My Juvenile Bearded Dragon Has Tail Rot.

[RelentlessChaos]

I just noticed it yesterday while holding him. A good inch of his tail is black and hard as a rock, completely dead. I can post pictures if needed, but after taking a closer look, I believe shed caused the issue.

I have a few questions regarding tail rot, does he need to be taken to a vet right away to have that part amputated? Also, is it guaranteed to continue to spread up his tail? How can the spread be stopped? Can it be stopped without amputation? Would the infected part break off? Etc.

Thank you.

 

[AHBD]

Aw, sorry to hear this. Please do post pics, it may be just trauma that can be helped or can fall off on it's own or it may need amputation.

 

[RelentlessChaos]

Aw, sorry to hear this. Please do post pics, it may be just trauma that can be helped or can fall off on it's own or it may need amputation.

Here is a picture taken today.

Aside from the issue with his tail, he is behaving normally. He's a little fat and perky beardie.

 

[AHBD]

Yes, it's tail rot. Most cases are best seen by a vet. Sometimes it just shrivels + falls off but it's better not to guess. How long has it looked like that....did it start at the tip or just all of a sudden that entire length started looking dry ?

 

[RelentlessChaos]

Yes, it's tail rot. Most cases are best seen by a vet. Sometimes it just shrivels + falls off but it's better not to guess. How long has it looked like that....did it start at the tip or just all of a sudden that entire length started looking dry ?

I have no idea, as I said, I noticed it yesterday while holding him. I'm not sure how long he's had the tail rot. I'm assuming for a good bit of time considering it's a good inch of the end of his tail that is rotting. Overall, I have over two dozen Bearded Dragons so this could have gone unnoticed for a little bit of time. Regardless, I'll probably give him a vet appointment. Although, what can be done at home? If anything.

 

[RelentlessChaos]

[ADVICE NEEDED ASAP].

I have not taken him to the vet yet. Instead, I have been watching it closely and offering frequent warm baths. While he was in the bath, it fell off.

Here is a picture.

Now, I plan to isolate him from the other beardies since he has an open wound. But what else can be done to conceal the open wound or protect it from further infection?

 

[CooperDragon]

Hopefully the wound will heal on it's own and that will be that. Try to keep it as clean as you can to help prevent infection. You'll want to put some kind of protective layer on it. Basic Neosporin (without pain killers) will help. Manuka honey is also helpful for protecting wounds and preventing infection.

 

[RelentlessChaos]

Hopefully the wound will heal on it's own and that will be that. Try to keep it as clean as you can to help prevent infection. You'll want to put some kind of protective layer on it. Basic Neosporin (without pain killers) will help. Manuka honey is also helpful for protecting wounds and preventing infection.

OK, thank you for the reply!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is a pretty clean break & it appears that it didn't travel upwards.
As suggested, try using the unpasteurized or manuka honey to help ward off any chances of impaction. Also, be sure the substrate is a non particulate one such as paper towels, or tiles, but no sand, etc to get it dirty.
It looks like he should be fine but definitely keep an eye on it to be sure.

Tracie

 

[RelentlessChaos]

Hello,

That is a pretty clean break & it appears that it didn't travel upwards.

As suggested, try using the unpasteurized or manuka honey to help ward off any chances of impaction. Also, be sure the substrate is a non particulate one such as paper towels, or tiles, but no sand, etc to get it dirty.
It looks like he should be fine but definitely keep an eye on it to be sure.

Tracie

Impaction?

Is the honey consumed or put onto the wound? I'm now confused since a part of the advice suggests a protective layer over the wound. Although, that was regarding pain free neosporin, but maybe the honey as well..

As for substrate, I don't use any loose types.

 

[AHBD]

I'm sure Tracie meant infection, not impaction. And the raw honey should help it to heal quickly, put that on right away.

 

[RelentlessChaos]

OK, thank you for the advice for home treatment. Although, I would like confirmation that a vet visit is no longer needed because of the tail break right? As long as the tail itself appears to no longer be infected with tail rot? And that the beardie itself is behaving normally, etc.

 

[AHBD]

It looks like a clean break and as long as it doesn't travel up the tail it should be fine.