Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS)

Some gargoyle geckos like to sleep upside down as a matter of personal preference. This is fine as long as their tails don’t start to ‘flop.’ Photo by Gargoyle Queen Reptiles

Symptoms:

  • Tail hangs over gecko’s back or to the side when upside down
  • Difficulty defecating or laying eggs

Cause: 

  • Sleeping upside down repeatedly
  • Deformity of base tail bone and hips

Treatment:

Make an appointment with an exotic veterinarian. Tail amputation may necessary to prevent further deformity of the spine and/or hips.

FTS can be prevented or managed by cluttering the terrarium with lots of hiding spots and other décor, which will discourage the gecko from sleeping upside down.


Other gargoyle gecko health topics: