As you know, I had a similar experience with some acquired ciliatus about a year and a half ago. Very similar symptoms..... gecko's don't crash quickly, just slowly get thin and lethargic. Very similar to the way a leopard gecko that suffers from "crypto" ... my first thought was that it could also be "crypto" ..... a really bad thing that can wipe out entire colonies of gecko's and is nearly impossible to eradicate.

I immediately sent two specimens to Dr Scott Stahl DVM, who, after extensive pathology, found that it was what appears to be the same pathogen that you describe. I was quite relieved to find the results were not crypto, and instead, an amoeba. Not that any pathogen is good, but as far as ease of eradication, it was an easy treatment. I used a 150mg/kg regiment every other day for five treatments, and the geckos quickly recovered and were back to normal health in a matter of weeks.
Crested geckos have proven to be one of the most disease resistant species of commonly kept reptile. To my knowledge, and from many conversations, there has not been a case of cryptosporidia found in crested geckos.

For some reason, they do appear sensitive to this amoeba, and considering the hardiness of cresteds in general, and their resistance to most pathogens, Amoebiasis should be considered a prime suspect in the case of any weight loss or lethargy in a crested gecko.

This amoeba can have the same effect on other reptiles such as leopard geckos and bearded dragons, It has also been found in tortoises. Cross contamination from exposure to other species is most likely the source of infestation. Other species may carry the pathogen without showing symptoms, but crested geckos for some reason show little resistance once infected.

Excellent presentation Randy! Your understanding of the problem and your ability to use photo's to educate people is amazing. I am sure that through your hard work and ability to present your findings in a clear and simple manner, that many cresteds in the future will benefit from your post. If we ever print a Second Edition of the Rhacodactylus book, I would love to print your post, with photo's, just the way you presented it here. Let me know if you wouldn't mind...

Allen Repashy

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