Laticauda has FTS

[fragment]

So at first it started off as a barely noticeable indent in the spine at the base of the tail. It was so slight that I wasn't even certain I was seeing anything at all. Since then, it has worsened into the tail actually having the flop when the gecko is on the sides or roof of the cage, and when the tail is flopping there is a big dip in the spine where the base of the tail meets the rest of the body. When the gecko is sitting properly, the indent is once again almost unnoticeable.

I've since gone through and rearranged the cage, filling it with as many climbing surfaces as I could, but it hasn't done any good; the gecko is still spending most of its time on the glass. So I'm not sure what to do next? I'm worried that if it keeps putting pressure on its spine like that, it's just going to keep worsening and cause damage, if it hasn't already. And unlike crested geckos, I can't induce it to drop its tail because it'll just grow back.

Any advice on what to do? Is this something a vet would be able to help with? I'm totally willing to see one, I just figured I would ask here first because I'm not sure if there's even anything that could be done and it'll be a 2 hour drive to a more decent office.

Here is the care info if needed. I have two other day geckos, housed separately but in the same conditions, and have had no problems with those two. But they're not as obsessed with the cage walls like this one is.

12x12x18 Exo-Terra
Reptisun 10.0 UVB tube
90F basking spot, mid 70's-80 ambient temps
60%-ish humidity
Diet of insects and crested gecko fruit mix

 

[Seth9999]

I would remove uvb lighting. Geckos or sensitive to light. Uvb is bright. I don't think that's right lamp. Have you taken the Meter to get good read of what dose your gecko is getting? That tank is way to small for that uvb to. Tank should be at least 3 feet.
With basking spot at 90 and heat from bulbs may be problem.
How long has gecko been in that setup?
Can you take picture of set up please. ?
My post applies for leopard gecko. It may applie to other types. Knot sure what gecko you have

 

[fragment]

Hello, it is a Phelsuma laticauda/gold dust day gecko. They do need UVB lighting and the temps are all in the range that they should be. They're very small geckos, about the length of my index finger, so the cage is definitely not too small. A lot of people even keep pairs in them, but this one is by itself.

 

[Aimless]

yeah, UV should be OK, though 10 is a little high for that size of tank. can you post a pic of your setup?
and if your others are kept identically but are fine, it might just be this gecko. FTS won't really hurt the gecko, it's almost entirely a cosmetic issue.

 

[mkschaefer]

I would add a 20 watt halogen light or increase the basking temperature. If the animal is climbing upside down on the screen or top of the enclosure, then it is likely seeking to be closer to the heat source. This can cause the tail issue. I would ensure that some perches and branches are horizontal and not far from the lights, if temperatures are appropriate.