Tail rot, also known as tail necrosis, is a common condition affecting leopard geckos in captivity. It occurs when a part of the tail tissue, usually from the tip, degrades and rots.
So, what are the causes of tail rot in leopard geckos? The causes of tail rot in geckos include Infections, trauma or injury to the tail, insect bites, shedding issues, dermatitis, cysts or abscess and hypothermia.
The color of the tail changes when the tail rot begins. The affected area becomes dull, dry and less flexible. Its color changes from a bright yellow to a darker shade, and sometimes the tail will discolor and appear white.
Let’s discuss the causes of tail rot in gecko in greater details.
Infections
There are many different possible causes of tail rot in leopard geckos, but most often these infections stem from a bacterial or viral infection.
Tail rot can also be caused by fungal or parasitic infections, and even though these infections are less common, they can still cause serious damage to your leopard gecko’s tail if not treated quickly.
To prevent tail rot from happening in the first place, it is important that you keep your leopard gecko healthy and keep their enclosure clean at all times.
You should also consider vaccinating your leopard gecko against common diseases like ringworm or parvovirus, as these vaccinations will help to protect them from other potential illnesses.
In addition, make sure to clean any wounds your gecko may have on its skin, as this area is vulnerable to infection. If you do notice that your leopard gecko has an infection, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an extremely serious condition in leopard geckos and can lead to death. It occurs when the gecko’s body temperature falls below 25 degrees Celsius.
This can happen if the gecko is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time, or if its body temperature drops rapidly after being held at a warm environment.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, stiff bodies, and slow heart rates. If left to last for a long time, hypothermia can lead tail rot and even coma.
Therefore, you must always make sure your leopard gecko’s enclosure maintains a correct temperature
How can you prevent my Leos from getting hypothermia?
- Ensure your Leos enclosure temperatures are always correct – keeping the temperature at 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit is essential for preventing this condition. If your gecko has suffered any of these conditions, take it to your vet immediately for treatment.
- Give your Leos plenty of moist, warm bedding – putting them in a partially filled water bowl with some moist bedding will help keep them comfortable and hydrated.
- Shelter them from the cold – provide a warm area near the enclosure where your Leos can retreat if needed. Make sure this area is well-ventilated to avoid becoming too hot or humid.
Tail Injuries
Tail rot can also be caused by injuries to the gecko’s tail. Injuries can result from trauma or accident, as well as fights from predators. If left untreated, blood clots can form and damage the tissue around the tail tip. This can lead to infection and eventual tail rot.
To avoid tail rot in your leopard gecko, make sure there are no objects in the enclosure that can cause injuries. Also be sure to treat injuries as soon as you spot them, and monitor their health regularly to ensure they are healing properly.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin infection that can be caused by a number of factors, such as insect bites, dryness, or even infections. If left untreated, dermatitis will worsen and eventually affect the underlying tissue, resulting in tail rot.
Here are some tips to help prevent your leopard gecko from developing dermatitis:
- Make sure your leopard gecko is well hydrated. Dehydration is one of the main causes of skin irritation and diseases, so make sure your leopard gecko is getting enough water both day and night.
- Practice proper hygiene habits. Don’t leave your leopard gecko alone in dirty environments or share cages with other animals that can spread infection (like cats). Keep your leopard gecko’s cage clean and free from smells that could irritate its skin.
- Check for signs of illness early on. If you think your leopard gecko may have contracted an infection, take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. Prevention is the key to keeping dermatitis at bay
Cyst or Abscess
Abscesses are pus-filled pockets of infection in the tissue, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs caused by underlying infections. An abscess or cyst may form if the skin around your gecko’s tail is infected or damaged. Cysts grow quickly but go away when they drain or burst.
It’s good to keep an eye out because, in some cases, the bleeding stops when the cyst empties its contents into other areas resulting in more serious conditions such as shock or dehydration.
If you notice your gecko has a bulging growth on their tail and you’re not sure if it’s a cyst or abscess, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Shedding Issues
Improper shedding can cause tail rot; when the dead skin does not come off properly, it tightens and dries up, restricting blood flow to the tail. It can also happen to other parts of your leopard gecko, like the limbs and toes.
To prevent this, ensure your leo is well-hydrated. Provide moist hides, clean water bowls and a rough but not sharp object to aid them during the shedding process.
You can also provide vitamin A supplements as its deficiency has been linked to shedding problems.
Poor Nutrition and Health
A weak immune system due to poor health and nutrition can lead to tail rot since the recovery of the damaged skin tissue becomes very slow. Therefore, ensuring that your leopard gecko is in good health is important to help fight infections.
Insect Bites
Tail rot can also be caused by insect bites. These bites are very harmful because the assassin bug uses its needle-sharp teeth and claws to pierce through the gecko’s skin, injecting venom into the wound area after piercing, causing the site of the injury to be inflamed.
If you notice insect bites on your gecko’s tail, it’s best to take it to a vet. Treatment involves antibiotics and pain relief.
Tail Rot Treatment
Treating tail rot can be difficult especially when it’s in advanced stage when surgery is needed to prevent further damage.
Fortunately, there are many treatments that can be tried before surgery to help treat the damage and infection. If the symptoms are caught early, antibiotics can help treat the damaged tissue internally.
A warm bath can loosen the dead skin to come off. Also, providing vitamins, proper diets and supplements will help fight infections.
Improper shedding is often associated with tail rot and you can help boost your leopard gecko’s health by providing them with enough vitamins and minerals.
Amputation may be necessary if necrosis from tail rot damage spreads to other tissue. An amputated tail does have a chance of re-growing a little bit but only if it is properly cared for
How to Prevent Tail Rot in Leopard Geckos?
Tail rot in geckos is prevented by ensuring a strong immune system for your gecko, and maintaining proper hygiene and ideal environment in your pet’s enclosure. When temperature is ideal, your gecko will have optimal metabolic process, thereby allowing it to effectively absorb nutrients from their food. With good nutrition, your leo can fight infections.
Also, to prevent shedding issues, provide your leopard gecko with moist hides that will help hydrate its skin during shedding. Warm baths and vitamin A supplements will also aid in the shedding process.
It is also paramount to ensure the enclosure is free from objects that might cause injuries to your gecko, and the enclosure should remain sanitary at all times.
Feed your leopard gecko with high-quality, balanced diet food.
Can Leopard Geckos Re-grow Their Tail?
Yes. Leopard geckos can re-grow their tails after amputation or tail drop. However, the tail may not look the same as before. Generally, the re-grown tail tends to be wider, shorter and blunter at the end than the original tail. Also, it may be of a different pattern and color, usually lighter than the old one.
The re-growth process begins almost immediately after amputation or tail drop. The process is complex and lengthy, as it often takes over 60 days for your gecko to grow its tail fully.
No set number of times a leopard gecko can regenerate its tail. However, geckos may lose their ability to re-grow their tails as they grow older.
Does It Hurt A Gecko To Lose Its Tail?
Leopard geckos, like most reptiles, do not have feelings or feel emotions. Dropping a tail as a defense mechanism or amputating their tail should not make your Leo feel any pain.
