{"topic_id":"evidence_exotic_leopard_gecko_clinical","category":"evidence","context":"---\ntopic_id: evidence_exotic_leopard_gecko_clinical\ncategory: evidence\ntitle: \"Evidence cluster — Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) clinical cases (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\nlang: en\nsource: \"Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search, first-hand peer-reviewed abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01\"\nsource_file: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_leopard_gecko_clinical_2026-08-01.txt\ndate_parsed: 2026-08-01\ntokens_estimated: 4810\nverification:\n  method: substring_match\n  claims: 12\n  passed: 12\n  date: 2026-08-01\nsource_document: \"Peer-reviewed Leopard gecko clinical-case literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)\"\ncitation:\n  authority: \"Europe PMC\"\n  title: \"Evidence cluster — Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) clinical cases (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)\"\n  url: \"https://www.ebi.ac.uk/europepmc/\"\n  retrieved: \"2026-08-01\"\n  doc_type: \"first-hand abstracts (Europe PMC REST)\"\n  needs_review: false\n---\n\n# Evidence: Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) clinical cases\n\nSource: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01.\nQueries covered clinical case reports and case series for Eublepharis macularius.\nThe cluster returns **12** representative clinical cases with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each case is traceable by PMID.\n\n## Studies\n- **PMID 41749246 (2026, BMC veterinary research)** — First report of an iridophoroma in a Tegu (Salvator merianae).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>This case report describes the clinical and histological findings of a rare periocular iridophoroma in a tegu.<h4>Case presentation</h4>Iridophoroma is a rare type of chromatophoroma, a tumor that arises from iridophores, specialized pigment cells responsible for reflecting light. This case report describes a 6-year-old male Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with a large, irregular, proliferative mass in the periocular region. The mass originated from the upper left eyelid, partially covering the ocular surface, and measured 2.5 cm in diameter. The patient was referred to the department of Surgery and Intensive care for mass removal and underwent two separate surgical resections. Fine needle aspiration from the structure revealed the diagnosis of iridophoroma, which was later confirmed through histology. This case aims to broaden current knowledge in reptile medicine by presenting an iridophoroma in Salvator merianae, highlighting its clinical presentation, cytological features, and histopathological aspects.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This case represents the first documented occurrence of an iridophoroma in a tegu, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precision in diagnosing tumors in reptiles. The findings demonsrate the importance of paraclinical investigations, such as histopathology, not only in confirming rare conditions but also in differentiating iridophoromas from other potential diagnoses, such as squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma, or melanophoroma. Accurate identification is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving outcomes in reptile medicine.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749246/\n- **PMID 41852150 (2026, Journal of anatomy)** — Developmental stage ordering yields greater cranial mineralization sequence resolution than embryo size or days since oviposition: A case study using the gekkotan Eublepharis macularius (Blyth, 1854).. Abstract (opening): Mineralization sequences of cranial elements (often referred to as ossification sequences) are used for a variety of purposes. Believed to be consistent within species (even though they exhibit some variation) and conserved within lineages, they have been assembled using a variety of developmental timetables-absolute time using developmental days; relative time using either increase in size of embryonic dimensions or developmental staging. The relationship between these developmental timetables is unclear in terms of how mineralization sequences are expressed, although they are generally treated as being able to achieve equivalent levels of resolution. Regardless of the developmental timetable employed, mineralization sequences are replete with ties representing simultaneous mineralization of several elements, even though ties are suspected to be rare. Herein we examine the resolution attainable of cranial mineralization events in the leopard gecko by subjecting the same set of embryos, raised under controlled conditions, to sequence analysis using all three of the above-mentioned timetables, with the working hypotheses being that all three would yield the same level of resolution and that we could improve upon the level of resolution attained for gekkotans so far. We found that developmental stage timetabling yielded far less variability in the determination of mineralization sequence as well as considerably better resolution than those for developmental days or embryonic dimensions. We were able to obtain much greater resolution for the leopard gecko than that so far attained for gekkotans for all three developmental timetables, but especially so when ordering the specimens by developmental stage. Furthermore, we found that subdividing embryonic stages into substages (established using additional morphological features) and assessing intensity of staining of mineralizing elements hold promise for achieving improved levels of resolution. Even so, we were only about 55% successful in resolving the cranial mineralization sequence into a series of unique events, indicating that many such events are so closely spaced in developmental time that apparent simultaneity of element mineralization will be challenging to resolve further.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41852150/\n- **PMID 40755204 (2025, Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association)** — Diagnosis and Management of Pericardial Mesothelioma in a Leopard Gecko (Eublepharus macularius).. Abstract (opening): A 17-year-old male intact leopard gecko (Eublepharus macularius) was presented for lethargy, distended abdomen, and rapid weight loss. Palpation revealed ascites and subcutaneous edema in the axillary region bilaterally. Coelomic ultrasonography revealed a large (19 × 14 × 14 mm), focal, irregularly marginated heterogeneous cavitated mass associated with the right side of the heart. There was also a large volume of echogenic pericardial effusion, causing severe distension of the pericardial space. A small volume of anechoic coelomic effusion was detected in addition to mild diffuse hepatomegaly. Neoplasia (cardiac or pericardial) was considered the most likely etiology of the mass. Cardiac tamponade resulting in right-sided congestive heart failure was considered the likely source of the coelomic effusion, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema. Postmortem examination confirmed serosanguinous pericardial effusion (hemopericardium), adhesion of the pericardial sac to the epicardium, and a focal dark red fluid-filled gelatinous area. Histopathology confirmed changes throughout the pericardium consistent with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. To the authors' knowledge, this case report documents the first antemortem treatment and postmortem definitive diagnosis of a pericardial mesothelioma in a leopard gecko.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40755204/\n- **PMID 40987466 (2025, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS)** — Iridophoroma in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius): Clinical Complications and Histopathology.. Abstract (opening): Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) with lemon frost morphologies are predisposed to iridophoroma, attributed to a tumor suppressor gene mutation also associated with melanoma in humans. In this case series, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnostics, complications, and pathology of iridophoroma in 4 adult leopard geckos, including 2 super lemon frost females and 2 lemon frost males. All animals presented with hyporexia, intermittent lethargy, weight loss, submandibular masses, and oral plaques. In addition, females demonstrated asymmetric coelomic distension, and one male developed altered mentation. Initial differential diagnoses included metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal infectious diseases, and neoplasia. During clinical management of these cases, ultrasonography revealed hyperechoic hepatic nodules in all animals. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the subcutaneous submandibular masses found clusters of mesenchymal cells with abundant cytoplasm containing fine birefringent granules. Due to continued decline and poor prognosis, animals were euthanized and submitted for necropsy. Gross examination of all 4 geckos demonstrated skin thickening by white masses throughout the body and multifocal white hepatic plaques. Two females showed yellow, enlarged ovaries, and one of the males had hard intraluminal debris in the urinary bladder. Histopathology of the skin throughout the body showed the dermis and subcutis were infiltrated by myriad pleomorphic, ovoid to fusiform, brown-pigmented neoplastic cells characterized by abundant birefringent intra- and extracellular granules. FNA, ultrasound, necropsy, and histopathology results were consistent with diagnosis of malignant iridophoroma with metastasis to multiple visceral organs including the brain and ovary. In addition, both females developed preovulatory follicular stasis (POFS)-associated oophoritis, and one of the males demonstrated urolithiasis; all of which were considered as metabolic imbalance-related pathology due to hyporexia or tumor invasion. This report illustrates the diagnostic features of FNA, ultrasound, and histopathology of malignant iridophoroma in leopard geckos. It also discusses POFS and urolithiasis as multisystemic sequelae to malignant tumors in geckos.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40987466/\n- **PMID 39876039 (2025, Journal of dental research)** — Molecular Profiling of Odontoclasts during Physiological Tooth Replacement.. Abstract (opening): The odontoclast is a rarely studied cell type that is overly active in many dental pathologies, leading to tooth loss. It is difficult to find diphyodont mammals in which either physiological or pathological root resorption can be studied. Here we use the adult leopard gecko, which has repeated cycles of physiological tooth resorption and shedding. RNA-seq was carried out to compare gene expression profiles of functional teeth to developing teeth. Genes more highly expressed in bell-stage developing teeth were related to morphogenesis (<i>PTHLH</i>, <i>SFRP2</i>, <i>SHH</i>, <i>EDAR</i>). Some genes expressed in osteoclasts (<i>ACP5</i>, <i>CTSK</i>, <i>CSF1R</i>) were relatively more abundant in functional teeth compared with developing teeth. There was, however, no differential expression of RANKL (<i>TNFSF11</i>) in the 2 tooth types. In addition, functional teeth expressed proteolysis genes not found in osteoclasts (<i>ADAMTS2</i>, <i>3</i>, <i>4</i>, <i>14; CTSA</i>, <i>CTSH</i>, <i>CTSS</i>). We used tartrate acid resistant phosphatase and cathepsin K (CTSK) staining to identify odontoclasts in and around the gecko dentition. There were 3 populations of CTSK cells: (1) large, functional multinucleated odontoclasts in the crown of the tooth with a ruffled border inside resorption pits; (2) smaller, precursor cells in the pulp with fewer nuclei; and (3) flattened external precursor cells next to the root and bone of attachment. We found a positive relationship between developing teeth and the population of CTSK+ cells on the root surface. We tested a candidate signal that may be involved in CTSK+ cell presence. An antagonist of CSF1R was delivered to developing teeth in vivo, which resulted in a significant decrease in <i>CTSK</i> and <i>CSF1R</i> compared with DMSO controls. Thus, the CSF1 signaling pathway is upstream of CTSK in teeth. This is the first work to detail the molecular characteristics of odontoclasts during physiological tooth shedding and to demonstrate that in vivo, local drug delivery is possible in the gecko model.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39876039/\n- **PMID 41600686 (2025, Veterinary sciences)** — Biochemical and Hepatic Determinants of Reproductive Failure in Reptiles: A Review of Dystocia Pathophysiology and Management.. Abstract (opening): Dystocia represents a multifactorial and clinically significant reproductive disorder affecting a broad spectrum of reptilian species. Commonly resulting from prolonged vitellogenesis, endocrine disruption, or hepatic lipidosis, dystocia is often exacerbated by suboptimal husbandry or concurrent disease. This review critically evaluates the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions associated with this condition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between metabolic exhaustion and hepatic compromise, which may lower the threshold for surgical intervention. The efficacy and limitations of oxytocin-based protocols are discussed in the context of hormonal receptor variability and response attenuation. Advanced diagnostic modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography/CT, and biochemical profiling, are reviewed for their utility in case stratification. Finally, surgical management options are considered for cases refractory to medical treatment, with attention paid to timing, anesthetic risk, and post-operative care. Collectively, this synthesis aims to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and promote improved standards of care in reptile reproductive medicine.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41600686/\n- **PMID 41150105 (2025, Veterinary sciences)** — Measuring the Rise and Fall of Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Blue-Tongued Skinks (&lt;i&gt;Tiliqua scincoides&lt;/i&gt;) Following Ultraviolet B Exposure and Withdrawal.. Abstract (opening): Species-specific husbandry guidelines remain limited for blue-tongued skinks (<i>Tiliqua scincoides</i>), especially in relation to ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting and vitamin D requirements. This study aimed to determine whether UVB exposure is necessary for these skinks and how long 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations persist after UVB withdrawal. Eleven adult skinks who had been fed with wet cat food were exposed to 12 or 2 h of UVB per day for four weeks. Plasma 25-OHD concentrations were very low at the baseline, and significantly increased post-UVB in both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.01), with the 12-hour group increasing from baseline concentrations of 18.5 [12.8-20.5] nmol/L to 820 [730-1251.3] nmol/L and the 2-hour group increasing from baseline concentrations of 22 [15.5-22] nmol/L to 635 [401-892.5] nmol/L. Following the discontinuation of UVB exposure, 25-OHD gradually declined and was not significantly different from baseline concentrations at 7 and 4 months for the 12-hour and 2-hour groups, respectively. Dietary vitamin D<sub>3</sub> (2.5 IU/g as dry matter basis), provided through wet cat food alone, appeared insufficient to support sustained plasma 25-OHD concentrations. These findings strongly suggest that blue-tongued skinks rely on UVB exposure to increase their 25-OHD concentrations. Moreover, the shorter 2-hour exposure provided a significant rise in 25-OHD concentrations and remained above baseline for 4 months, suggesting the shorter exposure can benefit these animals, while potentially reducing secondary risks associated with UVB exposure.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41150105/\n- **PMID 39633402 (2024, BMC veterinary research)** — Metastasizing dysgerminoma in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>Malignant dysgerminomas are infrequently reported ovarian neoplasms in animals, especially in exotic pets (non-traditional companion animals [NTCAs]). In the few published case reports on reptilian species, examples are primarily postmortem without antemortem (clinical) assessment.<h4>Patient presentation</h4>An adult, 13-year-old, spayed female inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with lethargy, a right-sided head tilt, unilateral exophthalmos and ventrotemporal strabismus on the right eye. On examination, a palpable mass (approximately 3.5 cm in diameter) was detected within the mid coelomic cavity. Computed tomography revealed a retrobulbar swelling and lytic bone lesions affecting the right frontal bone and several vertebrae (T11, T13, and T14). Multiple nodules of soft tissue opacity were also detected within the lungs, liver, and coelomic fat bodies. Haematology revealed leukocytosis with heterophilia and toxic granulation of heterophils. On the basis of these results, differential diagnoses included disseminated abscesses, granulomas (e.g., due to mycobacteriosis) and neoplasms. The lizard was subsequently euthanized due to end-stage disease and a poor prognosis. Postmortem gross examination and histopathology revealed a primary ovarian dysgerminoma with evidence of widespread metastasis as well as localized tissue destruction affecting the right retrobulbar space and frontal bone, the spinal column, the lungs, the liver, and both coelomic fat bodies.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This report describes a case of malignant dysgerminoma with widespread intraosseous and visceral metastases in a captive inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39633402/\n- **PMID 39339972 (2024, Viruses)** — Evaluating the Effects of Viruses on Eastern Indigo Snakes (&lt;i&gt;Drymarchon couperi&lt;/i&gt;) with Gastric Cryptosporidiosis.. Abstract (opening): A breeding colony of wild-origin eastern indigo snakes (EISs, <i>Drymarchon couperi</i>) that is part of a reintroduction program has been impacted by gastric cryptosporidiosis. Gastric cryptosporidiosis is an insidious disease of squamates caused by an apicomplexan protozoan, <i>Cryptosporidium serpentis</i>. Viral coinfections have been implicated as possible immunosuppressant agents that allow for disease progression and both adenovirus and reovirus have been implicated in allowing for the progression of gastric cryptosporidiosis during coinfection in other snake species. Molecular (PCR) screening for adenoviruses and reoviruses was performed for both <i>C. serpentis</i>-positive and <i>C. serpentis</i>-negative EIS within the breeding colony. No reoviruses were detected in the collection. Adenoviruses were present in 11/68 (16.2%) EISs evaluated, and there was no significant difference between <i>C. serpentis</i>-positive and <i>C. serpentis</i>-negative EISs (<i>p</i> = 0.196). There was no significant difference in adenovirus status between <i>C. serpentis</i>-positive EISs' lifespan (<i>p</i> = 0.191) or survival rates (<i>p</i> = 0.823). These findings suggest that the presence of the adenoviruses found in this study does not contribute to the formation or progression of gastric cryptosporidiosis in EISs.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39339972/\n- **PMID 37981904 (2023, Veterinarni medicina)** — Malignant ovarian dysgerminoma in a 16-year-old leopard gecko (<i>Eublepharis macularius</i>).. Abstract (opening): The 16-year-old female leopard gecko (<i>Eublepharis macularius</i>) was presented with distended coelom and cachexia. Examination of the faecal sample ruled out the presence of protozoan parasites. A radiographic examination confirmed the presence of radiopaque foreign material in the intestine. The conservative treatment with tramadol, butylscopolamine, famotidine, vitamin B complex, and supportive fluid therapy with Hartmann solution and Duphalyte, was performed for 14 days. Ultrasonographic examination revealed the presence of a large mass adherent to the liver (with hypoechoic regions), a thin-walled cystic structure close to the liver, and coelomic effusion. Surgical exploration revealed a large mass on the right ovary. The unilateral (right) ovariectomy was performed. Histologic examination of the mass revealed dysgerminoma with an invasion of the ovarian bursa and blood vessels. Nine months after the surgery the patient was active and doing well. In reptiles, dysgerminoma is an uncommon type of neoplasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of dysgerminoma tumour diagnosed intravitally and treated successfully in lizards.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37981904/\n- **PMID 36899783 (2023, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI)** — Egg Removal via Cloacoscopy in Three Dystocic Leopard Geckos (<i>Eublepharis macularius</i>).. Abstract (opening): Dystocia is a multifactorial, life-threatening condition commonly affecting pet reptiles. Treatment for dystocia can be either medical or surgical. Medical treatment usually involves the administration of oxytocin, but in some species or, in some cases, this treatment does not work as expected. Surgical treatments such as ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy are resolutive, but invasive in small-sized reptiles. In this paper, we describe three cases of post ovulatory egg retention in three leopard geckos (<i>Eublepharis macularius</i>) successfully treated through a cloacoscopic removal of the retained eggs, after a non resolutive medical treatment. The intervention was fast, non-invasive, and no procedure-related adverse effects were noted. The problem relapsed six months later in one animal, and a successful bilateral ovariosalpingectomy was performed. Cloacoscopy should be considered a valuable, non-invasive tool for egg removal in dystocic leopard geckos when the egg is accessible to manipulation. Recrudescence or complications such as adhesions, oviductal rupture, or the presence of ectopic eggs should recommend surgical intervention.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36899783/\n- **PMID 35324843 (2022, Veterinary sciences)** — Chromatophoromas in Reptiles.. Abstract (opening): Chromatophoromas are neoplasms that arise from pigment cells of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. They include melanophoromas (melanomas), iridophoromas, and xanthophoromas. Most chromatophoromas develop spontaneously, but genetic and environmental factors may also play a role in their oncogenesis. The diagnosis is typically through histologic examination. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy can be helpful for diagnosing poorly differentiated and/or poorly pigmented neoplasms. Aggressive surgical excision is the current treatment of choice. This review describes the clinical presentation, gross appearance, diagnostic applications, clinical behavior, and treatment of chromatophoromas in reptiles.\n  Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35324843/\n\nSource text: `pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_leopard_gecko_clinical_2026-08-01.txt` (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).\n","sources":["Europe PMC — Evidence cluster — Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) clinical cases (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC) (retrieved 2026-08-01)"],"source":{"authority":"Europe PMC","title":"Evidence cluster — Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) clinical cases (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749246/","retrieved":"2026-08-01","ref":"PMID 41749246","doc_type":"official PDF","source_document":"Peer-reviewed Leopard gecko clinical-case literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","verification_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_leopard_gecko_clinical_2026-08-01.txt"},"source_document":"Peer-reviewed Leopard gecko clinical-case literature (Europe PMC, first-hand abstracts)","source_file":"pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_leopard_gecko_clinical_2026-08-01.txt","tokens_estimated":600,"generated_at":null,"tip":"Use /api/v1/topics to discover more topics. /api/v1/nutrient for precise single-point queries. /api/v1/cross_compare for 2-3 standard comparisons."}