Partial Tail Amputation for Leopard Gecko

[TheGeckoSanctuary]

An older female leopard gecko was surrendered to my rescue this past Wednesday and upon inspection (this detail was not disclosed to me earlier) the last 1/2 inch of her tail is dead from what I suspect was a prolonged, stuck shed.

I contacted my vet Thursday morning and emailed her pictures and her recommendation was to amputate the dead tissue when I brought her in for her scheduled appointment Saturday afternoon.

I have had a bearded dragon that needed part of his tail removed because of tail rot but wondering if anyone here has had to have this done on a leopard gecko. I trust my vet entirely but of course am always concerned when an animal goes in for surgery.

Thanks.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

An older female leopard gecko was surrendered to my rescue this past Wednesday and upon inspection (this detail was not disclosed to me earlier) the last 1/2 inch of her tail is dead from what I suspect was a prolonged, stuck shed.

I contacted my vet Thursday morning and emailed her pictures and her recommendation was to amputate the dead tissue when I brought her in for her scheduled appointment Saturday afternoon.

I have had a bearded dragon that needed part of his tail removed because of tail rot but wondering if anyone here has had to have this done on a leopard gecko. I trust my vet entirely but of course am always concerned when an animal goes in for surgery.

Thanks.

Best to have the dead tissue section of the leo's tail amputated. Perhaps a new tip will grow?

Is this leo in good enough shape to have a blood panel drawn?

 

[TheGeckoSanctuary]

Best to have the dead tissue section of the leo's tail amputated. Perhaps a new tip will grow?

Is this leo in good enough shape to have a blood panel drawn?

I believe so, yes. Weight wise she could gain a couple of grams but she's not skinny and she's alert, active, and has a good appetite. I'll bring up a blood panel to my vet.

 

[acpart]

As far as I understand, the biggest risk for a reptile in surgery is the anesthesia. In many cases the tail as you describe it comes off on its own, so it may be worth asking the vet if anesthesia is going to be necessary and whether s/he thinks the tail could come off on its own.

Aliza

 

[TheGeckoSanctuary]

As far as I understand, the biggest risk for a reptile in surgery is the anesthesia. In many cases the tail as you describe it comes off on its own, so it may be worth asking the vet if anesthesia is going to be necessary and whether s/he thinks the tail could come off on its own.

Aliza

They removed the dead section of the tail by using a topical anesthetic and she came out of it fine and appeared a bit more alert.

I have to put some silver cream on the tail this morning so I'll try to snap a few pictures.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

Hope she heals quickly. make sure to keep her cage squeaky clean free from any debris.

 

[TheGeckoSanctuary]

Hope she heals quickly. make sure to keep her cage squeaky clean free from any debris.

Thank you! She is being kept on paper towels so I can keep her enclosure as clean, and sterile, as possible.