Oliver's tail got smashed (I think??)

[hrdedman]

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I got home and my 3yr old grandson got into my Beardie, Oliver's cage!! He managed to move some things around and I think Oliver must have been in his way because when I got home and saw the cage rearranged, I noticed that Oliver's tail was cut about a half inch from the tip! What should I do with the open wound and the cage I have has front sliding glass doors, are there locks for those that I can get? I can post pics later tonight... Thanks in advance

Harry

 

[MissT]

Hi there. Sorry to hear about Oliver

Pics will help to assess how bad it is but here is what you can do in the mean time.

Dilute some betadine it so it looks lie weak tea and bathe the wound in that. When you have dried it off, apply some neosporin.

If his tail tip turns black and the blackness spreads upwards, you will need to get him to a vet since that will indicate necrosis and we dont want that spreading.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

Sounds like it got caught in the door - it's an injury I've seen on the boards from time to time.
Betadine and Neosporin are definitely the way to go, and as MissT says, keep a close eye on it. With a bit of luck, it's just a ding

 

[hrdedman]

Thanks for the info. I will soak his tail as soon as I get home from work and take some before and after pics.

Harry

 

[ReptileAddiction]

im sorry and yes they make locks buy one asap

 

[hrdedman]

im sorry and yes they make locks buy one asap

Where can I get one at, Home Depot, Lowes, pet store???

Harry

 

[ReptileAddiction]

Try home depot and lowes and ask for a jewelers lock. Don't buy a reptile lovk because they are exactly the same thing made in the same factory at triple the price

 

[hrdedman]

Pics of wounded tail:

Oliver's tail with neosporin

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh poor Oliver, that looks like it might hurt a little bit.
Just keep it clean & put the antibiotic ointment on it, or a silver cream you can find in the drug store by the antibiotic ointment area.
What type of cream do you have on it now?
Are you using a solid substrate & not a loose substrate to make sure it stays clean?

He sure is a colorful dragon, too. I hope his tail gets better soon. It will most likely dry out & fall off eventually.

Tracie

 

[hrdedman]

Hi Tracie,

Thanks for your concern, you may not remember but you helped me with one of my other dragons, Princess Leia, who has survived her rough start and just recently shown a nice spurt in growth, finally...

...but that's beside the point, back to Oliver. I am using a solid substrate, white cabinet liner. As for the wound I first soaked it in a diluted betadine solution and once it dried I put neosporin cream on it, that is the white substance you can see in the last two picks.

Now I have a few more questions:

Assuming these antibiotics are alright to use, how often should I apply and for how long?

What should I be looking for in the healing process? What's normal? When should I be concerned?

Should I expect Oliver's diet to decrease during the healing process?

Thanks again for your help and concern,

Harry

 

[Drache613]

Hello Harry,

You can use the antibiotic ointment as long as needed, it should not exhibit any negative side effects. The betadine is safe used daily for awhile, no problem at all.
It shouldn't take long for the area to either heal up or dry up & fall off.

I do remember Princess Leia, I am happy to hear that she is doing much better now & growing well now. She looks beautiful!
Let me know how things are coming along.

Tracie

 

[hrdedman]

more pics on Oliver's progress:

to me it still seems unclear as what is going to happen, but I guess one good thing is that it doesn't look any worse.

Harry

 

[dragonlover3]

Wow, Oliver is gorgeous! OUCH on that tail, it looks so sore! I hope
it heals well. The antibiotic ointment should help prevent an infection.
Amanda

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

It looks like it is probably sore for him. It will eventually heal up on the end but the tip will most likely fall off.
How is he doing now?

Tracie

 

[hrdedman]

Hello,

It looks like it is probably sore for him. It will eventually heal up on the end but the tip will most likely fall off.
How is he doing now?

Tracie

Oliver is doing fine and he doesn't seemed to be too bothered by his injury. I actually think he likes it when I soak his tail in the antibiotic. If I remember, I will post some new pics tonight...

Harry