My leopard gecko lost its tail. Is it infected? What can I do?

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

Yes, these could be potentially signs of scale rot. Swab the infected area with a diluted povidone-iodine solution twice daily. Scrape away the infected area gently with a blunt tool or a cotton pad. If this time of first line treatment does not help and you do not see any improvement in 48 hours a check up at your local veterinarian would be required as antibiotic ointment and more aggressive treatment may be needed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Remove the citrus fruit. It won't do anything but perhaps attract pests. Remove any loose substrate as well. Use reptile carpet or paper towels until the tail regenerates. If Skully is a crested gecko, the tail will not regenerate. If the stump is "open" clean it gently using a cotton swab and diluted Betadine. After it is dry, dab a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment on it. Do this daily until it is healed. The tail should regenerate in about 4 weeks. Continue to provide proper environmental parameters and an appropriate diet to promote healing and overall health.