Puffy Gecko throat-male

Question
QUESTION: I am taking care of my sons Gecko's.  The male has had for over a week the area under his throat extremely puffed up.  I thought initially that it was more of a mating thing going on even though the gecko's are in separate tanks.  However, he is not eating and the "puff" is not going away.  Any suggestions?

Thanks for any assistance!

ANSWER: Hi Pam,

Excess fluid collecting in the throat area can be a symptom of excessive vitamin A  in some species. I most often hear of this type of edema with chameleons and sometimes bearded dragons.

Are you supplementing with a multi-vitamin that contains active vitamin A? Vitamin A comes in two forms, the active form is from animal sources and can be potentially overdosed. The second form is the plant based precursor (usually beta carotene) which is not toxic and cannot be overdosed. The body converts this form to the active form only in the amounts needed.

The active form may be listed as retinol or retinoic acid on the label while beta-carotene sourced vitamin A usually lists it as such.

If you are supplementing with a multi I would suggest dropping it completely for several weeks and continue with a calcium/vitamin D3 supplement only. You need only use a multivitamin once or twice a month normally. Calcium can be used around once or twice a week for adults.

This article has some of the other names that vitamin A goes by on some labels.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

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QUESTION: thanks for the above info.  I did check what Supplement I was giving him and its Repti Calcium (Ultrafine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Supplement with D3).  So he has been getting this.  He is still not eating and lack of energy.  Any other suggestions?

Answer
Hi Pam,

Unfortunately, excessive vitamin A is the only (possible) cause that I am aware of that can be remedied by modifying his care. If that is ruled out then you could be dealing with a possible infection of some sort or even (but less likely) a tumour.

With the additional symptoms of lethargy and inappetance I really think a vet visit is your best option now. He may just need a simple course of antbiotics. You will have a far better chance of a happy outcome if he gets treatment before he becomes too debilitated from lack of feeding. In the meantime, you can dribble water over his snout or soak him briefly to keep him hydrated. A bit of chicken based baby food can be dabbed on his snout (they usually lick it off) to offer some nutritional support.  

Check herpvetconnection.com or the ARAV site (Association of Reptile and Amphibian Vets) for a reptile experienced vet in your area. Good luck.