Leopard Gecko Injured Tail

[EricG]

My Leo has a tail injury - the last 2 inches of the tail are now dry, shriveld, and whiteish. The injury is now 3 weeks old. I believe that my daughter may had accidently dropped something small on it to cause the injury. She says the tail was wagging back and forth after a small remote fell on it, so I am assuming that is the cause of the injury.

Good news: Leo is eating well, drinking, good color, normally shedding, normally walking, pooping, good disposition, etc. The tail injury has not moved up the tail so most likely not rot

Bad news: The tail has not fallen off, so now I am getting a bit concerned that I may need to do something.

So what should I do? Just wait it out? Does she need to see a vet? Will it fall off on its own in more time? Any suggestions please!!

 

[XoVictoryXo]

If you bring to a vet, he will more then likely amputate just the end part that is decrepit and maybe a dose of antibiotics to avoid getting any infections. I think thats your best route, because if he drops his tail on his own it will be the entire thing and if it gets infected you will have to bring him to the vet anyhow!.

 

[EricG]

Do you think she will likely drop the entire tail, or just from the point of injury. The tail looks healthy up to the point of injuiry, but I have no experience with Gecko tail loss.

Not sure if I have access to a vet that has experience in Geckos - would any general vet do?

 

[cassicat4]

Do you have a picture of your gecko's tail?

The biggest concern is the possibility of necrosis - if you notice the tail starting to turn black, then it will need to be dealt with ASAP as the resulting infection can be deadly.

Some geckos will drop an injured tail on their own, in time. In my personal opinion, I think amputation would be a lot riskier and more stressful than the gecko dropping the tail itself, and I can't see any vet willing to just amputate part of the tail when the pain from that alone could be enough for the gecko to drop the rest of the tail later. If anything, they would likely amputate the tail at the base so it can grow back whole, but I still think this is risky, as it is surgery, which has inherent risks in terms of the anesthesia involved and the antibiotics prescribed. Ideally, if the tail needs to go, an assisted drop would be the least stressful course of action, but only if the gecko will do so willingly. And as long as their husbandry is correct and they're housed in a sterile environment while they heal, they generally have no problems recovering. There are many suggestions on how to do so, but I don't think we should be considering that yet until we've seen pics of the tail and have a better idea of how bad it is.

If a vet is required, I wouldn't see anyone except a qualified herp vet - special care needs to be taken to administer the correct amount of antibiotics/anesthesia, and general knowledge of gecko anatomy will ensure the procedure is performed correctly.

 

[EricG]

Ok - i have attached a picture. I can tell you that it is black at the point of injury and dried out at the end, but above the injury it looks perfectly healthy. Frankly, it has pretty much looked this way for 3 weeks, perhaps a bit more dried out at the end. She is also acting healthy, eating, pooping, and doing all her normal things - does not appear to be stressed at all. I was hoping that it would just drop off at the point of injury in time. I don't want to do surgery and risk more problems.

 

[cricket4u]

Ok - i have attached a picture. I can tell you that it is black at the point of injury and dried out at the end, but above the injury it looks perfectly healthy. Frankly, it has pretty much looked this way for 3 weeks, perhaps a bit more dried out at the end. She is also acting healthy, eating, pooping, and doing all her normal things - does not appear to be stressed at all. I was hoping that it would just drop off at the point of injury in time. I don't want to do surgery and risk more problems.

Hi,

I do not like the way it looks after 3 weeks. It will be best to have a vet look at it. Upon presentation the vet will decide what he/she feels is the best course of action. It is not always necessary to amputate the full tail. One of the biggest problem is, you are not sure of how it occurred. The vet may prescribe antibiotics and keeping an eye on it or amputating the damaged part and suturing the tip. In some geckos tail rot has been associated with systemic infections, however unlikely if you provide good husbandry.

I noticed some shed on the toes as well that needs to come off. maybe it will be a good idea to share pictures of the enclosure and provide supplemental and diet with us?

 

[EricG]

The tail has not changed much, does not appear to be getting any worse or better. I was reading another thread on tail injury and it took 5 weeks for tail to come off.

Attached is a picture of her home. I have natural rocks and UTH. Substrate is that felt-like stuff I got at Petco. I have had her for about 1 and half years, without any problems. Eats exclusively crickets and dusted crickets, feed every other day about 5.

 

[cricket4u]

The tail has not changed much, does not appear to be getting any worse or better. I was reading another thread on tail injury and it took 5 weeks for tail to come off.

Attached is a picture of her home. I have natural rocks and UTH. Substrate is that felt-like stuff I got at Petco. I have had her for about 1 and half years, without any problems. Eats exclusively crickets and dusted crickets, feed every other day about 5.

Well, I am only looking at a picture of it and can't make the decision for you. I do recommend that you read through Elizabeth's care sheet and compare your husbandry. There are a few things that need to be added to the enclosure in order to provide good husbandry. Are you providing the following?

reliable thermometer
thermostat x2
warm air heat source
humidity hide

Are those stones secured? All these flaws can increase the chance of infection. You also want to provide other insects for variety.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

I would be too nervous to not have his tail looked at by a vet. it looks painful poor lil dude! thank goodness nature made it so they can grow their tail back!

 

[cassicat4]

I agree^.

I would be seeing a reptile vet. My fear would be necrosis, which would require antibiotics in order to make a complete recovery if that is the case. After 3 weeks, you should have seen an improvement if there was going to be one. Don't wait until he starts showing obvious signs of illness - reptiles are notorious for hiding their symptoms, and at this point, it can be very difficult to treat. If you're not comfortable with amputation, that's fine, and you can explain your concerns to the vet. It will ultimately be up to you. But I would get an assessment so you can make an informed decision.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

I can not find the link where you can type in your zip code and find the nearest Reptile specialist, where in the US are you? (does anyone here have that link handy?)
It is great news however, that despite her injury she is eating normally!
As far as the rocks in the tank, you definitely want to make sure all of the rocks are all secured down with not the slightest CHANCE of injuring her again. Are they glued down?

 

[cassicat4]

Is it this one?

Find a Veterinarian - Local Vets and Veterinary Clinics, Vet Services

There's also this site which has listings for each area (but hasn't been updated since 2010, so it may be missing more recent info):

Herp Vet Connection

 

[XoVictoryXo]

Yes thats it Cassi! Thanks!
I typed in my zipcode and my Herp Vet came right up

 

[EricG]

Ok, we seemed to have turned a corner. Now there is visibly noticeable healthy growth, about 1/8 of an inch, between the healthy part of tail and bad part. That is encouraging, as nothing really happened for 3 weeks. So I am going to keep an eye on her and just continue to monitor.:yahoo:

Also, I added a moss humid hide, and a warm air source per your suggestion. I do have one thermostat that I can move around to monitor temperature. So, Harry should be happier now. I also got her some wax worms, perhaps some extra fat will help the tail grow.

 

[cassicat4]

Waxworms should be fed sparingly, as a treat only, and not used for fattening up your gecko. They're unhealthy-fatty and devoid of nutrition...like McDonald's for geckos. As well, some geckos can become addicted to them and will refuse other food as a result.

If you wish to bulk up your Leo some more, I would suggest butterworms or hornworms - both are much more nutritious, and help with hydration as well.

Glad your Leo seems to be improving, and good for you for making the necessary husbandry changes.

 

[Gecko Lover For Life]

My gecko has just gotten the same problem today when his tail would not stop shaking itself for 3 minutes after it was injured. But my lizard acted fine and calm. It might be hard to believe but I do not have a vet, so can someone please help me?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

My gecko has just gotten the same problem today when his tail would not stop shaking itself for 3 minutes after it was injured. But my lizard acted fine and calm. It might be hard to believe but I do not have a vet, so can someone please help me?

Welcome to the club! :biggrin: This thread is over 4 years old.

IF your leo dropped his tail, keep the injury clean and dry. I suggest keeping your leo on paper towels until his wound heals.

Please post your own New Thread right here: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/leopard-geckos-health-and-diseases-/