Respiratory infections are one of the most common health issues affecting leopard geckos. As leopard gecko owners, it’s important we understand what causes these infections, how to spot the symptoms, and how to properly treat them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about leopard gecko respiratory infections.
What Causes Respiratory Infections in Leopard Geckos?
There are a few key factors that can lead to respiratory infections in leopard geckos:
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Low temperatures: Leopard geckos are cold-blooded and require specific temperature gradients to maintain health. If the ambient temperature drops below 75°F, it can compromise their immune system and make them prone to infection.
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High humidity Humidity levels above 40% provide a breeding ground for bacteria Poor ventilation and substrate that retains moisture are common culprits for high humidity,
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Unsanitary enclosures: Built-up waste, uneaten food, and dust from substrates can harbor bacteria. Regular cleaning is essential.
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Stress Factors like overcrowding, excessive handling and relocation can stress leopard geckos. Stress weakens the immune system, allowing respiratory infections to take hold.
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Poor nutrition: Malnourishment makes leopard geckos vulnerable to illness. A balanced diet is key, especially for younger geckos.
The most common cause is a combination of low temperatures and high humidity. When their environment isn’t optimized, leopard geckos become susceptible to bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Respiratory Infection
Knowing the signs of a respiratory infection is critical. Here are the most common symptoms exhibited:
- Labored, open-mouth breathing
- Audible wheezing or clicking sounds
- Bubbles in the mouth and nose
- Discharge from the nostrils
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Keeping the head elevated
- Coughing
Mild infections may only show one or two symptoms. More severe infections display several symptoms. Rapid breathing, discharge, and lethargy indicate an advanced infection requiring swift veterinary attention.
Catching the symptoms early allows for quicker recovery. Monitor your gecko closely and be proactive if any symptoms manifest. Respiratory infections can rapidly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Treating a Leopard Gecko’s Respiratory Infection
If you suspect a respiratory infection, book a veterinarian appointment right away. Most cases require prescription antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection.
Your vet will likely prescribe:
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Antibiotics: Typically a 2-3 week course of oral or injectable baytril.
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Supplemental hydration: Fluids under the skin (subcutaneous) or orally with a syringe.
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Assist feeding: Syringe feeding high-calorie food if your gecko is underweight.
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Probiotics: To maintain good gut bacteria levels after antibiotic treatment.
You’ll also need to thoroughly clean and adjust your leopard gecko’s habitat:
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Disinfect the tank and accessories to destroy bacteria.
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Switch to a paper towel or tile substrate temporarily.
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Raise ambient temperatures to 78-80°F.
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Lower humidity to 30-40%. Improve ventilation if needed.
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Add supplemental heat like a ceramic heat emitter if nighttime temps are too low.
With antibiotics and proper husbandry, most mild respiratory infections clear up within 2-3 weeks. More severe infections can take over a month to fully resolve. Follow your vet’s directions closely and keep a close eye on symptoms. Call your vet if symptoms worsen or no improvement is seen within 5-7 days of starting treatment.
Preventing Respiratory Infections in Leopard Geckos
Prevention is always preferable to treatment. Here are some tips for keeping your leopard gecko healthy and free of respiratory infections:
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Maintain proper temperatures: Invest in a good thermometer and aim for a hot side of 88-92°F and a cool side above 75°F.
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Keep humidity below 40%: Improve ventilation and switch to less moisture-retentive substrates if needed.
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Use paper towel or textured tile substrates: Avoid particulate substrates like sand or coconut fiber.
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Perform partial weekly cleanings: Spot clean waste daily and disinfect the tank at least once a week.
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Avoid overcrowding: House leopard geckos separately unless for breeding. Juveniles can be housed together temporarily.
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Feed a balanced diet: Give a variety of insects and calcium supplementation.
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Have annual vet checkups: Even healthy geckos should see a vet yearly.
Following proper husbandry guidelines lowers respiratory infection risks significantly. Be especially diligent with hatchlings, juveniles, and newly acquired leopard geckos as they are most vulnerable to infection.
Respiratory Infections Don’t Need to be Deadly for Leopard Geckos
Respiratory infections are scary but very treatable if caught early. Know the signs, act quickly, and work closely with your vet. Preventative care is also hugely important.
With attentive husbandry and annual vet checks, respiratory issues can be avoided in most leopard geckos. Be a dedicated and responsible owner, and your gecko will enjoy a long, healthy life free of respiratory woes.
Risk Factors for Respiratory Infections in Reptiles
The number one risk factor for reptiles acquiring respiratory disease is a lack of suitable husbandry or routine veterinary care. Old, young, and immunocompromised reptiles are at additional risk for developing respiratory infections, and proper husbandry and veterinary care are even more critical in these groups. Stressed, sick, malnourished, or otherwise unhealthy individuals often acquire respiratory infections, which they cannot fight adequately due to a weakened immune system.
Causes of Respiratory Infections in Reptiles
Reptiles require consistent and specific husbandry for optimal health. Husbandry includes proper temperature, humidity, lighting, UV sources, diet, vitamin supplements, terrarium/aquarium space, and water quality. If these needs are not met, a reptile can become very sick, commonly with respiratory infections and multiple other metabolic, reproductive, ocular, skin, and bone diseases.
Good reptile husbandry is the core of a pet reptile’s overall health. Overcrowded, unhygienic conditions and stress contribute to the spread of respiratory disease. Reptiles in these conditions are weak, with fewer defenses that allow pathogens to invade and cause illness. However, it is necessary to note that even reptiles with proper husbandry can develop respiratory diseases, but it’s less common. Common causes of respiratory tract infections include:
- Bacterial respiratory diseases: Bacterial mouth infections (stomatitis) can spread from the mouth to the respiratory tract as a secondary effect. Bacterial agents include mycobacteria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Chlamydia, E. coli, and Klebsiella.
- Viral respiratory conditions: Common in domestic reptiles and can easily spread between individuals. Pet parents should quarantine all new individuals within the household, typically for at least 3-6 months, based on veterinary advice. Viral infections include paramyxovirus, nidovirus/serpentovirus, inclusion body virus (reptarenavirus), reovirus, and herpesvirus.
- Fungal infections: Take advantage of a underlying disease, weakness, malnutrition, and poor husbandry. Fungal infections include snake fungal disease and Aspergillus.
- Parasitic respiratory conditions: Can come from other reptiles, diet, or the environment. Parasites in reptiles causing respiratory infection include roundworms, coccidia, and flatworms.
- Other diseases: Trauma to the respiratory tract, neoplasia, and heart disease. These are not infectious; however, veterinarians must consider these respiratory diseases when diagnosing a pet reptile with a respiratory illness. Often, reptiles with these diseases have concurrent infectious diseases, as well.
What are the symptoms of respiratory infections in leopard geckos?
FAQ
How do you treat a respiratory infection in a gecko?
The vet should prescribe antibiotics as well as a probiotic. The gecko may also need additional hydration and assist feeding during recovery.
How to tell if a leopard gecko has a respiratory infection?
Leopard geckos with a respiratory infection may also show systemic signs of illness such as lethargy (depressed activity or energy level), inappetence (depressed appetite), shallow or open-mouthed breathing.
How do you treat respiratory infections in lizards?
- Antibiotics (i.e., enrofloxacin, ceftazidime)
- Anti-parasitic drugs (i.e., ivermectin)
- Anti-fungal medications (i.e., itraconazole)
What are 6 signs of respiratory infection?
- a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm)
- sneezing.
- a stuffy or runny nose.
- a sore throat.
- headaches.
- muscle aches.
- breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing.
- a high temperature.
What is a leopard gecko respiratory infection?
Leopard gecko respiratory infection is a health issue that occurs because of bacterial infection in your gecko’s lung. This usually happens if your gecko is living in an incorrect habitat condition, such as the enclosure is too cold or the humidity is too high.
Are leopard geckos sick?
Leopard geckos are hardy reptiles that adapt to different conditions, but they can still become sick. Beginner owners might make mistakes with husbandry and care, but it is fine as everyone is learning! You might also notice some problems or strange behavior in adopted leopard geckos. These might be the signs of poor care and even abuse.
How do you know if a leopard gecko has coccidiosis?
Symptoms of Coccidiosis in leopard geckos are lethargy, poor appetite and digestion and weakness. If the infection is not treated, leopard gecko becomes dehydrated and loses a lot of weight. Your leopard gecko might not eat and be very weak. Coccidiosis is considered a super infection because parasites pass with feces, so reinfection is very easy.
What can cause a gecko to get sick?
A gecko can get sick due to high humidity levels and low temperatures. Prolonged exposure to the wrong temperature can cause stress for your pet. A bad enclosure setup can result in your gecko suffering from a respiratory infection.
Can leopard geckos get coccidiosis?
Coccidia are one the most common protozoa causing Coccidiosis. Symptoms of Coccidiosis in leopard geckos are lethargy, poor appetite and digestion and weakness. If the infection is not treated, leopard gecko becomes dehydrated and loses a lot of weight. Your leopard gecko might not eat and be very weak.
What happens if a leopard gecko gets cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is considered one of the worst parasitic infections affecting reptiles. It is caused by protozoa and causes a big range of symptoms. Few of these symptoms are diarrhea, significant weight loss, lethargy, poor appetite and thickening of intestines. If untreated, a leopard gecko will become underweight, stop eating and die.