Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Damn, I feel just awful. I was moving stuff around while cleaning out Loki's house a few minutes ago and had a butterfinger moment and dropped his food bowl right on the tip of his tail about an 1 and a half from the tip. I really did a number on it, broken skin and I'm afraid worse. He was up on his log so it had to have crushed it betweent he bowl and the log. I immediately administered first aid, gently cleaning the wound with bactine but I'm wondering if I should take him to the vet or is there anything they can do.
Naturally he acts like nothing happened, the big dummy but I don't want to take any chances with my buddy. What would you do?

Argh, I feel horrible.

QB

I would clean it with dilute betadine (providone iodine) or dilute nolvasan (chlorhexidene) if you have some, and get him on paper towel substrate (especially if he is on sand) You want the environment to stay extra clean so nothing can get into the wound. Does it look like the bone is sticking out or is visible? If so I would rec. a trip to the vet to prevent osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). If it is just the skin that is cut you can probably keep it clean and let it heal on its own. If in doubt, take it to the vet for evaluation.
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Stacey

Well I went ahead and took him to my vet and he cleaned the wound and gave me some cream to put on it daily. He says to watch it to see if the blood supply is damaged, he might end up losing the end of his tail. Also to watch for blackening if it moves up from the wound as he might need a shot of antibiotic.
I love my vet, he's great with Loki and just marvelled over how big and handsome he's gotten since I first brought him in last July when I first got him.
So anyway, my mind is greatly eased, Loki is resting comfortably in his basking spot and with any luck he'll just heal up just fine.

QB

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Stacey