Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As a note, I did not purchase the Uro as some surmised.. when I said Pick up, I meant adopting it from the Owner.. I was called by Bud James of Southwest Herp Society about a woman in town with a Uro she needed a home for.. I've no previous experienc with Uro's, but I've done Research on and off whenever I get in one of those "acquisition" modes where I research every affordable lizard that I could possibly add to my collection, so I already knew quite a bit about 'em, but their health problems escape me which leads me here.

I've never dealed with tail rot, So I'm clueless.

To describe the feel of his spikeless tail.. it's firm, but when pressure is applied, it yields slightly, reminds me of a reinforced leopard gecko tail. Obviously, old scales are there..
It seems as if he had past shedding problems, and the spikes went up and left as a result.

He has strange white patches at the tip and sides of his tail, these patches remind me of scars, and are surprisingly soft, almost spongy.
Perhaps the infection?

The uro seems to have no health problems other than the tail,
He's active, eating, healthy appearing, he yields to mild handling, but prefers to perch at the shoulder.
He's actually got quite a character, and for a Mali, he has a lovely pattern in my opinion.
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2.3 Leos
2.0 Beardie
1.1 Common Boa
0.1 Sav (Bosc) Monitor
1.1 Ackies
0.1 Giant BW Tegu
Thousands of Roaches, T's, and Scorps.
Wish for: Candoia Sp, Frilled D

His tail looks exactly as mine did before they all came off for good.

This is a pic of what he looked like about 3-4 months ago. His tail still has the white areas of skin still attached, but as you can see all his spikes are gone.

Did your uro ever have tail rot? I ask cause it looks like all his spikes are gone.
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

what kind of bedding do you use??

I use carefresh. Its basically a recyclyed paper type of bedding.

It works alot better for me then sand does.

What kind of sand substrate are you using? It looks like desert type sand to me which isn't good used as uro substrate as it contains large grains that have sharp edges which can lead to impaction.The two particulate substrates used by most uro owners are birdseed consisting of mostly to all millet and if it's a mix like finch seed make sure it has no sunflower seeds as the shells can cause impaction.Then there's washed and sifted play-sand which is sold in most hardware stores in 40-50 pound bags for $3-$5.Just make sure it says washed and sifted play sand on bag.You can run it through a fine screen yourself to make sure they didn't miss any large peices and it helps cut down on dust.

You may want to have a vet take a look and check that tail to be sure there's no problem with it.
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

On second thought I would most definitely take your uro to a vet and have the tail examined!!!
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

Trust me, if there was a vet around town who knew a damned thing about animals more exotic than a horse.. I'd be there.

And as far as Sand, I just got the animal, and it's entire set up, I have the sand you reccomended already, I just haven't had the oppurtunity to switch out the substrate.
I'm dealing with the start of high school, and Ackies breeding, Teids, varanids, and Agamids making total messes of their cages.. Improper substrate has been the least of my worries this second, hopefully by the weekend I'll have it done. School calms down in a week as well, so I'll have more time for my herps.

I'll look up exotic vets in Fresno as a last resort though.
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2.3 Leos
2.0 Beardie
1.1 Common Boa
0.1 Sav (Bosc) Monitor
1.1 Ackies
0.1 Giant BW Tegu
Thousands of Roaches, T's, and Scorps.
Wish for: Candoia Sp, Frilled D

Yeah unfortunately there aren't many vets who have any experience with uromastyx species which is unfortunate to say the least.Don't give up calling though as their's bound to be one where you live.
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

not really sure about the tail rot, i have never had to deal with it. but, i would take the little booger off all substrates except paper towels until you have his tail under control. ever had sand in a cut? it doesn't feel good at all
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vonnie
***The first law of dietetics seems to be: if it tastes good, it's bad for you. — Issac Asimov ***

I need to get a digital camera to show off my Uros. I would bring my Uro to the Vet if something like that were going on with their talis. It could be due to some type of infection, I don't think it is from shedding problems. Until you can get it to the Vet I might try putting triple antibiotic ointment on it. I hope it's nothin serious!! Mine is missing a few spikes, but it looked like it had lost them in a fight somewhere before I got it. Both of mine have been to the Vet to have check-ups.