By Heather Bjornebo, DVM, DABVP(Reptile-Amphibian Practice), CertAqV
What is “tail rot”? Tail rot is a layperson’s term often used to describe a number of different medical conditions involving the tail and not a true medical term. Actually, this would be like your doctor calling your ear infection “ear rot” or your broken leg “leg rot”. The tail is not “rotting” or decomposing. Instead a number of issues may be causing problems.
The first condition often referred to as “tail rot” is known as Avascular Necrosis. This is when part of the tail dies because the blood supply has been damaged. This results in the tail turning darker in color, getting dry and hard, and (only if far back enough) eventually breaking off.
Damage to the blood supply can be caused by trauma such as being bitten by another animal (or bearded dragon in the same cage), by being shut in a cage door, or other trauma.
The blood supply can also be damaged by the blood vessels being blocked or occluded by what is called an embolus. Emboli, also known as thromboses, are clumps of something such as. blood clots or inflammatory debris that lodge in the blood vessel preventing blood flow. Blood clots can form after a major surgery or with heart disease. Inflammatory or septic emboli happen with deep, chronic infections or in cases of sepsis.
The last and most common reason the blood supply is damaged is retained shed skin causing constriction of the tail and collapsing the blood supply. Usually this only results in damage to the very tip of the tail. This is why proper humidity and hydration is important in pet reptiles. It is also very important to monitor your pet as they shed to make sure all of the shed comes free.
Another condition often referred to as “tail rot” is fungal infections most often caused by Nannizziopsis sp., formerly referred to as “yellow fungus disease” or CANV. Keep in mind, these funguses are not always yellow. These infections start off with crusting of the skin and as they get worse the fungus can invade into deeper tissue. Often these will resemble Avascular Necrosis in advanced stages as the tissue will start to die as well.
Other tail conditions that may end up referred to as “tail rot” include bacterial cellulitis (infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), or tumors.
How is “tail rot” treated? First an examination by a veterinarian should be performed to determine the actual medical condition your pet has. As we discussed above, “tail rot” is not a medical condition, but a layperson term often used as a catch-all for any problem with the tail. After your veterinarian determines what is happening, they may recommend further testing to look for infection, heart disease, or other conditions. If the damage is too extensive or enough of the tail is affected, surgical amputation under general will be recommended. If the damage is minor or the tail end falls off without surgery, your pet should still be evaluated to determine what caused the damage and if any additional treatments are needed. If there is an infection that need antibiotics for example. If you think your pet may have a problem with their tail, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a qualified reptile veterinarian.