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Leopard gecko not eating, tail shrinking. Is it stick tail disease?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I recently got a leopard gecko and I noticed last night that she isn't eating and her tail is getting smaller. She's not even a year old. I got her in April.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on September 8th, 2017

There are a few things that can cause anorexia and a small tail in leopard geckos, but one concerning and common cause is called stick tail disease. This disease is caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium, and can cause wasting and death in geckos without treatment. I highly recommend that you bring Rufus to a herp vet as soon as you can to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Cryptosporidium can't be cured, but it can be managed with medication. There is a vet in Dallas that sees reptiles - here is the information in case you don't have a regular herp vet:
Summertree Animal and Bird Clinic
12300 Inwood Rd #102, Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 387-4168

The vet will probably collect a stool sample from Rufus as the crypto parasite lives in the intestines. They may also recommend bloodwork to check for other conditions as well. Good luck, and I hope that Rufus recovers!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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