Leopard Gecko Tail Rot: Causes, Signs & Treatment

Leopard geckos are popular reptiles thanks to their docile temperament and easy care. However, one common problem with these lizards is tail rot. This condition can cause a loss of mobility in the tail and lead to infection, so it’s important to know the causes, signs, and treatment for this ailment. In this article, we’ll discuss what tail rot is, what causes it and how you can treat it if your leopard gecko develops it.

What Is Tail Rot In Leopard Geckos?

Tail rot, also known as tail necrosis, is a common health problem in captive reptiles. When a section of the tail, usually beginning at the tip, is destroyed, the tissue begins to degenerate and decay.

Trauma or injury, infection, blood clots, shedding difficulties, and cold are all possible causes of tail rot. When left untreated, tail rot creeps up the tail and can have significant effects. The majority of cases necessitate surgery.

Tail rot in leopard geckos is a condition that requires immediate attention. The most common signs of tail rot are the presence of necrotic tissue and fluid. In some cases, the skin around the tail may become red, swollen, or hot.

The affected area will be relatively dry and have a rough appearance. In some areas, the tail may break readily, but you should not attempt to break it off on your own. The afflicted sections of the tail may be removed by a veterinarian, although this should be done under anesthesia and with the use of medicines.

Remember that sick geckos are not the same as those who have a healthy shed. Shedding is usually done in one large chunk rather than several smaller ones.

➦ Also Read: Ackie Monitor Care: Care, Diet, Tank setup, temperature

Leopard geckos’ tail rot can be caused by the following factors:

1. Infection

Tail rot is often caused by infection. An infection, whether it is a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or a viral infection, can lead to this type of infection. A fungal infection may be present in the tail, and the gecko will not eat. A bacterial infection can be present in the tail, and the gecko will not eat.

Bacterial infections are usually caused by environmental contamination. The most common causes of bacterial infections are contacted with feces or urine or poor husbandry. Spinal osteomyelitis, or a bone infection, can enter the bloodstream and harm neighboring healthy tissues. If the damaged tissue is not addressed, it might lead to necrosis.

Common symptoms of bacterial infections include diarrhea, depression, weight loss, and lethargy. If you suspect a bacterial infection, isolate your gecko and begin treatment.

Maintaining your gecko’s health and keeping its cage clean is the greatest method to avoid diseases.

2. Trauma

A common cause of tail rot is trauma. It can be caused by a number of things, including injury from fighting with another gecko, dropping a gecko on its tail, or simply being dropped. The most common cause of tail rot is injury from fighting with another gecko, dropping a gecko on its tail, or simply being dropped.

Make sure your Leopard gecko’s cage mates aren’t aggressive and remove any furniture or anything that could cause injury from its tank

If you suspect a trauma injury, isolate your gecko and begin treatment. You should keep an eye on the injury and remove any necrotic tissue.

3. Cold

Cold can also cause tail rot. It is most common in tropical geckos but can occur in any gecko. When it does occur, the gecko will usually curl up and refuse to eat. It can also cause lethargy and a depressed attitude.

Make sure your Leopard gecko’s tank is kept at a comfortable temperature. If you suspect a cold injury, isolate your gecko and begin treatment.

4. Blood clots

Blood clots can form as a result of the injury, blocking blood flow to the tail’s tip and preventing the damaged tissue from recovering. Wounds may get infected, resulting in tissue damage.

They may not be able to feel their tail at all because the blood flow to it has been restricted, and this has caused their tail to become numb or chilly.

This situation could lead to an open wound, allowing bacteria to enter and attack the tissue. Blood clots can occur in the tail and may cause your gecko to not eat. If your gecko has a blood clot in its tail, you will need to remove it.

Make sure your Leopard gecko’s cage mates aren’t aggressive and remove any furniture or anything that could cause injury from its tank. If you suspect a blood clot, isolate your gecko and begin treatment.

5. Overfeeding

Overfeeding can cause tail rot. Geckos that have been overfed may become too fat, and their tails will become twisted. They will also be unable to eat and may become lethargic.

Overfeeding can be caused by feeding too much. Overfeeding is the result of feeding your gecko too many crickets or other insects.

You should only feed your Leopard gecko the amount that it needs. If you suspect overfeeding, remove your gecko from the cage and begin treatment.

6. Underfeeding

Because the repair of the damaged tissue is too sluggish, a weaker immune system caused by poor health and nutrition can induce an aggressive development of tail rot. To aid your gecko in fighting diseases, make sure it is in good health. If you suspect underfeeding, isolate your gecko and begin treatment.

7. Shedding difficulties

If dead skin isn’t removed adequately, it can cause tail rot by creating a “tourniquet effect.” As the dead skin dries, it thickens, reducing blood flow to the tail. vitamin A deficiency has been related to shedding issues

When shedding occurs at a very early or late time, however, it can be concerning. A variety of reasons, including leopard gecko tail rot, skin parasites, and diseases, can induce abnormal shedding. Leopard geckos are shed once a month at the very least.

If you see clumps of shed skin on your leopard gecko’s body, it is likely that they have stopped eating or shedding. This could be a sign to consult with an exotic veterinarian regarding health concerns like tail rot since this might happen if something else was wrong instead.

Symptoms Of Tail Rot In Leopard Geckos:

1. Tired, lethargic gecko

In lizards, lethargy is frequently an indication of an underlying health problem. When you see that your Gecko is not as active and lethargic, it could be because of the tail rot. Tail Rot will make them more tired than before so they’ll need some rest to heal up from this painful disease.

It may also stop eating, which will lead to further weight loss. Tail rot can be a difficult problem to treat. You need to make sure that you don’t get the infection in the first place, but if it does happen, you need to treat it as soon as possible. There are many treatments for tail rot that you can try, including home remedies, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications.

2. Lack of appetite

Your Leopard gecko may grow too weak to care about eating as the condition spreads. Always look for indicators of disease in your gecko if you observe it eating less and losing weight quickly. Geckos will frequently refuse to eat for three to four days following shedding. If you’re noticing that your leopard gecko is not eating after a few days, there could be shedding issues causing tail rot.

Additionally, ensure that they receive sufficient vitamins and minerals to assist in their recovery. If your gecko is not eating, it is likely that it is not getting the proper nutrition.

If your gecko lacks appetite, or it has not eaten in a few days, you need to consult an exotic veterinarian right away. You should isolate your gecko and begin treatment.

3. Dry, scaly skin

Tail rot causes your Leopard gecko’s skin to dry out. When this happens, the skin can crack and peel off. The gecko will also be less likely to groom itself, which will cause the skin to dry out further. As the skin dries out, it will start to flake off. The leopard gecko has an unattractive, rough appearance because its scales are raised and there is no dark-colored skin on the tail.

In addition to the rotting of the leopard gecko tail, you should be aware that white lines or bumps may grow along the margins of these lesions, where they meet healthy tissue, a condition known as “intergranular banding. The process of bacterial spread can lead to this if bacteria eat away at healthy cells beneath dead sections of cells.

4. Painful

Tail rot is an infection that can cause your Leopard gecko to be in a lot of pain. It can be excruciating to watch your gecko suffer in this way. If your gecko has been showing signs of pain, it is likely that it has been dealing with tail rot.

In some cases, geckos will scratch at their tails when they’re in pain. This behavior can be a sign that the infection is spreading and/or more severe than usual them-which means you should take it seriously. This is a common sign that it is in pain

You may notice that your gecko is shaking its tail and looking for a place to hide. This could be due in part to the pain associated with an infection, but it’s also normal behavior when stressed or excited.

5. Deformed tail

Tail rot causes your Leopard gecko’s tail to become deformed and twisted. If you are not sure what is causing the tail to become deformed, you should take your Leopard gecko to a veterinarian right away. The gecko will likely be suffering in a lot of pain.

It is very important for you to take your Leopard gecko to a veterinarian immediately if it has trouble walking. It may have an infection that is causing a twisted tail. You may also notice that the gecko is not moving. You can see cracks and bleeding around its base as if something were breaking inside it!

The tail seems stiff enough to cause pain when picked up by itself. The tail is twisted or curled at one end. You cannot straighten out the tail. The tail rot is most likely caused by a bacterial infection. Your Leopard gecko may need to get a bath in a special solution if it has a problem.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your Leopard gecko’s tail rot and help to treat the problem.

6. Change in color of the rotten area

The skin of your Leopard gecko’s tail may turn black and brittle, which will make it look like it is rotting. The tail rot can be very painful for your Leopard gecko, and it can be very hard to treat. If you notice that the skin of your gecko’s tail is turning black and brittle, it is likely that it has been infected by tail rot.

Your Leopard gecko will have a hard time keeping itself clean. The gecko will likely be in a lot of pain, and it will be hard to keep it clean. Any of these symptoms should alert you to the need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the cause of your Leopard gecko’s tail rot and help to treat the problem.

Treatment for Leopard Gecko Tail Rot at Home:

The majority of cases with tail rot necessitate the assistance of a specialist veterinarian. To avoid future harm, treatment is usually rather aggressive, so it’s better to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Antibiotics may help cure the damaged tissue inside if tail rot is found early.

If you have dysgenesis, a warm bath might help you remove the dead skin. You can also try to improve your gecko’s health by giving it the right diet, vitamins, and supplements to aid in the fight against the virus.

Veterinarians Are Necessary When?

A veterinarian is a good choice for treating tail rot since they look at both the external and inside problems. If you find any signs of tail rot in your gecko, contact your veterinarian right away because the interior tissue may already be destroyed or necrosis has progressed.

Your veterinarian will most likely prepare your gecko for surgery, give anesthesia, and remove any diseased or necrotic tissue. It is common to have the affected portion amputated. Suturing the wound is questionable since it stops the wound from healing properly.

Conclusion:

If your Leopard gecko has a problem with its tail, it is important to act quickly. The tail rot can be very painful for your Leopard gecko, and it can be very hard to treat. If you notice that the skin of your gecko’s tail is turning black and brittle, it is likely that it has been infected by tail rot.

Symptoms described above should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is possible to cure your Leopard gecko’s tail rot. The sooner you contact a veterinarian, the better the chances of a full recovery.