Signs of Coccidia; Dehydration Anorexia Secondary bacterial infection

Coccidia are tiny protozoan parasites that invade the intestinal lining to reproduce. Their egg-like structures are passed with the fecal matter into the environment. They then infect another host. Take a stool sample to a vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Gastroenteritis:

Signs of Gastroenteritis include:

	Presence of undigested cricket instead of dry feces.
	Lethargy
	Anorexia
	Water/bloody stools

The most common cause is a bacterial infection. You will need to take a stool sample to a vet to find the exact cause as well as a treatment.

Metabolic bone disease:

Signs of metabolic bone disease include:

	Lethargy
	Weakness
	Painful movement
	Softened jaw
	Swollen or distorted limbs

Lack of calcium with vitamin D3 is the most common cause. Treatment should include increased calcium supplementation and increased exposure to full spectrum lighting. This should quickly improve your leopards conditions. You may also consider taking a badly affiliated gecko to the vet for a calcium shot.

Mouth rot:

Symptoms of mouth rot:

	Swelling of mouth
	Malocclusion
	Failure to eat well
	Cheese like pus

Mouth rot in leopard geckos is generally caused by fighting. Clean the infected area with hydrogen peroxide or diluted Betadine. A light layer of Neosporin should be applied daily until it heals.

Respiratory Infections

Symptoms of respiratory infections:

	Gapping of mouth
	Labored expiration
	Lethargy

The cause of respiratory infections in leopard geckos is exposure to cool temperatures for prolonged periods of time. To treat raise daytime temperatures to 84-86F, and night time temperatures to 80F. If no improvement is seen, take to a veterinarian.

Shedding Problems:

Signs of shedding problems:

	Incomplete shedding
	Parts of shed skin remain

Moisten the shed and gently remove. Shed problems may be avoided by using a moist hide box. This can be created the same as an egg laying site.

Skin Infections:

Signs of skin infections:

	Skin discoloration
	Sores

The underlying cause usually is unclean conditions. It may also be caused by shedding problems. Treatment starts with cleaning the enclosure. You can treat sores with Polysporin or Neosporin.

Tail Loss:

It will be fairly obvious that a leopard gecko lost or dropped its tail. It won't have one. Causes can be fighting or some other trauma. Keep singly, any leopard that dropped its tail until it regenerates a new one. The tail is where leopards store fat and metabolic water. Feed often.

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