The Enigma Syndrome Study
Background to the 'enigma syndrome'
Since the enigma morph of the leopard gecko was first introduced in 2006, it has become increasingly apparent that some individuals belonging to this morph display a variety of symptoms suggesting that they may be prone to neurological or balance problems. While some enigmas remain completely asymptomatic or display relatively mild symptoms, such as tilting of the head or star gazing, others display far more severe problems, such as circling or even death-rolling. Such symptoms may severely impair the geckos's ability to hunt or shed independently. To date it remains unclear what proportion of the enigma population is afflicted by this so-called enigma syndrome.
The Enigma Syndrome Study
Images © The Grinning Gecko : used by kind permission
Following on from the preliminary investigation last year, Mal of The Grinning Gecko has now launched Phase II of the Enigma Syndrome Study (TESS), the aim of which is to investigate the prevalence and severity of such symptoms in enigma morph leopard geckos that are kept in the UK and Ireland (sorry, only animals in the UK and Ireland are eligible to participate in the study). Owners of such geckos are be asked to complete the one-off questionnaire that can be found on the Grinning Gecko website.
I would also like to remind anyone who registered their animals for Phase I of TESS and who has yet to send updates to Mal to please do so as soon as possible.
I really would strongly urge everyone who keeps enigma leos to take just a few moments to complete the questionnaire and thereby contribute vital data to this valuable investigation of this extremely distressing condition. I can't emphasise strongly enough how worthwhile it is, suffice to say that, in the long term, it will hopefully contribute to the greater understanding of this awful condition.
