Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just received a subadult female U lineatus, she looks to be in excellent condition, however one thing bugs me. The last 1/2 inch of her tail appears to be black and kind of crinkly. Im confused because it looks like a leaf mimicing characteristic, however Ive never heard of it to such an extent in this species, which leads me to believe something is wrong.. the animal acts fine and eats fine (thus far), i would love to hear any ideas or suggestions you all could make.

please post a picture if possible.

Black is a sign of tissue death (necrosis)- there was likely an injury to the tail where it begins to turn black, and the end will likely shrivel up and fall off - Can you post a pic? If its a large section, you will want to take her to the vet as a precaution.

I had a similar sort of thing on my male linneatus - it appeared to have been from a bite to the tail, manifesting itself as a slighly grey "u" shape (hence thinking it was a bite) then the tail filling with fluid, the fluid sac slowly went down after 2-3 days with a lot of showering (perhaps incidental) and shriveled up, then fell off to reveal a slightly shorter, but perfectly healed tail stub. Pics of this process below.

Notice the odd look to the tip of the tail (extensive dehydration as well)

http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/DSCN7898.JPG

Fluid sac
http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/DSCN7905.JPG

Drying process
http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/normal_DSCN0082.JPG

I dont have any new pics of his healed tail, here he is now...
http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/DSCN0852.JPG

-Leah
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www.wildeyereptiles.com

Chameleons, geckos & invertebrates

i have a male linneatus that dropped it's tail about 2 months ago. it's got about a 3/4 " stub with little fins starting in on the sides. just curious how long it took for your male to regnerate it's tail. thanks
andrew

He did not regenerate the tail. I believe the tail has to be totally lost for regeneration to take place, he only lost about 1" and quite honestly, I have never seen this happen in Uroplatus, although some people do claim to have seen it in the larger species. I have a phantasticus that dropped her tail almost a year ago....

http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/DSCN0779.JPG

It took about 2 mos with the linneatus to go from the fluid sac to completely healed.
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www.wildeyereptiles.com

Chameleons, geckos & invertebrates

wow, one day i hope to have a female phant that nears the stunning quality of that one, even if it lost a tail! your pics continue to impress day after day, leah!

"and shriveled up, then fell off to reveal a slightly shorter, but perfectly healed tail stub"
i thought you meant the whole tail fell off. i guess i'll find out for sure within the next few months how long it takes. it's pretty weird looking right now and the " fins" just started to come in on the sides the past couple weeks.

Thanks, I appreciate everyones input.

almost looks like theres a sore spot still on there, maybe an infection? might wanna try putting some neosporin on that, or maybe someone else would have a better suggestion for antibacterial...

It looks a lot like that spot on the top could be bone, in which case you will want some vet intervention- that can be a nightmare to leave untreated, especially if it progresses to a bone infection which can be very difficult to treat. I think a trip to the vet is needed in this case, and the animal also looks dehydrated- have you tried showering? Its VERY effective with linneatus.

Here is a pic of my male's healed tail.
http://www.wildeyereptiles.com/cpg132/albums/userpics/DSCN1129.JPG
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www.wildeyereptiles.com

Chameleons, geckos & invertebrates

Ive been showering these guys in a rain chamber daily since I received them, Im going to try some antibacterial on that tail tip for the next day or so, if I see no improvements it is off to the vet. I appreciate everyones input!