Infected tail...PLEASE LOOK.. need help

[Kellyr]

My new enigma that arrived 10 days ago has a tail infection it seems..?
The tip is red and scabby.. it looks like its whithering away...
I have had sooo many problems this year with geckos I am going insane.. Please take a look and tell me what you think, I only heard of this once and the gecko had to get its tail amputated

 

[acpart]

I think there have been some other threads about this. I would say you have a choice between going to the vet immediately and watching her carefully. What you should watch for is: tip of tail turning stiff, maybe black and falling off with no further infection. This would probably be a good outcome because it would mean that the problem is contained in the tip of the tail (maybe, for example, it got its tail tip caught in the deli cup cover when packed and the breeder didn't notice --I'm not saying that happened, just a possible theory) and once the tip drops off the problem is over. THe other thing to watch for is the infection look creeping up the tail, or any sign of infection appearing somewhere else on the body, which could be a sign of a systemic infection.

I hope things work out OK.

I don't know if you have a reptile vet, but last month when my husband was in the PHilly area visiting his father, he passed a vet place on Concord Rd. in Aston that had a DVM names Gloria Goodman who advertised herself as a herp vet. He was so impressed that he called me up to tell me.

Aliza

 

[gothra]

Hi Kelly,

It does look very similar to what happened to Lemsip: where the tail tip becomes red, dried off and then infection spread right up to the abdomen area. The whole process took less than a week's time in my case, so I would suggest you take him to a vet immediately, so he can get some sort of antibiotics to prevent further infection. I think there are also cases where the dried off part will fall off naturally and the gecko heal with no problem. But if I am to go through this again, I would definately take the gecko to the vet asap.

Good luck!

 

[gothra]

In addition, if you choose to watch him for a few more days, make sure you also check the underside of the tail. When there is infection, the tail becomes red, and feels very soft and deflated when you squeeze it. I hope everything turns out ok.

 

[Kellyr]

Thanks so much for the replies!!!! I really mean it!!! I am going to call the vet first thing in the morning and make an appt for Tuesday. I will watch it for one day (monday) and then if it seems the same (okay) or better GREAT! If not I will keep the appt and go in... I hope it gets better!! Thanks for all the details Bonnie, and thanks Aliza!!

 

[Dan K.]

I know of necrotic tail syndrome in crested geckos but never in leo's so I not saying thats what it is or not but I had a crested with it and I put him on paper towel and made a mixture of neosporen and water to thin it out a little and dabbed it on and wiped it off gently with a cloth a couple of times and it went away. but wait to here from other's before you do this with a leo.

 

[Gregg M]

There is no need to see a vet for such a superficial thing... Let the tip dry and fall off... No need for ointments or anything like that...

 

[LeapinLizards]

I have a little gecko that right after I got her she had a TERRIBLE shed, and ended up with a shed wound that looked EXACTLY like what you pictured. The tip of the tail eventually withered up and fell off. No infection, but you can bet I checked daily. I didn't put anything on it, or mess with it any more than necessary to make sure everything was going alright.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Check your warm side temperature on the surface of the floor. Sometimes the tail tips can get burned, and it could also be from residual unshed skin. I think the tail tip will probably just fall off on it's own, but watch carefully for signs of infection.

 

[Kellyr]

Thanks for all the replies! I am definately watching him.. his temps are fine, his tail looks the same - no worse. I dont think its due to shedding simply b/c it looks scabby (red) which means if it was from stuck skin it would have had to be "stuck" for a while to look that way - his tail was fine a few days ago- nothing on it at all.. I literally stare at him almost every minute I am home... what I think could have happened is...

When I checked on him a few days ago b/c he wasnt coming out of his cave, I had to lift it up to see him. MAYBE when I put it back down it was on his tail tip.. I always tap it down a few times before I place it down the last time, incase there is a toe, foot or tail in the way so they can move it away.. perhaps he didnt move out from under it and it smushed his poor lil tail.
I kind of hope this is the case so he will be okay........ its better than worrying about an infection and possible amputation :main_huh:

 

[brsisko]

no need for vet. it just got pinched and it will dry up and fall off. it wont regrow so maybe you want your money back if its a prized gecko kinda thing