Leopard Gecko Sand Impaction

3 yr female leopard gecko with sand impaction. Images by Dr. JC Burcham.

Sand impaction radiographically. The gecko had been anorexic and in declining condition. The gecko did not survive a conservative treatment approach. Necropsy shows a distended small intestine. The intestinal contents contained a sand marketed as "digestable" for reptiles. Help prevent sand impactions in reptiles!