Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a female P. laticauda that seems to have a huge calcium sac on only one side of her neck. She seems healthy otherwise. I supplement with vitamins and calcium regularly and supply good uv/heat light. She eats well: crickets and baby food. This didn't happen over night, I actually just got her a few weeks ago with this obvious lop-sidedness. Is this common? I wouldn't worry about it if it was on both sides, and I loaned my copy of McKoewen out so I can't access it. I'd post a pic, but I haven't figured that task out yet.
Thanks to anyone with input
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Zoodude

1.1 Acrantophis dumerli
0.1 Python molurus bivittatus
0.0.1 Morelia veridis
1.1 Elaphe (panthertophis?) obsoleta lindheimeri
0.2 Bogertophis subocularis
1.0 Pogona henrylawsoni
0.1 Geochelone carbonaria
4.2.1 Phelsuma laticaudal laticauda
1.6.1 Eublepharus macularius
0.0.1 Lichanura trivirgata (temporarily)
0.0.1 Lampropeltis gutulus hobrooki
2.1.12 Elaphe guttata guttata

This situation of one calcium sac becoming fuller than the other one I have seen before. The obviously uneven calcium sacs are an indication of disease but it usually does not equal death (McKeown does not address this in his manual). The enlarged glan can be drained of the excess calcium but this procedure should not be attempted by an inexperienced keeper. Most vets would not do the procedure as the condition is not life threatening. Rock hard calcium sacs that turn from a normal white color is a serious condition and do need medical attention.

Enlarged calcium sacs are rarely seen in day geckos kept under natural sunlight or (as I do) kept without UV lighting. Unusually large sacs occur more often in day geckos kept under UV lighting, due not necessarily over-supplemention but incorrect supplementation.

To help this situation, try to find a supplement that has smaller amounts of Vitamin A (most reptile supplements have higher quantities than needed by day geckos) and a minimal supply of Vitamin D3.

Leann Christenson
Leaping Lizards Day Geckos
www.daygecko.com

For an up-to-date book on day geckos try "Day Geckos In Captivity" on my website.

Hey, thanks. Since the post, I've noticed a decrease in the oversized calcium sac. She seems otherwise healthy. Could the non-life-threatening condition be passing? I'm inclined to think she is just producing eggs.

I will look into the supplements I am using too. Good advice.
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Zoodude

1.1 Acrantophis dumerli
0.1 Python molurus bivittatus
0.0.1 Morelia veridis
1.1 Elaphe (panthertophis?) obsoleta lindheimeri
0.2 Bogertophis subocularis
1.0 Pogona henrylawsoni
0.1 Geochelone carbonaria
3.2.1 Phelsuma laticaudal laticauda
1.5.1 Eublepharus macularius
0.0.1 Lampropeltis gutulus hobrooki
2.1.12 Elaphe guttata guttata

On the average, once a female day geckos begins to slow down egg production the calcium sacs begin to receed. In my collection, the caclium sacs only appears in the spring and by November/December the sacs have disappeared.

Leann
www.daygecko.com