Evaluating the Physiologic Effects of Short Duration Ultraviolet B Radiation Exposure in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Gould, Amelia; Molitor, Laure E.; Rockwell, Kelly; Watson, Megan K.; Mitchell, Mark A.

doi:10.5818/17-11-136.1

Cited by 16 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…A study carried out on leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) demonstrated that these animals, when exposed to short periods of UV radiation (2 h), can significantly increase the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 . These data once again demonstrate that even nocturnal species can produce vitamin D 3 when exposed to UV radiation, even for short periods (Gould et al, 2018). Indeed, several species with less opportunity for exposure to sunlight have been shown to have evolved an adaptation mechanism that allows them to synthesise vitamin D 3 more efficiently (Carman et al, 2000;Baines et al, 2006;Ferguson et al, 2015;Rutland et al, 2019).…”

Section: Ultraviolet Radiation and Vitamin D In Different Speciesmentioning

confidence: 83%

The lifestyle of the leopard gecko and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium

Franco,

Oliveira,

Patrício

et al. 2023

Vet. stn. (Online)

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The gecko leopard (Eublepharis macularius) was first described in 1854 by British herpetologist Edward Blyth. It is one of the most popular pet lizard species, due to its docile temperament, ease of maintenance and reproduction in captivity, its high longevity and small size, and its beauty and diversity of colours and patterns. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important behavioural regulator. Vitamin D also regulates many fundamental physiological functions in vertebrates, mainly calcium homeostasis. Because of the great diversity of reptile species and the wide range of environmental adaptations, it is important to know the necessities and adaptations of each species regarding UV, vitamin D and calcium requirements. This study provides an overview of the leopard gecko’s lifestyle, and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium for this species.

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Section: Ultraviolet Radiation and Vitamin D In Different Speciesmentioning

confidence: 83%

The lifestyle of the leopard gecko and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium

Franco,

Oliveira,

Patrício

et al. 2023

Vet. stn. (Online)

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“…Paper was used as substrate and several hiding boxes were provided. Ultraviolet‐B light sources were available as advised for this species . The photoperiod was set at 12:12 light:dark cycle.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Cojean

Vergneau‐Grosset

Masseau

2018

Vet Radiology Ultrasound

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Captive leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) often present to the exotic clinic for gastrointestinal impactions, follicular stasis, or dystocia. To our knowledge, normal ultrasonographic anatomy of these lizards has not been described. The objectives of this prospective, anatomic, analytical study were to develop ultrasound techniques for this species and to describe the normal sonographic anatomy of the head, coelomic cavity, and tail. Eleven, healthy, female leopard geckos were included. A linear array 13-18 MHz transducer was used. Geckos were sedated and restrained in dorsal recumbency for coelomic structure examination and in ventral recumbency for head and tail examinations. Sagittal and transverse images were acquired and authors recorded qualitative and quantitative ultrasonographic characteristics of anatomic structures. The ventral surface of the lungs, liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava, portal vein, ventral abdominal vein, aorta, ovarian follicles, fat bodies, tail, and brain were visualized in 10 of 11 individuals. In one individual, molt precluded ultrasonographic examination. The heart, kidneys, urinary bladder, spleen, and pancreas were not visualized. The digestive tract was observed in 10 individuals but was too small to be measured. Findings from the current study could be used as a reference for future studies of leopard geckos.

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“…Paper was used as substrate, and several hiding boxes were provided. Ultraviolet‐B light sources were available as advised for this species (Gould, Molitor, Rockwell, Watson, & Mitchell, ). The photoperiod was set at 12:12 light:dark cycle.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Complete blood count, plasma biochemistry profile and faecal examinations were also performed. Venipuncture was performed under isoflurane sedation with an insulin syringe with a 27‐gauge needle either in the ventral coccygeal vein using a lateral approach or in the cranial vena cava as needed to avoid autotomy, depending on the temperament of the individuals, as previously described in geckos (Gould et al., ; Mayer, Knoll, Wrubel, & Mitchell, ). A maximum blood volume of 0.5 ml, corresponding to maximum 1% of the body weight, was sampled.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of β‐carotene assimilation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Cojean

Lair

Vergneau‐Grosset

2018

Animal Physiology Nutrition

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Although leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are commonly kept under human care, their vitamin requirements are largely unknown. Many invertebrate preys display a low vitamin A concentration; thus, gut-loading insects with vitamin A or carotenoids is a common practice. The objective of this prospective experimental study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with β-carotene, including prey gut-loading, leads to sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage and prevents epithelial squamous metaplasia development in leopard geckos. Ten clinically healthy female leopard geckos were randomly divided in two groups with various supplementations: a group receiving vitamin A supplementation and a group receiving β-carotene. Insects were gut-loaded continuously with a supplement containing vitamin A or β-carotene, depending on the group. Oral supplementation with cod liver oil or carrot juice was administered weekly to each lizard from "vitamin A group" and "carotenoid group" respectively. After 10 weeks of supplementation, surgical hepatic biopsies were obtained in three geckos of each group while the two remaining geckos were euthanized to undergo complete necropsy. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was determined for each lizard (n = 10) by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Histopathology revealed hepatocellular vacuolization and vitellogenic follicles in five females. Epithelial squamous metaplasia was not observed in any of the geckos. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was significantly higher in the carotenoid-supplemented group than in the vitamin A-supplemented group (p = 0.03). Our results suggest that in leopard geckos, dietary supplementation with β-carotene allows sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage.

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Evaluating the Physiologic Effects of Short Duration Ultraviolet B Radiation Exposure in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Cited by 16 publications

References 32 publications

The lifestyle of the leopard gecko and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium

The lifestyle of the leopard gecko and the importance of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and calcium

Ultrasonographic anatomy of reproductive female leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Evaluation of β‐carotene assimilation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

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