My gecko's tail looks thin. Is this a sign of a health problem?

Hello, "Stick tail" refers to generalized weight loss in these species. Weight loss can commonly be caused by intestinal infections or parasites. Weight loss could also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an internal cancerous tumor. I would recommend taking Delta into a veterinarian to be seen. They will likely recommend x-rays, a fecal exam, and testing of the stomach fluid. Those results can help guide whether Delta has something like a curable infection or a more serious disease and the best treatment course for her. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

She looks a bit thin, but if she is a juvenile then that's fine. As she matures, she will bulk up. The best way to confirm good health would be to have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian.

By "stick-tail" I'm assuming that you mean the tail has become skinny. This means that he has been losing weight over a long period of time. This usually happens because of a disease process or incorrect care. Since this has been happening for a long time, it's not an emergency, but it's definitely wise to visit the vet tomorrow. Without knowing what caused this, I cannot recommend anything in the short-term to make him feel better. I can only recommend that you ensure that he is being kept at the optimum temperature and environment. I've given a link below to a website that has great information about proper care of Leopard geckos. http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html I hope this helps and Garbanzo gets better soon.

Thanks for reaching out about your gecko and including photos. This animal is emaciated and starving for nutrients. A veterinary visit if highly recommended, ASAP, as it appears severely ill. Intestinal infections/parasite and metabolic disorders (liver, kidney) are among the most common causes. Check and correct husbandry as environmental parameters (heat, UVB exposure, humidity) are extremely important for recovery. Offer water and food through a syringe until a veterinary appointment can be made. Good luck.

Overall, she looks quite thin. The kinks in the tail may be an early indication of metabolic bone disease (MBD). 21 C is a bit cool for her. Cresties do best between 25.5 C and 27.7 C Ideally, she should be evaluated by your veterinarian to confirm and treat MBD or other illness/infection. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. IN the meantime, you can review care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Crested-Gecko/

Iggy does not look underweight but i have nothing to compare the way he looked before so i can't tell you for sure regarding weight loss. as long as he is active and eating normally i would not be worried, unless you see that he is losing a lot of weight fast.

As long as it is just the tail, there is no cause for concern there. If her limbs start to swell, then she may have a more serious issue. Delta may have been able to use her tail reserves while she wasn't eating, but now she should fatten up her tail again as long as she continues to eat. Try to determine why she became impacted and treat that. If you need to change the substrate or diet, do so. Adjust the cage temperature as well. Low temps can affect digestion in reptiles. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. Gently massage her abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecation.