Growths, trauma and autotomy in geckos

If you find any lump or swelling on your gecko take him to the veterinarian.

To find out exactly what the growth is your veterinarian may need to take samples and do either in house or external laboratory tests.

A growth might be a tumour and some tumors are types of cancer that can spread. However, the lumps may be abscesses or cysts, which is why if you find a growth it’s important you take your gecko to a veterinarian so it can be determined exactly what the growth is and treat it.

Some growths may need to be surgically removed.

Geckos are very small and relatively fragile; you must always take care to handle your gecko carefully and gently.

Injury to a gecko may also result in fractured bones which will cause distress and pain.

If your gecko has suffered any trauma or injury he must be taken to a veterinarian to be checked and to receive any necessary treatment.

Tail autotomy is the ability to drop or shed the tail; a gecko can do this if he is handled roughly or if he feels threatened. The tail will eventually grow back, but it will tend to be smaller and will also be a slightly different color. However, if the tail falls off very close to the vent there is a chance that it will not grow back. This is another reason to make sure that your gecko is always handled with care and never picked up or caught by the tail.

Any serious injuries need to be checked by the veterinarian.