leopard gecko lump

Question

close up   QUESTION: My daughter's albino leopard gecko (Vanna) is approx. 4 years old and has a lump on her rear side.  It seems to be rather hard and based on your previous questions and answers I am thinking it may be an abcess?  The vet here is very expensive and if we can treat this at home I would prefer to do so.  I have attached a photo for you. This is the first time she has ever been ill.  She has stopped eating and her tail is shrinking, the lump has been there for a few days.  Thanks!!

ANSWER: Hello Judi,


Wow, that is rather large!  If the lump is hard, then it is most likely either a cyst or a tumor.  I highly recommend getting her to a vet for analysis.  They could possibly biopsy the area or do an x-ray to see what is going on.
It is a possibility that it could be easily removed through surgery.

Let me know how things go.  Do you have a vet?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tracie,
We just got back from the vet (there is only one in the area) and Vanna is on the road to recovery. The vet had to make an incision and squeeze out a huge lump that he said was not internal. He also found another small lump underneath her that he did the same to. He did do an x-ray first. For follow up, we have antibiotic and we also have to use peroxide and neosporin daily. It needed one stitch that will come out in a month and we are supposed to update him weekly in the meanwhile. He also made us aware that the pet store had sold us a vitamin supplement instead of a calcium powder! Although he is unsure as to why the lump appeared he seems certain that if we care for her properly that she will be fine! Thank you so much for your help!! Judi

Answer
Hello Judi,

Great that Vanna is recovering.  Did he say what in the world it was, an abscess of some type?
Also, when you are keeping it clean, don't use peroxide.  Use betadine diluted, instead.  The peroxide is cytotoxic & can kill good cells.  The neosporin is great, so continue to use that daily.  
Oh, which vitamin powder was it?  You do need a straight calcium powder so he doesn't get metabolic bone disease.  
Let me know how she is doing.  Has she been eating since the vet visit?

Tracie