Dr. Floore

Dr.Tail Vet

When a gecko's leg turns inwards, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including injury, congenital defects, metabolic bone disease, or nutritional deficiencies. Since your gecko has not been vaccinated or received flea and tick prevention, which is not typically necessary for geckos, we can focus on other potential causes.

Firstly, metabolic bone disease (MBD) is common in reptiles and is often caused by a lack of calcium in the diet, improper calcium to phosphorus ratio, or lack of vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Geckos need UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3 or require dietary supplementation. Without it, they can develop MBD, leading to weak bones and deformities such as an inward-turning leg.

Another possibility is an injury, which could have occurred from a fall or other accident within the enclosure. This could cause a fracture or dislocation, leading to the leg turning inwards.

To help your gecko, ensure that its diet is well-balanced and includes appropriate levels of calcium and vitamin D3. If you are not already doing so, supplementing the diet with calcium powder can be beneficial. Additionally, make sure the enclosure has proper UVB lighting if your gecko species requires it.

You should also examine the enclosure to ensure there are no hazards that could cause injury and that the temperature gradients within the habitat are appropriate for your gecko's species, as extreme temperatures can contribute to health issues.

If the leg's condition does not improve, or if you notice signs of pain, swelling, refusal to eat, lethargy, or dragging of the leg, it's important to seek help from a professional with experience in reptile care. These could be signs of a more serious condition or infection that requires medical intervention.

In the meantime, handle your gecko gently to avoid further injury and observe its behavior and appetite closely. Ensure the enclosure is clean to prevent infection if the leg's issue is due to an injury.

Remember, while these suggestions can be helpful, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice tailored to your gecko's specific situation. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.