[JIGSAW818]

So yesterday I decided to cut my geckos tail off with a clean razor. (Sterilized Razor.) Her tail had gotten to the point where she started developing a rotten looking infection on a majority of her scales it started looking black and blueish. when she would shed that part of her tail would not shed anymore. I took me about 20 mins to do this.. I couldn't stand to even think about physically cutting the tail off from my gecko.. Myfirst gecko that Ihave had since she was a baby.... My point is I cut straight down then sliced left and right and it came off. I hope I did it right and I hope she will heal orrectly cause if she dies... My question is how many Phelsuma owners out there have had to cut the tails off or have had the tail fall off and what were the results.. how long did it take.. and was the tail deformed... I don't care what her tail ends up looking like.. Ijust want her to survive.

[colinmelsom]

Sounds a bit drastic.I would have taken it to the vet.How much did you cut off?

There is no guarantee that it will grow back.when lizards shed their tail they do it at a joint in the bone.I would guess that you haven`t done this.Have you put any antiseptic on the wound?


I suppose that she has survived the first day ,she has got through the worst.Is she bleeding much?

[JIGSAW818]

Originally Posted by colinmelsom

Sounds a bit drastic.I would have taken it to the vet.How much did you cut off?

There is no guarantee that it will grow back.when lizards shed their tail they do it at a joint in the bone.I would guess that you haven`t done this.Have you put any antiseptic on the wound?


I suppose that she has survived the first day ,she has got through the worst.Is she bleeding much?

She is not bleeding at all. Probably about half. and my gf is at home taking care of her and the wound. We are trying not to bother her to much. She is eating though.

[JIGSAW818]

You mean general antiseptic? I didn't know that was fine to use.

[colinmelsom]

Over here you can get them for reptiles.I guess that it will have started to heal now so its probably best left alone.

[JIGSAW818]

Originally Posted by colinmelsom

Over here you can get them for reptiles.I guess that it will have started to heal now so its probably best left alone.

Thank you for your responses.

[terradas]

Youch, graphic. Sounds like it was caused by either low humidity or by your male nipping at her tail. Agrression is a tougher fix if that's the case so just keep an eye on them. Otherwise, I'd try to increase humidity to avoid losing any more tails or toes.

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by JIGSAW818

You mean general antiseptic? I didn't know that was fine to use.

Be sure to keep her tail wound clean and dry to promote quicker healing. A paper towel substrate might be a good idea till you are certain the wound has begun to heal just to keep stray particles from that area.

I would NOT use any topical antibiotic I know of available in the USA like neosporin.

[JIGSAW818]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Freer

Be sure to keep her tail wound clean and dry to promote quicker healing. A paper towel substrate might be a good idea till you are certain the wound has begun to heal just to keep stray particles from that area.

I would NOT use any topical antibiotic I know of available in the USA like neosporin.

Terradas and Elizabeth,

Thanks for your responses. I have seperated her and put her in a huge screen cage she is in a good place with the right temps and humidity. So what else can i do to clean her tail? I still don't trust the razor... i have a feeling it will cause more damage... this sucks.. hopefully it does not become infected.

[daggekko]

I've had geckos drop their tails. Usually takes 2-3 months to grow back. In my experience, the tissue coming out will be a dull black color for a little while. Smooth looking too.

Pictures?

I'd probably leave it be and not keep hacking at it. Or take her to a vet.