Bearded dragon tail rot is a serious health concern. Owners of reptile pets like bearded dragons must be knowledgeable about how to respond to these kinds of issues.
We understand that dealing with tail rot can be worrisome or problematic for new bearded dragon keepers. However, we believe this comprehensive guide on bearded dragon tail rot can assist these pet owners.
In this online discussion, we explained the nature of the health condition, signs, and common causes. We also want to enlighten bearded dragon owners about the treatment options and techniques of preventing bearded dragon tail rot.
TAIL ROT IN BEARDED DRAGONS: A CRITICAL HEALTH PROBLEM
First-time bearded dragon keepers usually fail to spot bearded dragon tail rot until it has developed into a more severe dilemma. Additionally, we noticed that new reptile pet owners do not catch the bearded dragon’s infected tail until it falls off completely.
Bearded dragon tail rot is a serious and risky health condition because of some trauma, with the domesticated reptile pet’s tail getting infected. The affected tail is dying, and blood does not flow through it any longer.
Furthermore, bearded dragon tail rot is a critical health concern featuring an internal infection that can spread throughout the lizard’s body. If this disease does not get treated promptly, it can result in vital organ failure.
This serious emergency leads to the requirement of a veterinarian’s intervention. Otherwise, the bearded dragon can, unfortunately, pass away.
7 SIGNS OF A ROTTING TAIL IN BEARDED DRAGONS
Bearded dragon tail rot’s symptoms come in physical and behavioral forms. The physical symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to increased discomfort for the reptile pets.
These common physical indicators of a bearded dragon tail rot are the following:
1. The bottom of the bearded dragon’s tail turns black.
This symptom is due to the infection. The tail’s tissue literally passes away.
2. The tail gets seriously dehydrated.
This physical symptom involves the reptile pet’s tail feeling intensely dry when touched. Additionally, scaly skin layers or coarse flakes appear on the tail.
3. The bearded dragon’s tail decays and separates from the reptile pet’s body.
Bearded dragon tail rot involves the eventual decay of the lizard’s tail. Once rotten, this part of the reptile pet’s body falls off completely.
The physical symptoms of bearded dragon tail rot may consequently lead to the behavioral signs of the serious medical condition. They usually consist of the following:
4. The bearded dragon loses its appetite.
A once-healthy bearded dragon becomes listless and uninterested in eating.
5. The reptile pet’s mood turns hostile.
This bearded tail rot’s behavioral indicator involves the lizard feeling irritable, aggressive and may even begin to bite its owner.
6. The bearded dragon may become withdrawn.
It is unusual for these reptile pets to stay long, hiding in their enclosures or hide hole for bearded dragons. However, if they perform this action frequently, they may be suffering from tail rot.
7. When the bearded dragon’s tail touches something, a pet keeper would typically notice the animal exhibiting discomfort.
A rotting tail of a bearded dragon may land on something in its terrarium. This occurrence may make the lizard demonstrate signs of pain.
Apparently, we want to emphasize that seeing a bearded dragon suffer from excruciating pain is the last thing pet keepers want to see. Therefore, it is significant that these bearded dragon owners learn the causes of tail rot.
4 COMMON CAUSES OF A TAIL ROT IN BEARDED DRAGONS
Several factors can result in a bearded tail rot. The following are among the common causes:
1. An unsanitary or dirty living space
Bearded dragons’ living environment needs proper upkeep. However, since some owners of these reptile pets can be busy with their day-to-day lives, they may fail to clean their lizard’s home regularly, including its reptile carpet, walls, and so forth.
Therefore, crickets, mites, or other bug infestations can pester the bearded dragons. Moreover, if another bearded dragon, especially an infected one, lives in the same enclosure, it is highly likely for bearded dragon tail rot to inconvenience one of them.
2. Poor nutrition
Similar to other pets, bearded dragons require proper nourishment. They should not be seriously malnourished or have low calcium levels.
Calcium supplements are essential for these reptile pets’ robust bone and cartilage growth, affecting their possible dimension. An infection can easily set in if a bearded dragon’s tail and bone structures weaken, leading to a rotten tail.
3. Blunt force trauma in the tail
Bearded dragon tail rot can happen if this reptile pet’s tail gets injured, crushed, or pinched by an external factor. These reptile pets can also get bitten by another lizard or inconvenienced by a severe cut. These serious events can lead to an internal infection of the lizard’s tail.
4. Lack of exposure to high-quality UVB light and sunlight
Bearded dragons are similar to humans. They require sufficient exposure to natural sunlight, particularly ultraviolet B or UVB rays and a basking light.
Meeting this necessity through a UV lamp guarantees a healthful vitamin D presence in the bearded dragons’ bodies. Additionally, it facilitates the calcium every reptile pet needs for strong body structures and bones.
Once an owner spots bearded dragon tail rot, he needs to respond immediately by seeking a veterinarian’s assistance or turning to home remedies. In this way, he can rescue his ailing reptile pet right away.
EXPERT AND HOME REMEDIES FOR TAIL ROT
Bearded dragon tail rots can get resolved with a veterinarian’s help, especially if the health issue has already reached a critical point. Home remedies also help as a timely solution.
1. Veterinarian
Veterinarians treat exotic reptiles such as bearded dragons. They can assist, especially if this domesticated animal’s tail has darkened considerably or already fallen off.
Furthermore, veterinarians can help pet owners deliver immediate emergency care, especially when the latter notice their lizard exhibiting other tail rot symptoms such as lack of appetite, aggression, appearing in pain, or withdrawal behavior.
They would usually prescribe mineral and vitamin supplements as calcium powder with vitamin D, medications like antibiotics, or surgical tail amputation if needed.
2. Home Remedies
Bearded dragon tail rot can get addressed by owners in their residences. These pet keepers can turn to this effective home remedy with the following steps:
a. Mix three parts of water with 1 part Betadine.
b. Stir the solution until it appears like dark tea.
c. Dip the infected tail firmly into the liquid and hold it there for about 5 minutes long.
d. Gently dab the soaked tail of the bearded dragon with a clean cloth or dry, soft, and absorbent paper towel.
e. When the tail has dried completely, dab on some plain Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment the veterinarian prescribed onto the affected area.
We want to advise bearded dragon owners to perform the abovementioned steps twice or thrice per day for one to two weeks. We guarantee that they can see desired outcomes. Otherwise, we highly recommend they consult their veterinarian.
PREVENTING FUTURE TAIL ROTS IN BEARDED DRAGONS
Bearded dragon tail rot is a common condition and a serious health issue. Owners of these reptile pets need to be familiar with this problem and its remedies.
We want to note that if bearded dragon keepers are knowledgeable and prepared, they would feel less intimidated in dealing with their lizards with rotting tails. Additionally, we recommend bearded dragon owners perform preventive measures.
Among them are feeding bearded dragons nutritious foods and ensuring they get sufficient amounts of UVB exposure, calcium, Vitamin D, and multivitamin supplements to maintain robust cartilage and bones and their overall wellness. Dirty cages are also a no-no, and calm and low-stress living space is a must.
Additionally, we highly suggest bearded dragon keepers act quickly in seeking veterinarians’ assistance. In this way, they can keep bearded dragon tail rot from recurring and, above all, help their beloved reptile pets live long, healthful, and happy lives.
