Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this on the health forum but wasn't sure if it got as much traffic so I'm putting here too....

My beardie has been brumating for a few months. She decided to come out today and while she was gobbling up crickets, I noticed a small piece of shed that has constricted her tail around an inch from the end. I soaked it for awhile hoping the the skin would come off but it looks like the end of the tail is dead or dying. What do I do?

I would continue doing what you are already doing. Sometimes with little ones (whom should be misted 2-3 times a day) have a problem with shedding if they aren't moist enough. There is a small possibility that it could lead to "constriction" of a limb of some sort (ie. Toes, tails, etc.). Its an unfortunate RARE event but it can happen. If in the worst that you are correct with your hypothosis, than BE GLAD IT'S THE TAIL TIP & not the TOES or something.

**** Offer a luke warm to WARM bath everyday for 20 minutes for the next 7-10 days to assist in shed.

Are you sure its not an OLD tail nip that wasnt noticed and its on it's way to "falling off"? Is it housed with other beardies?
www.AtlantaBeardedDragons.com

She's always lived alone so i'm sure it's not a nip and I can see a little band of skin that's tightened around the tail. The end of the tail does look like it's going to fall off though. I'll keep soaking like you suggested but what if it's going to fall off? Do I let it fall off on it's own or does she need to go to the vet. Should I put neosporin on it? Thanks for your help!

Try putting a little mineral oil on it...or unpasteurized honey. The honey is a natural antibacterial antibiotic...it's used for humans in Australia and other countries as a wound dressing...you can use it on all small wounds as long as you keep the dragons on newspaper for the time. If you want to see it's use on animals Google " medicinal honey"