus bubbles on the nostrils and labored breathing. A common cure for a respiratory infection in a leopard gecko is to simply increase the temperature of their habitat.