Leopard Gecko and Reptile Insurance
Leopard Gecko and Reptile Insurance for the most popular exotic pet in Australia, Asia, and the USA, as they are not regulated by the USDA APHIS. However, you should check the state laws before buying a leopard gecko, as some states may have restrictions or prohibitions on owning exotic animals as pets. Leopard geckos are native to Asia and can be imported legally with proper documentation.
Thanks to their docile temperament, easy care, and colorful appearance. These small lizards are native to the dry grasslands and deserts of Asia and can live up to 20 years or more in captivity. However, like any other pet, they also face risks of injury and illness that can result in costly vet bills. That’s why it’s important to consider getting reptile insurance for your leopard gecko, which can cover some of the expenses of veterinary treatment, alternative therapies, advertising and reward, and third-party liability.
What is a leopard gecko?
A leopard gecko is a ground-dwelling lizard that belongs to the genus Eublepharis, which means “true eyelids”. Unlike most geckos, leopard geckos have movable eyelids that protect their eyes from dust and dirt. They also lack the sticky toe pads that allow other geckos to climb walls, but they have claws that help them grip on rocks and branches. Leopard geckos are mostly nocturnal and active at dusk and dawn. They communicate with chirps, squeaks and tail movements.
Leopard geckos are usually yellow, white and spotted with black dots, but there are many different morphs or variations that have different colors and patterns. Hatchlings are striped and gradually change to a spotted appearance as they grow. Adult leopard geckos can reach 8 to 10 inches in length, including their tails.
How to care for your leopard gecko?
Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for, but they still require some basic equipment and attention. Here are some of the things you need to provide for your leopard gecko:
• A suitable enclosure. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum size for one leopard gecko, but a larger tank is preferable. The tank should have a secure lid, a substrate (such as paper towels, reptile carpet or tile), hiding places (such as caves, logs or plants), a water dish and a calcium dish.
• A heat source. Leopard geckos need a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a warm side (around 30°C) and a cool side (around 24°C). You can use an under-tank heater, a heat mat or a ceramic heat emitter to provide heat. Avoid using heat lamps or rocks, as they can cause burns or dehydration. You also need a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• A light source. Leopard geckos do not need UVB light, as they get most of their vitamin D from their diet. However, they do need a day/night cycle, so you can use a low-wattage incandescent bulb or an LED light to provide some light during the day (around 12 hours) and turn it off at night.
• A balanced diet. Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means they eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms or roaches. You should feed your leopard gecko every other day or every two days, depending on its age and size. You should also dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements once or twice a week to prevent metabolic bone disease. You can also offer some fresh fruits or vegetables occasionally as treats.
• A regular check-up. Leopard geckos are generally hardy and healthy animals, but they can still suffer from some common health problems such as parasites, infections, impaction, shedding issues or tail loss. You should check your leopard gecko regularly for any signs of illness or injury, such as lethargy, weight loss, abnormal stools, discharge from eyes or nose, wounds or missing toes. You should also take your leopard gecko to an exotic vet at least once a year for a wellness exam.
Why do you need reptile insurance for your leopard gecko?
Reptile insurance is a type of pet insurance that covers exotic animals such as lizards, snakes or turtles. Reptile insurance can help you pay for some of the costs of veterinary treatment if your leopard gecko gets injured or ill. Depending on the level of cover you choose, reptile insurance can also cover alternative or complementary treatments (such as acupuncture or physiotherapy), advertising and reward if your leopard gecko goes missing or is stolen, and third-party liability if your leopard gecko causes damage or injury to someone else’s property or person.
Reptile insurance can be beneficial for leopard gecko owners, as these animals can require specialized care that can be expensive or hard to find. For example, leopard geckos may need diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans, which can cost hundreds of dollars. They may also need a referral to a specialist vet, which can charge higher fees than a regular vet. Reptile insurance can help you cover some of these costs, so you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of caring for your leopard gecko.
However, reptile insurance also has some limitations and exclusions that you should be aware of. For example, reptile insurance may not cover pre-existing conditions, routine care (such as vaccinations or deworming), breeding-related issues, cosmetic procedures or elective surgeries. Reptile insurance may also have waiting periods, age limits, excesses or co-payments that you have to pay before you can claim. Therefore, you should read the policy wording carefully and compare different options before you buy reptile insurance for your leopard gecko.
Medical conditions leopard geckos can suffer from:
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD): This is a condition caused by a lack of calcium, vitamin D or phosphorus in the diet, which leads to weak and deformed bones, joints and teeth. Symptoms include arched back, lethargy, weight loss and a spongy jaw. Treatment involves vitamin D injections, liquid calcium supplements and a balanced diet. The cost of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the vet fees, but it can range from $50 to $200 or more.
• Impaction: This is a condition caused by the ingestion of indigestible substrates, such as sand, gravel or cork, which block the intestines and prevent the passage of waste. Symptoms include swollen abdomen, constipation, lack of appetite and lethargy. Treatment involves giving vegetable oil or Vaseline, warm baths, gentle massages and surgery in severe cases. The cost of treatment can also vary depending on the severity of the condition and the vet fees, but it can range from $20 to $300 or more.
• Respiratory infection: This is a condition caused by low temperatures, high humidity or dusty substrates, which irritate the lungs and cause inflammation and mucus production. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, bubbles in the nose, mouth breathing and nasal discharge. Treatment involves increasing the temperature, washing the nose with chamomile tea and antibiotics in severe cases. The cost of treatment can range from $30 to $100 or more.
• Mouth rot: This is a condition caused by bacterial infection in the mouth, which leads to inflammation, ulcers and pus. Symptoms include swollen mouth, loss of appetite, drooling and bleeding. Treatment involves cleaning the mouth with an antiseptic solution and antibiotics. The cost of treatment can range from $40 to $150 or more.
• Atadenovirus: This is a viral infection that affects the digestive system and the immune system. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, regurgitation and neurological problems. There is no cure for this disease, only supportive care that can be expensive.
• Parasites: These are organisms that live inside or outside the gecko’s body and feed on its blood or nutrients. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, itching and skin lesions. Treatment involves deworming medication or topical medication. The cost of treatment can range from $20 to $100 or more.
• Shedding problems: These are problems that occur when the gecko fails to shed its skin properly due to low humidity or dehydration. Symptoms include skin buildup around the eyes or limbs, which can impair vision or circulation. Treatment involves increasing humidity, soaking the gecko in water and gently removing the stuck skin.
• Tail loss: This is a condition that occurs when the gecko drops its tail as a defense mechanism against predators or stress. Symptoms include bleeding and exposed bone at the tail base. Treatment involves cleaning the wound with an antiseptic solution and applying antibiotic ointments. The cost of treatment is usually low or free if done at home.
• Enigma syndrome: This is a genetic disorder that affects some morphs of leopard geckos and causes neurological problems. Symptoms include head tilting, spinning, stargazing and seizures. There is no cure for this syndrome, only supportive care. The cost of care can vary depending on the symptoms and the vet fees, but it can be very expensive.
• Injuries: These are wounds that occur due to accidents or fights with other geckos. Symptoms include cuts, bruises, bites and broken bones. Treatment involves cleaning the wound with an antiseptic solution and applying antibiotic ointment or bandage. In severe cases, surgery may be required. The cost of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the vet fees, but it can range from $10 to $500 or more.
Cost of Leopard Geckos
The price of a leopard gecko depends on several factors, such as the type, age, color, pattern and markings of the lizard, as well as where you buy it from. A leopard gecko can cost anywhere from $15 to $3,000, but a common leopard gecko’s price is typically $30 to $75. Normally leopard geckos with no notable mutations are at the low end of the price scale, while rare morphs are more expensive. You can buy a leopard gecko from a pet store, a breeder, or an online seller, but you should always check the health and quality of the animal before you buy it.
How to find the best reptile insurance for your leopard gecko?
There are not many providers of reptile insurance in Australia, but you can still shop around and compare different quotes and features to find the best reptile insurance for your leopard gecko. Some of the factors you should consider when looking for reptile insurance are:
• The level of cover. Reptile insurance usually offers three levels of cover: premier, plus and value. The premier level offers the highest amount of cover for veterinary fees, alternative treatments, advertising and reward and third-party liability. The plus level offers a lower amount of cover for the same services. The value level offers the lowest amount of cover for veterinary fees only.
• The cost of the premium. The premium is the amount you pay monthly or annually for your reptile insurance. The cost of the premium depends on various factors such as the type and breed of your pet, its age and health condition, the level of cover you choose and the excess or co-payment you agree to pay.
• The customer service. You should choose a reputable and reliable provider of reptile insurance that has a good track record of handling claims and providing customer support. You should also check the reviews and ratings of other customers who have used their services.
• The exclusions and limitations. You should read the policy wording carefully and understand what is covered and what is not covered by your reptile insurance. You should also check the waiting periods, age limits, excesses or co-payments that apply to your policy.
Leopard geckos are wonderful pets that can bring joy and companionship to your life. However, they also require proper care and protection to keep them healthy and happy. Reptile insurance can help you cover some of the costs of veterinary treatment if your leopard gecko gets injured or ill. However, reptile insurance also has some limitations and exclusions that you should be aware of. Therefore, you should do your research and compare different options before you buy reptile insurance for your leopard gecko.