Leopard gecko dropped tail, black dot on stump: is it substrate or scab?

Thanks for reaching out about Pants and including a photo. Are you sure this is from a poor shed or could it be a thermal burn? Check proximity to the heating element. At first, it is recommended to remove all substrate that could stick to the wound, and replace with clean cloth or ReptiCarpet. Applying topical antibiotics are good but adding a systemic antibiotics and analgesia might improve healing. A veterinary visit is needed to prescribe these. Good luck.

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.

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.

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.

Hello, I'm so sorry to see this about your gecko. I am concerned by what appears to be exposed pink internal tissue. Geckos can commonly prolapse one of their major organ systems that leads to their cloaca (large intestine, urinary, reproductive tracts), and I am concerned this may be a different type of problem. In any case, this kind of tissue exposure is serious and will eventually lead to sepsis and death. I would recommend keeping the tissue moist with saline solution and a gentle lubricant gel until he can see a doctor. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to clean the spot once or twice a day. Keep the area free from debris (substrate, food, droppings, etc.). It should heal on its own within a week or so. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, redness or discharge. If it doesn't show signs of healing within a few days, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Most of the time when a gecko loses its tail no treatment is necessary. You can try soaking in a dilute betadine solution if concerned about infection. If truly infected, Lala may need a visit to a reptile veterinarian. More about gecko's dropping their tails. http://m.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=2485