Leopard disease is a common problem in captive leopard geckos and is due to parasites called cryptosporidium. Affected animals develop gastrointestinal tract problems that result in diarrhea and weight loss. This condition can lead to dehydration and a lack of nutrition that can cause other health problems such as an abnormally short tail (stick tail). This article will provide information on how to prevent leopard disease and the treatment options for affected animals.
LEOPARD syndrome is a genetically heterogenous disorder that can be caused by mutations in several genes. This is an autosomal dominant condition, meaning that if one abnormal gene is present, there is a 50% chance of passing the gene on to each of the individual’s children.
The cardinal features of LEOPARD syndrome are multiple lentigines, electrocardiographic conduction defects, ocular hypertelorism (widely-spaced eyes), pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retarded growth resulting in short stature and sensorineural deafness.
The underlying defect for LEOPARD syndrome is usually due to mutations in the PTPN11 gene. However, in a small percentage of patients, mutations in the RAF1, BRAF or MAP2K1 genes may also lead to this syndrome. Because these genes regulate cell signaling pathways, the effects of mutations vary between individuals. It is important for veterinarians to perform a thorough clinical evaluation of patients with this disorder and evaluate their family history. This will enable them to identify patients with pathogenic mutations in these genes. These genetic testing results can then be used to confirm the diagnosis of LEOPARD syndrome.