Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 16 year old bull has developed an odd skin condition on the last 6 inches of his tail. The skin looks moist or limy and is almost sticky to the touch. A few small patches have lost the outer layer and looks pink underneath.He has not shed since this has appeared. Any ideas what this could be and how to cure it?

Sounds like a skin infection...could be Necrotizing (necrotic) dermatitis...at his advanced age..other problems usually crop up..but not this particular type of condition. Almost sounds like septicemic in nature. By limy you mean viscous / sticky to the touch...skin infections are usually caused by improper husbandry practices ( like conditions being too moist )...I am making an assumption based on his age if it where an husbandry issue you would have killed him by now..so I doubt this is your problem...some pic's may help... definitely needs some type of treatment...most likely both topical and a regimen of antibiotics...if what I mentioned is the problem...it is fatal if not treated early on...once it starts "poisoning" the blood...unfortunately it is too late...I would dry out his environment completely and treat topically w/ diluted Betadine and seek Veterinary attention if possible...if not well you must definitely clean it...keep it dry...and treat with topical solutions such as Betadine...and perhaps Neosporin or equivalent...hope all ends well...his age can also unfortunately hamper his ability to recover...all things alive eventually perish and turn to dust/dirt...and no it's not silly to cry over a snake...been there..done that...

Here are some...what I hope to be helpful...url's for you to peruse...

www.arav.org/

www.anapsid.org/blackskin.html

sacs.vetmed.ufl.edu/Services/ZooMed/antimicrobialtherapy/index.htm
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

Here are 2 photos of the area.

Could he have burned himself (that's what it reminds me most of) or gotten bit by a prey item? If you have a temp gun or something similar it would be a good idea to check the heated areas to make sure the tamps are safe.

I'd put him on something like paper towels or news paper that wouldn't adhere to the wound or ointment. Try the neosporin / topical antibiotics, but watch it closely.

If spreads, starts looking worse, or fails to show improvement I'd get him to a vet (that knows herps). He may require something more aggressive than a topical antibiotic.

-Alice