Something Seriously Wrong With Tail

[LeoGirl575]

I went to do the daily maintenance on one of my gecko's tanks' today, and as I went to mist his humid hide, I noticed that his tail was all red and shrivelled at the end. I took him out, and it was rock hard. He did shed that night, I noticed, but it was not a bad shed. He had plenty of humidity.







I soaked him in some water, but it's not getting any better. It looks like it's spreading up his tail.

Can geckos get something similiar to gangreen that humans get?
The vets are closed today, and the emergency vets around here don't take in reptiles. Should I bring him in tomorrow?

He has nothing heavy in his tank (just plastic hides), and is housed by himself.

Thank you,
Stephanie

 

[marauderhex]

That's necrosis, aka dead tissue. You should definitely take him to a vet tomorrow.

 

[coker101]

That's necrosis, aka dead tissue. You should definitely take him to a vet tomorrow.

How does that happen....so I know how to avoid it.

 

[marauderhex]

There are several common causes, but based on what you say, I don't know what's causing this case. Common causes are fights with other leos/animals and/or stuck shed cutting off circulation to the area.

 

[LeoGirl575]

So can it spread if it doesn't get amputated?

Thanks

 

[im faster]

Yes it CAN spread. If it doesnt fall off in a few days it will need to be amputated.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Check your floor temperatures. It could be burned. Necrotic tissue can become seriously infected and spread, so a trip to the vet for a partial amputation is in order.

 

[LeoGirl575]

I took him to the vet, and they amputated his tail. They couldn't figure out what caused it, since temps are normal, and he is housed alone with no heavy hides in his tank.
He's doing great now.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[marauderhex]

Thanks for the update. Hopefully that is the end of that mess.

 

[kaws]

Great to hear he's doing better