Dysecdysis in a leopard gecko

20 Dysecdysis in a leopard gecko




INITIAL PRESENTATION


Retained skin after shedding in a leopard gecko.



Introduction


It is vital to assess the pet’s husbandry in cases such as this. Frequently, chronic suboptimal conditions present with lesions that are not immediately life-threatening. However, they may indicate underlying problems that may predispose to stress, immunosuppression and potentially increased susceptibility to infectious agents. Alternatively, the individual may suffer from chronic metabolic problems.



CASE PRESENTING SIGNS


A 3-year-old male leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) (Box 20.1) presented with retained skin after shedding (i.e. dysecdysis), which involved the digits, eyes and lips.



BOX 20.1 Ecology of leopard geckos



• Range in the wild covers India, Pakistan and into Iran

• Terrestrial species. Crepuscular (primarily active at dawn and dusk)

• Normal habitat: rocky, dry grassland and desert regions. Spend daytime hidden under rocks or in dry burrows

• Require a hide area for security. This area should be moist to assist ecdysis. Rubbing against rough surfaces also helps to remove old skin

• Temperature range: 25–30°C

• Relative humidity: 30–40%, although humid microhabitats are required to assist shedding

• Average weight: 50–100 g

• Snout to tail tip length: <25 cm

• Free-ranging diet: mainly invertebrates, but will also take small vertebrates

• Reproduction: egg-laying. Pattern II temperature-dependent sex determination (i.e. females are produced at low and high temperatures, and males at intermediate temperatures)

• Longevity: up to 12 years in captivity.


Husbandry


The leopard gecko was housed with a con-specific in a Perspex enclosure measuring approximately 60 cm long × 30 cm wide × 30 cm high, with a ventilated lid. The substrate – calcium sand – was spot-cleaned daily and completely replaced every 3 months, at which point the vivarium was disinfected with dilute bleach and rinsed with tap water. Supplemental heating was provided by a heat mat along the back wall on the outside of the tank and a small ceramic heat bulb at one end. The heat mat was switched on 24 hours per day, while the lamp was on for approximately 10 hours each day. A UV light was provided, but switched on for only 6 hours daily (Fig. 20.1). A plastic mould provided a hide area.


image

Figure 20.1 Measuring the UV output from a light source using a meter.


The temperature was monitored using an alcohol thermometer – positioned at the end with the heat bulb – and typically read 31°C during the day.


The geckos were fed on a selection of invertebrates, mainly small crickets and mealworms. The invertebrates were fed on various fruit and vegetables, and dusted with mineral supplement before feeding to the geckos.



Case History


The owner had noticed problems with the animal’s skin over the previous week, since the last shed:


• Tags of skin around digits (Fig. 20.2)

• Eye lids appeared stuck together

• Previous skin sheds also resulted in some retained skin. Ecdysis approximately every 2 months

• No change in husbandry over previous year

• Appetite reduced over the past week, with the gecko appearing to have difficulty locating food

• Not known when last urine/faeces/urates were passed.

image

Figure 20.2 Leopard gecko with dysecdysis, showing retained skin on digits.



Clinical Examination


The gecko was quite habituated to handling, but the small size of this species limits clinical examination to a degree. Findings included:


• Good body condition, evidenced by a substantial fat deposit at the base of the tail

• Alert demeanour. Mobility good and supporting weight well on all four limbs

• Bilateral eyes shut, with cream/brown material between the eyelids (similar to Fig. 20.3)

• Evidence of retained skin at commissures of jaw (similar to Fig. 20.3)

• Tags of skin covering all four feet (‘glove’ like) (Fig. 20.2). Missing distal tips of several digits

• Abdominal palpation revealed no obvious abnormalities

• No evidence of respiratory disease (e.g. open-mouth or noisy breathing, or nasal or oral discharges).

image

Figure 20.3 (a) African fat-tailed gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus) with retained shed in eye and at lip commissure. (b) Animal after retained skin removed.



DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES


The differentials for dysecdysis with retained skin were:


• Poor husbandry, e.g. too hot, low relative humidity, lack of abrasive surfaces

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Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Dysecdysis in a leopard gecko

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