Tail Problem

[toph427]

Last night I was cleaning out some tanks and I lifted a rock hide that one of my geckos was under and it slipped out of my hand and dropped on his tail. I felt terrible,the tip of his tail started waving back and forth for like 10 minutes. After I looked at it, it was scraped about half way down and today it is purple from that point to the tip. Is there anything to do for it, I put some neosporin on the cut, I just wanna make sure he will stay healthy. I really feel terrible and just want my buddy to feel alright so any help would be appreciated.

 

[gothra]

He may heal up just fine or he may decide to drop that end bit. Just keep watching, as long as the redness or purple doesn't spread, he'll be fine.

 

[roger]

Last night I was cleaning out some tanks and I lifted a rock hide that one of my geckos was under and it slipped out of my hand and dropped on his tail. I felt terrible,the tip of his tail started waving back and forth for like 10 minutes. After I looked at it, it was scraped about half way down and today it is purple from that point to the tip. Is there anything to do for it, I put some neosporin on the cut, I just wanna make sure he will stay healthy. I really feel terrible and just want my buddy to feel alright so any help would be appreciated.

I bet if u put the neosporin and kept the cage clean it should heal fine.I dont think the tail would be permanently damaged

 

[GeckoGurl]

Can you post a pic?

 

[toph427]

I got a quick cell phone pic. The main thing that worries me is that I brought him and another female home last the Sunday before Christmas and neither have eaten. All my temps are alright, I haven't been bothering them, etc. I'm just afraid this will make him not eat for even longer. Any ideas?

 

[roger]

I got a quick cell phone pic. The main thing that worries me is that I brought him and another female home last the Sunday before Christmas and neither have eaten. All my temps are alright, I haven't been bothering them, etc. I'm just afraid this will make him not eat for even longer. Any ideas?

I dont think theres anything a vet can do.I would just keep the neosporin on and keep his floor clean

 

[toph427]

Ok cool thanks all for the quick responses. Any ideas on how I could get them eatin soon?

 

[roger]

Ok cool thanks all for the quick responses. Any ideas on how I could get them eatin soon?

i wouldnt try to feed this one just yet.Shes obviously been stressed with the tail injury.Try in 3-4 days

 

[gothra]

Keep them in the least stressful environment and they should start eating when they're settled. With the tail injury, if you notice the reddened area spreading (infection), you'll need to take her to a vet.

 

[GeckoGurl]

Its not unusual for them not to eat. Moving and getting use to a new environment can be very stressful for them. There have been many cases that it has taken up to a few weeks for them to settle in. Just try not to handle them as much as possible and make sure temps and housing are accurate. They will eat in time. Wait and try again as long as they keep tail mass and have not lost a lot of weight I would not worry. Tail does not look as bad as what I thought IMO I think it will be fine.

 

[toph427]

A couple days ago, he went into shed and when I get back, I lifted his hide to see how he looked and this is what his tail looks like now. I didn't know if he would eventually drop it or if there is anything I can do. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks

 

[roger]

A couple days ago, he went into shed and when I get back, I lifted his hide to see how he looked and this is what his tail looks like now. I didn't know if he would eventually drop it or if there is anything I can do. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks

That injured part will fall off probably in the next shed.The tail will look fine but look a little shorter

 

[toph427]

Ok cool, I actually got him with another female 2 weeks ago and the female just ate tonight!! I was getting worried. But would you expect him to take a few more days maybe even a week due to that tail injury?? Thanks a lot for helping me through this

 

[gothra]

If I were you I would take the gecko to a vet just to make sure there is no infection going on. I have something similar happened a few years ago, it started very small but the infection spreaded extremely fast and my gecko had to have his tail amputated at the end. You may be interested to read my experience:
http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=14018&highlight=lemsip

p.s. from your photo, I do think the red is spreading upwards.

 

[roger]

Ok cool, I actually got him with another female 2 weeks ago and the female just ate tonight!! I was getting worried. But would you expect him to take a few more days maybe even a week due to that tail injury?? Thanks a lot for helping me through this

Just keep a close eye and make sure theres no infection.If it gets worse see a vet.I had a leo a long time ago with the same issue.the tip hardened up and fell off. Iwould offer only small prey for now and see if she eats

 

[GeckoGurl]

If I were you I would take the gecko to a vet just to make sure there is no infection going on. I have something similar happened a few years ago, it started very small but the infection spreaded extremely fast and my gecko had to have his tail amputated at the end. You may be interested to read my experience:
http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=14018&highlight=lemsip

p.s. from your photo, I do think the red is spreading upwards.

Wow I read that thread and I sure am glad... I will be more prepared if this ever happens to me! I would recommend everyone read it whether or not you have been through a similar situation the pics are very helpful too. But after seeing this I will definitely take mine straight to the vet if this ever happens! Glad he came out alright and for the OP I hope all goes well with your little guy as well!
Good luck! :main_thumbsup:

 

[toph427]

I picked him up to apply some neosporin and he dropped his tail. From where the tail dropped, there is no red and the rest of it doesn't look infected. It kinda freaked me out, this is the first gecko ive had drop its tail. Is there anything to do at this point?? Just put neosporin on the base or....

 

[JordanAng420]

He dropped the entire tail? I would just leave him be, make sure there isn't anything loose in his cage and let him relax for a while. It's probably best that he dropped it, actually.

 

[toph427]

No he just dropped the tip, where it was all dried up and red, the rest of it is the normal color.

 

[toph427]

His temps are alright and he is just chillin in his hide, I put some neosporin on the open part of the tail and made sure all the tile in the tank was spotless from any fecal material, etc. I feel terrrible for the guy, he's only been with me for a coouple weeks and this happens...he must be soo stressed out.