Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've just received a new leopard gecko and he seems perfectly healthy, alert, fat, etc. But, his right front leg seems to floppier than it should be. In fact, it looks broken/disarticulated to me. When he is sitting it rests normally. But, when he moves, it flops sideways and backwards. He is walking with it and trying to climb the glass of the quarantine tank and he doesn't act as though it is painful. It definitely is not normal, though. It is the joint just proximal to his paw/hand that is affected. A few questions. Could this be a fracture that occurred during shipping? Could this represent a vitamin deficiency? (I'm still new in this hobby) Could this be a congenital-type problem related to the inbreeding of certain color morphs in the hobby? Finally, what can I do about this problem?

I would suggest to have a vet examine & possibly x-ray the limb. It definitely is a sign of a problem.

What you're describing sounded like an injury (perhaps a broken leg) until you mentioned "the joint just proximal to his paw/hand". This year I've been plagued with calcium deficiency problems in some of my juveniles (long story). The youngsters most affected show some swelling of their lower forearms and in a few more severe cases it looks as if their hands/paws turn in towards their body, but the 'turning in' is from a point above the wrist. In either case, its a good idea to see your veterinarian.

For young leos be sure to gutload and dust their prey weekly (at least, assuming NO calcium deficiency). Adults will find and lick calcium from a dish ... but apparently babies/juveniles will not.

Also, don't hesitate to contact the breeder. He/she may have some helpful information for you (including a refund if this is a problem you aren't prepared to deal with). Best of luck to you and your new leo!
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Andrea A.