Small lump on right side of leopard geckos jaw.

Question
QUESTION: Hi Tracie,

David again, this time with a question about one of my leopard geckos. I was recently cleaning my leopard gecko tank and noticed that one of my males has a small lump on the right side of his jaw. Almost looks like a small pea size lump on the bottom side. I'm a bit concerned I'm hoping this is not Stomatitis.

I keep my tank as clean as possible using a sand sifter to clean the feces and other debris picked up. Now I know to some sand is a big no no, I used to use cage carpet but decided to try sand as the carpet would get smelly fairly quick. Could this be a contributing factor?

I keep a gradient across the tank as well, so I'm pretty sure I have the heat issues covered. Does it sound like a vet trip is needed? Thanks for all of your help!

-David

ANSWER: Hello David,

Well,that is a small possibility if he has eaten any sand & it caused a mouth injury that has gotten infected.
Or his mouth could have gotten injured eating a feeder also.  What feeders do you use?
Be very careful with sand as it will impact them very easily & it is usually fatal.
Are you using an undertank heater in combination with a low wattage of light bulb on one end?  He needs a hot spot of around 88-90 degrees & on the cool side, around 78-82.
It could also be an abscess, tumor, a cyst or a hematoma perhaps.  If it does not go down, you may need to get it looked at in case it is a pocket of infection or something that needs to be drained.
Is it affecting his eating?

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Hi Tracie,

I'm using mealworms and occasionally superworms for my adults, I've been keeping an eye on him and the lump appears to be getting smaller. I'm now beginning to think he may have either got bit by one of the feeders or the other male perhaps?

I do have my 20L at the temps you specify. I'm going to continue to monitor him and see how it goes. He did eat fine the other day.. so perhaps that's a good sign.

-Dave

ANSWER: Hello Dave,

GREAT that the swelling appears to be going down a little bit.
How large are the superworms you are feeding?  Make sure that they are small enough to not cause injury.  IF you wanted to you could chop the heads off so the pinchers are not an issue.  This happens sometimes even with bearded dragons if they don't learn how to chew them up properly.   
Are there 2 males housed together?  If so, you will need to separate the males, as they will not get along & will fight.  
That is good the temps are optimal for him.  I hope that he will continue to eat well.  Have you tried phoenix worms for him too?  He might really like them, also.

Keep me posted on him.  

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Hi Tracie,

Thanks for the reply.. the superworms are typical size I guess, maybe about 1 1/2 - 2in in length, they seem to love superworms over regular mealworms. I have considered chopping there head off but never actually tried bit. I may have to it seems..

I went ahead and moved the male to another tank, his face is looking a lot better now. Swelling seems to be almost gone? Just wondering what it is.. he's a juvie and the other male is a full adult. Figured they would be fine, but apparently not.

I have tried phoenix worms and they love them, there just a bit hard to come across here locally.

Thanks again!!

-Dave

Answer
Hello Dave,

Great that the swelling is almost gone.  It must have been some bite for the swelling to get like that.
Yeah either feed the smaller superworms, or try cutting the heads off for him.  You can order the phoenix worms straight from Dr. Phoenix from:
www.phoenixworm.com

No housing males together is never a good idea.  Males are too aggressive towards each other.  

I am glad he is getting better now.  :-))

Tracie