Pathology of round island geckos Phelsuma guentheri: Some unexpected findings

Abstract

Deaths in captive Round Island geckos Phelsuma guentheri were associated with fatty change (lipidosis) and cholesterol deposits (xanthomatosis) in internal organs. Changes in husbandry appeared to reduce and, finally, to eliminate the problem but the exact mechanisms were never identified. The incident illustrates the importance of health monitoring of rare animals that are kept in captivity and the need when necessary to employ expensive techniques, such as electronmicroscopy.