Hip displasia in spider gecko??

Wuntu Menny · 07-26-03, 10:24 PM

I recently aquired a pair of hatchling Agamura persica from a friend. He warned me that some of his juvies had developed problems with their hind legs. There was no indication of any trouble with either of the pair we had until today.

One of the geckos has one hind leg not functioning properly. Instead of having the femur rotated forward with the tibia/fibula and foot pointing back and away, the opposite is happening. The hip and femur are rotated back and the one leg is rather awkwardly positioned. There is still articulation and motor function, but something is definitely not right.

Has anyone ever heard of this or had similar experience with spiders or other geckos?

WM

Samba · 07-26-03, 11:10 PM

I haven't heard of hip displasia in anything other than mammals, but I suppose it's possible. I would recommend taking them to the vet and informing the breeder of the geckos. It definately doesn't sound normal. It would be helpful and interesting if you could post photos of the geckos leg. I wish you the best of Luck, please keep us informed.

Wuntu Menny · 07-26-03, 11:47 PM

I agree about my misuse of the term, but its the only disorder I can equate it to. The little guy seems unaffected otherwise, so I'm going to monitor it for now and consult with some higher powers over the next couple of days. I'm sure there's nothing that can be done, but I'd like to find out if this is going to be a progressive degeneration.

WM

choriona · 07-26-03, 11:52 PM

Pictures would be good. I am trying to picture what you describe, but just cant.

Wuntu Menny · 07-27-03, 12:21 AM

Unfortunately, I can't afford a digicam or the fees for image hosting right now. Basically, it would be like a biped trying to walk with one foot pointing forward and the other backward. It may work, but I assure you, it ain't pretty!

WM

choriona · 07-27-03, 12:28 AM

But it was normal to begin with?? I wonder if you have a double joint in there. Like when some people can turn their arms right around more than 360 degrees from the elbow!!
Lets think, you have a ball joint where the hip meets the pelvis and its joined by ligaments and muscle tissue....I'm going to search for a text book......