Crust on Leo's mouth

Hello, last night while I feeding my sons Leo I noticed a crust on his mouth. Can anybody tell me what this might be. I looks like a crust ( scab like ).
Thanks,
Scott

Any way you could post a pic?

What kind of substrate are you using? What are you feeding him?

could it be left over shed? or maybe he has been rubbing his nose on something in the enclosure? is there any screen that he can reach that he might be rubbing on? is he housed alone or with other geckos?

a photo would be quite helpful if you can get one.

If its a yellowish, crusty buildup, its probably stomatitis (mouth rot), which is usually brought about by unsanitary cage conditions.

I'll try and get pic soon. We use calcium sand. He is housed alone and we feed him crickets ( dusted ) and mealworms. We also have a bowl of dust D3. I was wondering if it could be a part of a cricket. Do you think I should try and pull it off ? The temps in cage are correct.

sometimes i cricket leg can scrape or catch on a geckos mouth and irritate it. it could also be mouth rot as brad suggested. try to dab at it with a q-tip moistened with chlorhexadine/novalsan or betadine if you don't have chlorhexadine. if it come off readily clean the area with more chlorhexadine/betadine and keep an eye on it. the betadine will stain his skin but it will fade and go away the next time he sheds. if the crusted area comes back repeatedly you might need to take him to a vet.

i'd still like to see a pic if possible, to determine more accurately what it might be...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mlededee

sometimes i cricket leg can scrape or catch on a geckos mouth and irritate it. it could also be mouth rot as brad suggested. try to dab at it with a q-tip moistened with chlorhexadine/novalsan or betadine if you don't have chlorhexadine. if it come off readily clean the area with more chlorhexadine/betadine and keep an eye on it. the betadine will stain his skin but it will fade and go away the next time he sheds. if the crusted area comes back repeatedly you might need to take him to a vet.

i'd still like to see a pic if possible, to determine more accurately what it might be...

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We just cleaned the tanks. Where can you get the Chlorhexadine ? I'll look at it again and see if it could crickets parts.
Thanks,
Scott

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Holy Balls

We just cleaned the tanks. Where can you get the Chlorhexadine ? I'll look at it again and see if it could crickets parts.
Thanks,
Scott

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If there's a local farm supply or equestrian store around you, check there. They should have nolvasan or other chlorhexidine solution there. Otherwise, you'll have to order it online.

Hydrogen peroxcide or betadine (available at any pharmacy) work too, but won't be as easy on your leo as chlorhexidine would be.

Thanks a million. Both of you!

you can usually find it at local feed stores or you can order it online here: http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=249. for just one leo you really only need the 16oz size--you mix it with water so it will last quite a while.

EDIT: oops! little late. :P

No problem, keep us updated and post some pics!

also, just wondering what you cleaned your cage with--if you used any kind of cleaning product?

Bleach and water solution. We rinse it out well though. That's why I'm thinking it's just a cricket part or mealworm part. Hopefully

ok good--just making sure you weren't using something chemical or otherwise harmful that could have caused some irritation. :)

Okay WOW! I just realized that my leo has the same thing I think. Its some brown colored crust on his lip of the corner/side of his mouth. I would think this would be mouth rot. Could this be the reason why mine wont eat? Sorry to jack this thread...

it could be. clean the area with betadine and see if the crusted area comes off readily. if there is a thick layer of crust the mouth can become crusted shut, so make sure this isn't happening and causing your leo not to eat. continue to monitor and clean the area for the next few days--if the crust returns each day after cleaning you may need to take your leo to the vet for antibiotics to help clear it up.

OK. the crust fell off while I was at work. I am now thinking it is mouth rot. I do keep the tank clean. My question is, can they get this from dirty crickets? The last crickets I got were from a store I really don't like to shop at because it's dirty. Could this be possible?
Thanks,
Scott

The exoskeleton of a cricket could have irritated the soft tissue of its mouth, and then the bacteria took hold from there.

As mentioned above, clean the area with betadine daily and if it doesn't start to clear up, you will need to take it to the vet.

I'm not sure. I will take your advice and try the Betadine, if that doesn't work off to the Vet.
Thanks again! Brad
Scott

it could have been a wing or something from the cricket. the fact that it came off on its own is good. just keep it clean and keep an eye on it. :)

Hi All, I am sure my sons Leo has mouth rot. It looked like it might have gone away, but last night I checked him out and the crust has returned. I ordered some Novalsan yesterday and should be here by Friday. Can you please instruct me on the best way to apply this.

Thanks,
Scott

Use a q-tip to swab the area outside the jaw and inside the mouth. If you aren't comfortable opening their mouth to clear out any crust inside, I would recommend taking it to a vet and have them do it.

Thanks Brad!

usually you can get it to clear up on its own by cleaning it the way brad described but if it won't go away or you notice any mucus or bubbles in his mouth or that he seems to be having trouble breathing you should take him the vet immediately because he may have a respiratory infection. (sometimes ongoing and untreated mouthrot can lead to RI.)

I've been watching it and he's been good, eating and doing those things Leo's do. I just notice a little more crust yesterday. I'm also going to changed the substrate to a finer sand. Other than this he's been fine, bright yellow with a big fat 1/2 orange and 1/2 spotted tail. I'll send a pic when I can get me 15 yrs old son to show how LOL :rolleyes:

I would get him off of the sand and use paper towels until this is cleared up. Sand tends to hide all kinds of things that can affect the health of your leo.

Will do! :sweeet:

Well I got Novalsan in the mail Tuesday, applied in that night, then wed. & Thursday. I know he didn't like having it put on by the croaking he was doing. My son thought it was funny though. It looks better already. After I put it on his mouth I fed him and the crickets where slipping out of his mouth, my son thought that was funny also. I now feed him then, put Novalsan on.
I just want to thank all who helped. I do love this site and the great caring people on it,
Thanks! :) :D :) :D