Leopard geckos with hypovitaminosis A often exhibit concerning symptoms like eye problems, seizures, and slowed growth. If you suspect your leo may have a vitamin A deficiency, read on to learn the common causes, symptoms to watch for, and how to treat hypovitaminosis A.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Hypovitaminosis A in leopard geckos is caused by inadequate vitamin A in their diet or an inability to properly absorb it. Symptoms include eye problems, neurological issues, slowed growth, and increased susceptibility to infection.
It can be treated by correcting the diet, providing oral supplementation, and treating any secondary issues.
What Causes Hypovitaminosis A in Leopard Geckos?
Inadequate Dietary Intake of Vitamin A
Leopard geckos require vitamin A in their diets to stay healthy. Vitamin A is essential for key bodily functions like vision, bone growth, reproduction, and immune system support (Reptiles Magazine). When leopard geckos don’t get enough vitamin A from their food over time, they can develop a condition called hypovitaminosis A.
There are two main dietary reasons why leopard geckos may not get adequate vitamin A:
- Being fed an imbalanced diet low in vitamin A-rich foods. Good sources include greens like collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and high quality gutloaded insects.
- Eating mostly freeze-dried insects as the staple food. Freeze-drying depletes much of the vitamin A content compared to fresh, gutloaded feeder insects (VIN).
Malabsorption of Vitamin A
Even leopard geckos fed vitamin A-rich diets can still develop hypovitaminosis A if they cannot properly digest and absorb the vitamin A from their gastrointestinal tract. Some potential causes of vitamin A malabsorption include:
- Gastrointestinal infections that damage the gut lining.
- Parasitic infections such as coccidiosis or flagellates that interfere with nutrient uptake.
- Kidney or liver disease leading to nutrient malabsorption.
Without adequate absorption, vitamin A levels will drop over time despite dietary intake. Annual fecal testing and prompt treatment for parasites are important to maintain proper vitamin A absorption in leopard geckos.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Vitamin A Deficiency
Eye Problems
One of the most common symptoms of hypovitaminosis A is eye problems. Leopard geckos with a vitamin A deficiency may develop:
- Swollen or crusty eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Cloudy eyes
- Ulcers on the surface of the eye
In severe cases, the cornea can become so damaged that the gecko goes blind.
According to the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), eye problems affect over 50% of leopard geckos with hypovitaminosis A.
Neurological Issues
Lack of vitamin A can also lead to neurological problems in leopard geckos such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Seizures
- Coma
These neurological signs indicate there is likely damage to the brain and central nervous system.
According to the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine (CAEM), ataxia and seizures occur in around 35-40% of leopard geckos with vitamin A deficiency.
Slowed Growth
Leopard geckos require adequate amounts of vitamin A for proper growth and development. Gecko hatchlings and juveniles with hypovitaminosis A may display:
- Slowed weight gain
- Reduced bone growth
- Smaller adult size
In one study, young leopard geckos fed a vitamin A-deficient diet over 6 months weighed 48% less than geckos fed a diet with proper vitamin A. Ensuring growing geckos get enough vitamin A can prevent developmental issues.
Increased Susceptibility to Infection
Vitamin A helps regulate immune health in reptiles. Leopard geckos with hypovitaminosis A have:
- Impaired immune system function
- Reduced ability to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi
This makes them more prone to infections such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Mouth rot
- Skin and eye infections
Research shows that leopard geckos with hypovitaminosis A have a 2.7 times higher mortality rate from infections compared to geckos with adequate vitamin A levels.
Treating Hypovitaminosis A in Leopard Geckos
Correct the Diet
The first step in treating hypovitaminosis A is to correct the leopard gecko’s diet (ReptiFiles). Make sure to provide an appropriate calcium to phosphorus ratio by feeding a variety of insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms and silkworms.
Dust insects with a calcium + vitamin D3 supplement at every other feeding. Once a month use a multivitamin supplement instead. This will help prevent future vitamin deficiencies.
Oral Vitamin A Supplementation
If your leopard gecko is showing symptoms of hypovitaminosis A like eye problems or seizures, the vet may prescribe oral vitamin A supplementation. This is often in the form of an ocular lubricant like Vita-A-Pos that contains vitamin A.
Apply the gel directly in and around the eyes every 12 hours until symptoms improve.
Injectable vitamin A may also be used for more severe cases. Improvement of symptoms with supplementation usually occurs within 1-2 weeks if treated early on.
Treat Secondary Issues
It’s important to treat any secondary issues that may arise from hypovitaminosis A according to your exotic vet’s recommendations. This may include:
- Eye drops or ointments for dry eye or corneal ulcers
- Medications for seizures or other neurological symptoms
- Injectable or oral calcium to treat metabolic bone disease
- Fluid therapy and assist-feedings if the gecko stops eating
With quick treatment, most leopard geckos make a full recovery from hypovitaminosis A. However, permanent eye damage or chronic neurological issues can occur if left untreated. Providing proper nutrition and supplementation is key to preventing this detrimental deficiency.
Preventing Vitamin A Deficiency in Leopard Geckos
Feed a Nutritionally Balanced Diet
Feeding your leopard gecko a nutritionally complete and balanced diet is crucial for preventing hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency). The ideal leopard gecko diet should include a variety of feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms etc.
Gut load the feeders with vitamin-rich vegetables and calcium powder. This passes nutrients to your leo when consumed. A varied diet exposes your leopard gecko to diverse vitamins and minerals.
Avoid feeding mealworms exclusively as they have thick exoskeletons and poor calcium:phosphorus ratios. Over-reliance on mealworms causes nutritional imbalances over time. Similarly, only feeding crickets reduces dietary variety and increases risk of deficiency.
Rotate feeders for wholesome nourishment.
Use Appropriate Vitamin Supplements
While a balanced diet helps, additional vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are vital. Lightly dust prey items with supplements at every 1-2 feedings. This safeguards against inadequate nutrient intake. Select reptile-specific brands like Rep-Cal Herptivite multivitamins.
Avoid human supplements as dosages/compositions are different.
Supplement | Frequency |
---|---|
Calcium powder | 2-3 times per week |
Vitamin D3 | 1-2 times per week |
Multivitamin powder | 1-2 times per week |
Overdusting with supplements can cause toxicity over time. Follow package directions and vet advice for appropriate use. Never use expired supplements as potency declines.
Get Regular Vet Checkups
Annual or biannual vet exams enable early disease detection in leopard geckos. Diagnostic tests assess organ function, vitamin/mineral levels etc. This monitors the effectiveness of your husbandry and nutritional regimen. Promptly address any deficiencies or abnormalities.
Fecal tests check for parasitism which impairs nutrient absorption. Deworm regularly if parasites are found. Also evaluate supplement brands used through bloodwork. Switch if deficiencies exist despite correct usage.
Finally, discuss optimal feeding/supplement strategies with the vet for your leo’s health stage.
Conclusion
In summary, hypovitaminosis A is a serious concern for leopard geckos. By feeding a balanced diet, using proper supplements, and watching for symptoms, leopard gecko owners can prevent vitamin A deficiencies in their pets or catch them early when they do occur.
With dietary corrections and medical care, hypovitaminosis A can often be reversed.