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My leopard gecko's tail is red, irritated, and scabby. Is it tail rot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Gecko | Male | unneutered | 1lb

My leopard gecko’s tail is showing signs of tail rot but I wanted to make sure before I take him in to a vet. His skin is red and irritated, and he has black scabs on the end; it looks like he or his food has been attacking his tail.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 23rd, 2021

Yes, these could be potentially signs of scale rot. Swab the infected area with a diluted povidone-iodine solution twice daily. Scrape away the infected area gently with a blunt tool or a cotton pad. If this time of first line treatment does not help and you do not see any improvement in 48 hours a check up at your local veterinarian would be required as antibiotic ointment and more aggressive treatment may be needed.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 21st, 2020

    Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian, at the nearest veterinary ER or by a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If this is not possible, get her under a heat lamp to start warming her up. You can also soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, clean the tail stump with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Dab a bit of triple antibiotic ointment on it after each cleaning. Clean it gently once daily and dry thoroughly afterwards. Keep her on paper towels and change it daily. Pick up some Fluker's Repta Boost and use that to feed her initially. When she is more active, you can introduce prey slowly. She may eventually regrow her tail. Even with care, she may not recover. It cannot be determined without a physical exam. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/flukers-reptaboost-insectavore-and-carnivore-high-amp-boost

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