Tail Isn't Shedding Properly. Help!

[Ven0m2k6]

So Lazarus shed his tail [well most of it] about a week ago, He shed all of it but about the last 1 1/2 or 2 inches of it. And you can tell the skin is tight, but it doesn't want to come off. I've been giving him warm baths every day in hopes of it loosening up maybe, I just hope there is something I can do because I don't want him to loose part of his tail! [I have a picture of the tail segment that isn't shedding below]

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Brandon.

Unfortunately, the carpet is more in focus than the tail, but it was the best I could do. Sorry!

 

[diamc]

Brandon, I agree, the skin looks very tight on the tail. I have had very good luck with 100% cocoa butter sticks for even extremely stubborn sheds. I had tried just about everything else and that's what worked best for Gizmo. It's best to apply it before bed so it has time to sink in rather than using it during the day when under the basking lights as that could burn the skin. Keep up with the frequent bathing too. Let us know how it goes.

 

[BeardedOscar]

Oscar's tail is doing the same thing. i gave him warm baths every day and it is seeming to do the trick. I'll try the cocoa butter thing.

-Emzers & Oscar

 

[Ven0m2k6]

I appreciate your advice, I'll get some coco butter tonight, does it need to be sticks like you said, or is a more of a creme?

Also, I know if the skin doesn't shed the tail will begin to die, how obvious will it be if that happens? because If it does, I want to get Laz to the vet as quick as I can.

 

[diamc]

This is what I bought at a dollar store for a little over $1.00, in case you can't read the brand, it's Queen Helene but any brand should work. You turn the tube upside down and push up from the bottom. Because it's firm, it goes into the crevices and skin really well and the beardies didn't mind it, they actually acted like a dog getting their back itched. They hated the creams though so this worked well in all respects.

If the blood supply is being cut off you will notice that the darkness is spreading up the tail. It doesn't have a "stick-like" feel to the end, does it? Does he find you touching it?

 

[Ven0m2k6]

So basically the tail will not be flexible once it has a complete loss of circulation?

 

[BeardedOscar]

kind of....

-Emzers & Oscar

 

[diamc]

Right, it won't feel flexible and will actually feel like a stick. It isn't that way now, is it? Does he mind you touching it? Is he acting ok otherwise?

 

[Ven0m2k6]

The un-shed part is still flexible, he doesn't mind when I bend it back and forth, I mean after a few seconds of messing with his tail he tried to wiggle the end away from me. But I assume that is just him getting annoyed.

But other than me stressing about his tail, he is acting fine, he's appetite and attitude are both good.

Is there anything attitude/appetite wise I should be looking out for?

 

[diamc]

Glad to hear that he is acting fine otherwise. Besides the signs I already mentioned, he may act lethargic, have loss of appetite and just look plain miserable, a lot of times you can tell that they don't feel good just by looking at their eyes.

 

[Ven0m2k6]

I just got the cocoa butter. I'll put it on tonight, I really hope this helps. I don't want to have to take him to the vet [He doesn't like car rides lol]

Thanks for all your time in answering my questions, and I will post news tomorrow, so check back.

Thanks,

Brandon.

 

[diamc]

Glad you found the cocoa butter Brandon. It will take at least a few days before you notice any lifting or peeling. Yes, keep us updated.

 

[Ven0m2k6]

His mood and everything is still good, Tail is about the same, but like you said it will take a few days before I notice a difference.

He wanted me to post this picture, he said he was feeling photogenic today.

 

[Ven0m2k6]

Day 2, The skin around the edge of the tail looks a little lighter. May be an indication of the skin loosening.

I sure hope so!

 

[Ven0m2k6]

Still no change at all, in the tail or Laz's mood.