My leopard gecko keeps licking its vent. Is this normal or a health issue?

I am so sorry to hear that Gizmo is not feeling well. Reptiles have what is called a vent which is a single opening through which they defecate, urinate and copulate. So he could be licking the area due to a problem with his intestinal system, urinary system or reproductive system. If he is struggling to defecate, I would be worried that Gizmo has an impaction or blockage in his intestinal tract. Sometimes they pick up and eat things that they shouldn't when going to grab insects. Also, are you sure that Gizmo is a boy? If not, female reptiles can potentially become egg bound (unable to pass eggs). I would recommend taking Gizmo to the veterinarian to have an exam and possibly x-rays so that he can be treated appropriately. Best of luck to you and Gizmo.

Hello Becca. Great question! I suspect he has seminal plugs. It would be best if you could take him to a reptile vet for an exam as I'm only guessing as to what the problem may be but I'm fairly confident this is the issue. Sometimes you can call a local exotics shop and the staff there may be able to help you get the plugs out. I don't think the Petsmart staff is trained well enough to help you with this so I don't recommend you take him there. These two exotic vets are within about 20 minutes of your zip code. ( https://www.scalesandtailspetclinic.com/ ) ( http://nwexoticpetvet.com/ ) There is a pet store called Upscales not that far from you as well. You can look them up.

If you think it is a wound severe enough to expose intestine, Koopa should be seen immediately by your vet or an experienced herp veterinarian. A physical exam may diagnose injury, infection or a bad shed. It may also be a prolapse from the vent. These conditions cannot be diagnosed without an exam. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure. Soak him in a warm solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte daily for 15-20 minutes as long as he is not eating. keep him on paper towels or reptile carpet to keep the affected area clean. Loose substrate may stick to it and contaminate it further. If it is a bad shed, the soaks may loosen the skin/scab.

This should be worrisome. Is he still eating/maintaining weight? Check and correct the temperature to provide POTZ (preferred optical temperature zone). If remains lethargic, not eating, a veterinary visit is recommended. Intestinal parasites,kidney disease, gastrointestinal obstructions from ingestion of substrate, are all common problems. Good luck.

This may simply be how he eats, especially in the absence of other symptoms. Confirm proper environmental parameters and monitor him. Symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles may include lethargy, decrease or loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal stool or straining to defecate.

Vomiting is not normal in reptiles. Loki should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. An x-ray maybe necessary to diagnose an obstruction or impaction. Get some Fluker's Repta-Boost at the local Petco. Offer it to get some nutrition into him. Soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. Gently massage the abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecation.

I think that you are right to be concerned about Geo. With the previous lack of humidity and inappropriate husbandry, I would be worried that she may have an impaction. When impactions occur in the intestinal tract or colon, it does not allow additional food to pass through the intestines. This eventually will lead to regurgitation. This is a common finding in geckos that have not had appropriate husbandry. The regurgitation may also be due to her not feeling well - just like when we get sick, reptiles can become nauseous. This is less of a specific sign and can be due to numerous diseases. I would recommend taking Geo in for evaluation by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough physical examination and see if they suspect an impaction based on palpation of the coelom (feeling the belly). Depending on what they find, they may recommend diagnostics or treatments for Geo. I know that you have already increased the humidity, but it may also be a good idea to soak Geo in 85-90 F water for 15-20 minutes twice daily. This may encourage her to drink (although many leopard geckos do not like to soak, even though it is good for them :) ) and hydrate. I hope this gives you a place to start, and I hope that Geo feels better soon!