Neurological Disorders in Leopard Geckos | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Please be sure to check out some fun second channel content 😁 dyeing my hair ginger because Donna Klein said it’s ok kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2O6lKmjZZqEoa8

[@carlakellie5358]

This was fun to watch 🧡

[@addison6613]

If I get a leopard gecko I found a 50 gallon tank at PetSmart (I found a breeder for the gecko don't worry) do you think 50 gallon would overwhelm the gecko if it's only him? I would put a lot of plants and enrichment in there if that helps any. This is my first time and need lots of tips 😅

[@aestheticscales4821]

I just wanted to say thank you so so much for taking the time to raise awareness for ES. I bought my little guy in 2019, my first reptile ever. Little did I know he struggled with enigma syndrome. The owner of the reptile store happily sold me the gecko without informing me of his disability. I was so sad and confused that he wasn’t acting normal, I had no idea what to do. Now I have his enclosure set up accordingly and he lives a happy and content life. I hate to think about if someone got him that didn’t care to do the research and look into it 😢 Biggie is my special little guy and he means the absolute world to me 🧡

[@kingcockroach.]

This is so helpful. My boy has had a head tilt which has baffled vets and keepers for almost 2 years. Was recently told his colours make it look like he likely has enigma in his family(i asked the breeder and he blocked me so very sus). This cleared some stuff up but i worry ill never actually know whats wrong with him.

[@jadegreen_studios4738]

This is a great video, my husband has been wanting a gecko. we've been on a research frenzy these last few months. also is that a snake discovery necklace made by Emily?

[@acommonkestrel]

This is such an important video! You spread so much awareness and information about these disorders and this species. Keep doing awesome things 💕

[@FAEERIEM0RGUE]

Hello Jessica, I was wondering why my leopard gecko has two dots on his head, when I first got him he didn’t have those two dots that he has now. I looked it up on google but the answer didn’t really make sense to me and I want to know if this happens because they get a small injury or if it happens during shedding. If you could respond to this it would be very very helpful. Thank you.

[@thepulleysystem]

I got a leopard gecko from Josh's Frogs that I'm almost certain has white and yellow syndrome. I didn't immediately know what it was because I wasn't expecting her to have a neurological disability since she isn't an enigma and she came from such a highly regarded breeder. I'm glad you're spreading awareness about these issues because I think things would be very different if I had been aware of this. Also no matter who the breeder is they're probably going to blame you for anything negative you bring to their attention about their breeding.

[@starbyray7828]

Hi Jessica, hope you and your family (human, dog, amphibian and reptile are all happy well and thriving. great video.

[@Skye-Cabbit]

Super helpful info!! Thank you for this! Just got my first leopard gecko, thankfully he’s healthy but I’m still curious about these disorders that do exist in these lizards.

[@LarkEnki]

I really appreciate your medical and care videos so much!

[@cometu4793]

Really great video, I rarely see these issues talked about. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheLizardKing140]

One of my leos, spinx, i thought he had something, I didn't know what but for about a year after I got him he wouldn't eat much, even now he still jumps more than he should, and he was extremely flighty and even lost his tail and I never figured out why, but I mover him to a smaller (like in gallons probably like 15-20+) and darker enclosure and pretty much now hes just a little flighty and stays in his darker hide more than his other ones, im still not 100% sure what fixed it exactly or he just grew out of it but honestly your videos really calmed me down when I was trying to figure out what it was Although I still don't know 100% I think it was mostly my care, especially starting him off in a cohab environment when I got him without any idea what I was doing (they both are guys) and never giving him enough darkness, and he's a bit of a picky eater but thats not much of a problem anymore So thanks for making these kinds of videos they really helped me when I needed them :)

[@paulastowers3537]

This video was very helpful! I've had my leopard gecko for about 6:00 to 7 years now He's always been super healthy and just a hearty gecko! Over the last several days I have noticed him walking in a circle and just seeming off balance. There's been no trauma. Does this happen sometimes in older geckos? Thank you again for your video

[@antxonitxo]

Hello! Thanks for the job you do for the community! It helps a lot. My gecko has cryptosporidiosis and that has caused some neurological issues. I have found her facing up several times. What I'm most concerned about (since they can't breathe properly when facing up) is how to prevent them from facing up. We are currently treating her CS but the mobility problems remain unresolved. I normally leave her wrapped in a towel in the enclosure and that works until she goes out and eventually flips. If any of you have had similar experiences I'd love to read from your troubleshooting stories! Take care!!

[@melanies895]

Oh wow. I knew my gecks are somehow "special". But NOW I realise how much... Death rolls, catathonic stages, even seizures are a common things for us (or things you have to have in the back of your head doing anything in the room). For us, it is a lack of vitamins and malnourishment in general in their past.

[@aralynrivers7162]

I would love to see a tomato frog care guide if that’s something you’d be interested in making sometime! :)

[@aralynrivers7162]

Maybe it’s my anxiety but I feel like my comment sounded rude/passive aggressive 😭 I’M SORRY I love you queen

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hey no apology needed! The video is scripted just has to be filmed edited & uploaded :)

[@aralynrivers7162]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends omg YAY! can’t wait to see it :)

[@IanOhNo]

"If anyone has a specialty in life, well, mine is neurologically challenged geckos" I could say the same, just add 2 people to it as well. 😮‍💨

[@siberiancats]

ironically, my enigma baby started showing syndrome symptoms couple of minutes ago this video was just in time

[@jof7260]

Thank you so much for this video, very informative. I got my girl from Facebook marketplace and the previous owner told me she had a stroke before he had her but it's all just a game of telephone snd my gecko def has something neurological going on and as she has a wobble and just doesmt strike normally. I dont even know what breeder she comes from or her morph. I wanted to go full on bioactive with her new tsnk but now i realize that just wont be possible. Im still so baffled. Edit: i forgot to add but with geckos with mild neuro issues, how would i go about with the substrate? How would i know which one works best for my leo?

[@aprilmalroy8960]

Is there a way I can message you. We got a pair of geckos yesterday and one of them was showing signs of enigma syndrome. After a few minutes she went completely lifeless. I have a few questions.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

You can send me a DM on IG but it might take me some time to reply. You can also send me a message on Patreon if you’re a patron, I answer those straight away as I have notifications set on

[@Faith-wz7hu]

I'm so grateful for this video, especially the discussion of head injury bringing on these symptoms, because it's the only thing plausible to me but the only causes ever offered are enigma syndrome or mbd. My gecko started wobbling (even had some full rolls, although that's only occurred on a soft surface like my bed) over a year ago now (had her for nearly 4 years) and I've taken her to the vet, had an x-ray and was given a full ok on her health. It makes eating a bit harder, she overshoots more than she did before, but it doesn't seem to impact her quality of life drastically. I'll never know quite what happened because the only time she's fallen was after it started occurring so I'm assuming she hurt herself climbing in her enclosure one night. I feel guilty not having an answer but at the same time it makes sense that they would be able to get hurt just like we can, and the best I can do is to focus on improving her care and making sure she has a good quality of life. Your medical videos are so needed and I appreciate the experience you have in these situations. Thank you.

[@trisziegler]

my gecko has been flailing around every once in awhile and im not sure if its seizures. i took her to the vet and she was doing it in the car on the way there and back, and last night i think i heard her doing it again. she has been moving around recently the past month because i go to college in a different state and have to take her home with me. she def could be under stress because of the car rides there and back and the difference in environment. i was taking her to the vet because she has (very quickly) lost weight in her tail and the past few days has not wanted to eat. do you think this could be because of stress? the vet said she looked healthy other than her tell and was acting fine. they did a blood test and im waiting for the results to see if she has an infection and im taking a stool sample to them to test for parasites when she goes next. she has been moving around her tank and somewhat active but still sleeping most of the day. shes about six or seven years old. im so so worried about her.

[@spearmanerica676]

Hello Jessica how have u been? U KNO I love 💕 my boys my loves of my life I see wht u mean abt having enigma syndrome I’ve watched u long enough too determine Whts wht. Thank u for sharing also I’ve researched two yrs b4 I Choose too get a crested gecko 🦎 I love 💕 the info educational video’s thank u also wht substrate bio I think is better or paper towel for THIER first time.

[@paulastowers3537]

Thanks!

[@cocokittyxp6817]

I have a question. Also I just started watching u and I can't stop ANYWAY I have a leopard gecko a male and he has trouble catching his food,like trying to aim for it and I feel like it's not normal, is there something wrong and can I do something to fix it?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

What type of food are you offering & how

[@cocokittyxp6817]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends worms like, meal worms and waxs worms

[@cocokittyxp6817]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends and even though I put the calcium he needs, he's not really improving

[@monkeyyist]

Hello! My gecko has recently just started death rolling he was fine when we got him never seen him do that before. Will he still survive in these conditions? I was given 2 gecko they live together would that be the reason he is under stress ?

[@bcrump414]

I just rescued a lizard from a relative who had stopped feeding him and now I have him in a better substrate environment and I am working on the little things like getting a bigger tank and a UV bulb but today I noticed him rolling on his back and stiffening up. I have seen him poop, and I’ve seen him eat, although not as much now that I have him, I fed him before I took him if that makes sense. He also did fall one time and I think he’s got a hurt foot, but the death rolling and finding him today on his back has got me worried and I have no idea where to go. I had a leopard gecko over 15 years ago, and it was not successful due to my lack of knowledge, but I am trying my hardest to make sure this is not a fail!

[@Alex-fu3bo]

Clicked as fast as I could

[@AimsAlice]

Hello I bought a leopard gecko and I think it has Enigma syndrome I've only had her eight days and recently she started to shed she hasn't ate yet and while shedding she's rolled on her back three times now she does a lot of staring up in space and sits in some really unnatural positions for long periods of time I had to help her shed she walks funny I feel so bad for her I just want to know how to help her. I rescued her from a pet shop that was neglecting her they have been reported for animal cruelty please tell me you can help me give my gecko her best life

[@adannimpa]

I got another gecko from my sibling he gave it to me because he can't handle it anymore because of a lot of things so my new gecko does circling move, have a random spot on its back(the same color as the tail), the eye is crossed is it safe to assume that my new gecko has enigma? edit: I didn't know about the morph because my sibling got it from an online market like 2 months ago

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No it is not safe to assume the gecko is enigma.

[@adannimpa]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends I think she got the syndrome from the way she eats because of overreacting

[@adannimpa]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends once again I thank you for all the information you put inside your video it's been really helpful well I hope I can take care of her as good as you taking care of your disabled gecko

[@MarieInsanityy]

I got my leopard gecko from petsmart and I notice she was dominated by all the others and hid under the carpet and in hides because the others would lay on her. She has had an anxiety disorder her whole life. She is now 1.5-2 years old and she recently had an onset of odd symptoms. (seizures, death rolling, stopped eating, circling, flopping on her back, arms bending) and I immediately took her to an exotic vet and they said it wasn’t MBD and basically it might be a neurological disease and they don’t know what to tell me. I double she was any of the morphs you mentions so idk what her neurological disease would be or if it’s something else the vet missed. It’s so odd. :( She was diagnosed with a jaw infection when we took her and we have no clue how it formed. We supervise her with bugs and her calcium intake was great and her temps were right. We treated it completely with antibiotics but now the vet doesn’t know what to say.

[@chappyliz55]

One of my geckos has started twitching, once I saw his body tremoring. I had calcium in his cage, but didn't realize I needed to be supplementing on his food every day, which I've started doing. I don't know if it's early MBD signs or something else.

[@trinityd7221]

Thank you for giving this amazing awarenesses and information, I’m looking into this mainly because I have a 15 year old Female leopard gecko and recently she has begun to really worry me she has a very hard time walking she looks like she is almost dragging herself in a way and very slow. She has a low appetite and I am giving her a liquid carnivore care, she also curls up when walking sometimes, she also has done this for quite some time but whenever in a hide she puts her head straight up towards the ceiling. I have a vet appointment to see if anything is wrong and I can help her but it is in 2 days, I was wondering if anyone could have advice I’ve been so scared in worried, I just fear this is my last year with her…

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I’m sure your vet will have better insights because they will be able to see your gecko first hand. I am hoping there is a simple answer and that you have more years still to come with your gecko. ❤️

[@paulinagonzales2866]

My gecko is only a couple months old and I noticed that she's not been able to walk around slowly and today I found her flipped over still alive and breathing eyes open and I grabbed her n she would walk and sum of her bones feel more mush and sum other feel really stiff idk what wrong or what to do

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Sounds like metabolic bone disease, contact a vet

[@sayedrajihmashhoor3354]

Nice🤩🤩👍

[@victoriadanielis7936]

I just got a leopard geko his name is Gex and he’s about 1 year old. We just rescued him. His previous owners fed him crickets. But once I got him I fed him a diet of mealworms because refused to eat crickets the previous owners left in his tank.. I don’t know if he is bored or if he can’t catch the crickets because they’re to quick. I read that sometimes they won’t eat crickets if they’re too small, but they’re huuuge. Even when he tries to eat worms sometimes he misses the worm and hits his head on the ground. I feel really bad for him and I’m so lost.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

have you tried tong feeding? catching crickets can be hard for even the most skilled hunters lol. also try feeding a varied diet, including dubia roaches.

[@victoriadanielis7936]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends I haven’t, but now I will thank you!!

[@eileenmartinac3499]

Help. I recently took on two rescues (leopard geckos). One appears to be special needs. She is stunted and has recently lost her tail. She only eats crickets and must be tong fed them. She does not shed properly and I am working hard to keep her from losing a toe right now. She apparently did not have a humid hide or any type of heat. I was told "she did not need it as the room was kept at about 75 degrees. She does have a substrate which I am probably going to remove. She does star gave and turns circles. She is an overall pinkish white color with no patern. I have had my own leopard gecko and have never even seen her shed in the year and a half I have owned her. She does have Ephraim moss in a coconut hide which is kept damp. Oh and the two are each in a 10 gallon tank, not from loading. I have mine in a 25 gallon front access with plastic type flooring which I am thinking about putting in the disabled ones tank. The other is fine physically but has so much substrate it is ridiculous. Apparently someone tried to make it bioactive and put in 3 layers, each 2 to 3 inches thick leaving the substrate over half of the 10 gallon aquarium. The poor guy has barely any room to move around. I really need some suggestions, especially with getting the little one to eat something besides crickets. Tong feeding is no problem just not crickets all the time.

[@harlishouseofhorrors]

when i first got my gecko, he was around 3 to 4 months old, and he was very jumpy. i didn’t know how to correctly handle him, and one time he jumped out of my hands before i could react. he fell about 2 feet to the floor, and i immediately picked him up and put him back in his terrarium. ever since then, no matter how hard i’ve tried to help, he has been missing his lunges at crickets most of the time, and if you try to handle him, even if you get your hand close to him, he immediately runs away. he doesn’t like to be touched whatsoever, but he doesn’t scream or anything. i’m not really sure what happened, but if you have any advise please let me know! he is a lemon frost morph, not sure if that can lead to anything

[@DeadpanVT]

That morph in specific will get cancer nearly every single leopard gecko of that morph gets cancerous deadly tumors and it's a banned morph and considered to be unethical to breed especially since it's a codom trait. 80 percent develop and die of cancer. Many geckos develop these masses before a year of age. There's nothing I can find regarding neurological issues with that morph but cancer is more than prevalent in the research of Lemon frost morphs.

[@2sushie]

do you have to feed mealworms before feeding to leopard gecko

[@stinky3717]

You should always gutload feeder insects if you can. Dark greens, red/orange/yellow veggies.

[@pennyatwater7533]

My leopard gecko tank was almost tilted on the floor and now her Head is staying titled and she has not eaten

[@carlakellie5358]

Thank you

[@toad1478]

do they always have to be staring up? my leopard gecko has started staring at nothing recently, he/she will stare and not move at all, if i move my hand while i’m holding him/she they will just hold the same position, and it’s not just a quick stare, they will hold it until i make a loudish sound or pick them up, they also have a harder time catching food even when i’m holding it in front of their face, sometimes they won’t open their mouth while trying to get it or just will miss, i give them calcium and vitamins on their worms but it’s just really worrying me so i’m hoping someone will have an idea of what’s happening.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Could they be blind or vision impaired? It’s called star gazing because the gecko is normally looking up, like at the stars. If that’s your only indication that the gecko has a neuro issue it’s much more likely to be vision rather than neurological impairment

[@toad1478]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends okay thank you, i got my gecko from petco and it was very malnourished so i was scared that it effected them permanently, hopefully their just being weird and nothings wrong, im gonna keep an eye on it and if it gets any worse i’ll end up taking them to the vet

[@toad1478]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends but they could have a vision impairment but i know their not blind because they will chase my finger and move their head in the direction of it

[@Tasymantis]

why u dont have some other raptiles with health problems? Your so good at helping them. Sorry if this q is rude

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I have other rescued and adopted reptiles however leos are a super common reptile and they’ve had extensive inbreeding so it’s easier to come across leos with defect & disability than other species :)

[@phoenixfyre8310]

what causes seizures?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

In my experience with Gilly, it was her enigma syndrome and too much stress.

[@AimsAlice]

Also i dont see eyes in my geckos eye sockets

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚

[@brentwong6982]

like sleeping goats