My gecko's tail fell off and is black. Is it infected? What to do?

He may have injured it somehow or a bit of stuck shed could have strangulated the tissue. Ideally, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. In the meantime, soak the toe/foot in diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) a couple times a day. Dry it thoroughly afterwards. Use plain paper towels in the enclosure until he heals.

Soak Lelo in a warm bath for 20-30 minutes daily to aid in shedding. Clean the tip of her tail with a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution a couple times a day. Keep her on paper towels and change them daily. Tile or slate can also be used, just spot clean daily to keep stool off her tail. Monitor for spread or resolution. If her tail doesn't heal, have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. She may need antibiotics or possibly have the affected portion amputated to prevent serious infection.

It could be some dead skin. Leave it be for now. Do not pull on it. Keep the stump clean and dry. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean it once or twice a day. Dry thoroughly afterwards and keep him on paper towels until he heals. Do not use any sand or wood chips or gravel which can stuck to the stump and introduce infection. You can dab some triple antibiotic ointment on it after cleaning. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible.

If you can see bone, Alduin will need to be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. The tip may need amputation to prevent infection. Keep the cage clean to prevent contamination by stool. Keep him hydrated and make sure he is eating.

Monitor her for lethargy or difficulty walking for the next day or two. If she's moving slower or not at all, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. Gently clean the abrasions/wounds with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. Keep her on slate, paper towels or reptile carpet until she heals. You don't want any substrate contaminating the wounds and introducing infection. In the future, take Wanda out of her enclosure to feed her or simply work around the hide and other furniture to avoid accidents.

Submit a stool sample o your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Check Gecky's other toes and tail for any stuck shed. This can compromise blood supply, resulting in lost digits. If he has a tough time shedding, soak him or mist him daily during a shed and provide a moist hide at each end of the enclosure. Monitor the foot for swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge. See your vet if necessary to treat infection. A daily soak in diluted betadine or chlorhexidine can keep the area clean. Use plain paper towels as a substrate and change them daily until he is healed.

Have him examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose and treat any infection related to the loss of the tail. In the meantime, increase tank temps by about 5-10 degrees F, soak daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes. Once he warms up and rehydrates, offer appropriately sized prey. Gutload prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Supplement with a product such as Fluker's Repti-Boost to get weight back on him. You can clean the stump with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine. Use paper towels for substrate until the stump is healed.