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Read a question and answer from our archives here, and scroll down to ask me a question you and your pet have been pondering!  Check articles and questions others have asked using the Ask Dr. B and Pet Conditions buttons, and check our stories, too. Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr. Baum urges you to contact your vet ASAP.

Both my Leopard Gecko's legs were broken this morning. What caused this? And what can I do?

Dear Dr. Baum --

Both my leopard Gecko's legs are dragging. I don't know what could have caused him to break both his legs at the same time. He was just like this when I woke up and he has a small cut on his leg too! It's weird.

Bethea
Rochester, New York

Obviously, trauma to the back or legs is responsible. The question is, how much trauma did it take? Many reptiles suffer from metabolic bone disease resulting from a diet which is too low in calcium, or in which the dietary calcium cannot be adequately absorbed due to lack of the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D-1. This deficiency causes the bones to weaken resulting in pathological fractures. You can make sure you are providing enough Vitamin D-1 for your gecko by exposing him to sunlight, and there are also special full light spectrum light bulbs you can install over the terrarium.

Dr. B

Note to visitors: You might also want to check these links about treating gecko injuries:

Ask Dr. Baum: My Gecko's Leg's Dragging!

Another gecko issue: Lady gecko's shedding skin covered broken limbs. What to do?

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