Pathology of Round Island geckos Phelsuma guentheri: Some unexpected findings

Deaths in captive Round Island geckos Phelsuma guentheri were associated wi th fatty change (lipidosis) and cholesterol deposits (xanthomatosis) in int ernal organs, Changes in husbandry appeared to reduce and, finally, to elim inate the problem but the exact mechanisms were never identified. The incid ent illustrates the importance of health monitoring of rare animals that ar e kept in captivity and the need when necessary to employ expensive techniq ue such as electronmicroscopy.