Necrotic Tail

[Katatonic]

Alright, here's my issue;

I have a geriatric male leopard gecko. I purchased this leo about 8 years back, as an adult. To the best of my knowledge, this animal is atleast 14 years old. He has led a rather healthy life, bred on numerous occassions and other than the sporadic rough shed, has had zero difficulties during his time in my care.
Recently, within the last two weeks, what I have noticed has begun to alarm me. I have witness what looks like shuddering, kind of like a shiver that would occur in a mammal. I could also compare it to a muscle spasm up one entire side of his body. I was wondering if anyone else out there has ever witnessed symptoms such as this. Have you??
Another concern of mine is that, from what I can diagnose, the tip of his tail (approximately 2 cm) has gone necrotic... It's just dead flesh. Dried up. Hard. Purple/black, and making it's way further toward the vent, killing off tissue as it goes.
What I was thinking, was that, like elderly humans, can leopards (herps in general) develop a loss of circulation in their extremities, and/or small tremors resembling seizures?? Probably. What the hell do I do with/for this animal... He's obviously old, and I'd just like him to live out his life in a reasonably peaceful setting, with minimal difficulty.
I'm just looking for some educated advice, and some guidance on a topic that one can not really read up on; geriatric care of reptiles.
Thank you in advance.

[reptilez]

Originally posted by Katatonic

Another concern of mine is that, from what I can diagnose, the tip of his tail (approximately 2 cm) has gone necrotic... It's just dead flesh. Dried up. Hard. Purple/black, and making it's way further toward the vent, killing off tissue as it goes.

Did he shed completly or was there still some skin on his tail because if old skin isnt removed, for example on the toes, the toes may fall off. it happened to my friend.
-Reptilez

[SnowSnake]

it also happened to my male blizzard. he is missing 3 fingernails on his left front paw.

Katatonic: If you haven't already I would bring him to a vet just to make sure that what he has isn't too serious.

SnowSnake

[Pixie]

I second a visit to the vets to see if something could be done to slow or stop the progression of the dying tissue on the tail. I don't know anything about geriatric reptiles but I suspect as you do that they degenerate on neural, circulatory and other levels.

Pixie

[Linds]

You don't want the gangerine to spread into the rest of the body, and it can definitely be fatal if left untreated. It may have to be removed from the healthy flesh (amputated) in order for the spread of infection to be stopped. I don't have any thoughts as to what could be causing the body tremors. I agree with everyone else in that a trip to a *good* qualified herp vet is in order. Good luck and keep us updated :)

[Samba]

What I want to know is this: Why have you decided to come into the forum seeking advice instead of taking him to a vet first and foremost? The leopard gecko is obviously ill and needs medical attention. He may be suffering while you check the forums everyday for replys! Get him to a vet NOW! That's all I have to say.

[scott hough]

please keep us updated on his condition.

good luck

Scott

[Katatonic]

I don't even want to acknowledge that ignorant, rather condescending post scrupulizing my inactivity on taking the animal to a vet. I'll just give up all my animals, become a vegan and join peta because all animals belong in the wild and shouldn't adorn the walls and cages of our homes for our sheer and utter enjoyment.
Ever had what you thought to be a cold and said to yourself "hmm... Maybe I'll wait and see if it clears up in a couple of days" only to find that it didn't, which then necissitated medical care?? Who is to say I haven't already sought medical attention and had the matter taken care of at this moment in time and that this was not just a "inquiry" to satisfy a curiosity??
Everything's such a battle on this site. It's so rediculous. Relax. Yet again, the gun has been jumped.


To all that did reply to the post in a decent fashion, thank you.

REPTILEZ: I am absolutely certain this was no retained shed. When and if this occurs, I'm vigilant in removing it to prevent matters such as this. Thank you though for your concern.

Thanks Canadians.

[Alicewave]

Katatonic, I'm sorry to hear your geriatric leo is having a hard time. I have no advice for you. The only seizure I have heard of a gecko having is one who had crypto but was treated for another parasite it didn't have. Perhaps your guy is going through old age, perhaps it's just his time. Perhaps not. Let us know how he's been treated. Good luck to him!

PS. It's not just Canadians that care... I care too ;)

[Katatonic]

Thank you Alice, and thank you once more everyone.
My ol' buddy was treated for the necrotic tail, and recovering rather nicely at this moment in time. Amputation was the order of treatment, so he's looking slightly "stumpy" in the tail region... That's okay, he's still a great lizard. As for the "shuttering" or siezure-like actions, the vetrinarian explained that it is most likely a neural degeneration fully related to old age, and I was assured that he would be living a painfree life to come.
I am grateful for all of your concern, and I wish you all happy herping.
LATER>

[Pixie]

That's great news :) I'm happy the tail situation was well dealt with and will heal up and that your gecko will live out his old days a happy healthy fellow. What more could a gecko ask that to be cared for until the very end by a caring owner like you! :)

I love happy endings

Pixie