Tail Rot is when part of a reptile's (frequently bearded dragons) tail dies which can be the result of an improper shed or due to injury such as a nip from another animal or getting the tail caught in a closing enclosure door. It is important to seek a veterinarian's help if you suspect your pet has tail rot. If left untreated, the rot can spread as an infection to other parts of the body greatly putting your animal's life at risk.

Signs of tail rot

If you are concerned your reptile may have tail rot, here are some signs of the condition -

• End of the tail noticeably darker than the rest
• Tail does not shed
• Recent injury to the tail

Please note that often times the tail with be a little darker than the body of the animal, especially directly before shedding, which should not be confused with tail rot but if you are not sure that's the case with your animal it's best to bring them to a nearby vet.

Treatment

Once tail rot has been diagnosed the only main treatment is surgery to remove the dead tissue and stop any infection from spreading into the animal's body. It is crucial to find a vet that specializes in reptiles for the surgery as operating on them can be very different from operating on mammals such as dogs and cats.

The vet will use anesthesia to put your reptile under while performing the surgery and will remove the infected section of the tail and possibly a slight bit more. The vet of the vet's staff should provide instructions on how to care for your animal post-surgery to help with their recovering. It is crucial to follow their directions including how to keep the area clean and regarding any pain medication they may provide.

Prevention

Most cases of tail rot can be prevented by taking the following precautions -

• Keep an eye on your animal when they are shedding. If they are having difficulty, try warm baths and a touch of olive oil to help ease the skin off so it does not restrict and cut off blood flow.
• For bearded dragons, do not house them together to prevent fights, injuries, or death.
• Be mindful of your pet's tail when shutting the door or clamp of an enclosure.
• Do not leave other animals unsupervised with your reptiles.

Follow these simple guidelines and you should not have to experience your animal getting tail rot.