gecko problems

I have a leopard spotted gecko. She is about 5 years old. I saw her licking a spot underneith her tail that I think she uses to go to the bathroom. The spot looks very swollen. She wont let her tail touch the sand in her tank. Any ideas about what it might be or what I should do?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

First let my say that I am not a gecko expert so my comments are just meant as guidelines.

If the swollen area shows any pink tissue protruding from the vent your gecko may have a prolapse of the lower intestine leading to the vent.  If there is no pink it may be a pre-prolapse situition, or just a bulging of the intestine which could become a prolapse. A complete prolapse of the lower intestines can be a result of the gecko forcing the lower intestines out of the vent (as a result of egg binding, impaction or parasites- which can cause a blockage in the intestine).  Parasites can be brought in on food.  Eggs can be produced by females without males, but obviously the eggs won't be fertilized. Another cause of intestional impaction is ingestion of non-food items, especially if calcium deficient.  If the problem is a pre-prolapse or complete prolapse, or impaction it can be a serious situition and seeking veterinary attention is your best bet.  These and other problems really must be dealt with visually and in  person.  If there is no vet who is versed in exotics in your area try going to your pet store where you purchased your gecko.  Often they are very knowledgable.  Other choices for information would be a local zoo that has reptiles, and of course the internet.