Black tail.

ColbyKun · 10-13-09, 07:59 PM

I have a young corn snake, not even a month old, and his tail has gone black, whats up with that?

totheend · 10-13-09, 09:06 PM

Is there retained shed on the tail? Do you have pics?

BP_okay · 10-13-09, 11:08 PM

Just, please post pics. This just happened to my corn. Please refer to the thread "tail shed" under the corn snake section. We talked all about it and my guy is doing fine. Just to let you know, it's possible the black part is dead due to a retained shed. That is what happened to mine. If that is the case, you don't want it to fall off at home, as this will open your corn up to infection. They will remove it at the vet's office if it's necrotic, sterilize the area, cover it, and give him antibiotics(shot).

I don't want to freak you out, but this happened last week, and it's very treatable if dealt with, but if left too long, could be very serious.

Tothend is asking for pics, because it could be part of his natural coloring. The strange thing is, is that it usually takes longer than a month for that to happen.

Crossing fingers for you!
Traci

ColbyKun · 10-14-09, 01:09 AM

thank you very much. its definetly not colouring because its hard as well. damn, i dont want his tail to fall off. is it common? he's being a bit anti-social. havent got any pictures, sorry.

Will0W783 · 10-14-09, 09:11 AM

Take him to a vet. Quickly. I don't want to alarm you, but a blackened tail is not something to mess around with- it usually means the tip has lost blood flow and the tissue is basically dead. It will most likely need to be removed, as BP_okay's did. The sooner you can get the animal to a vet, the less likely there is to be extensive damage. I'm not all that familiar with corn snakes, so I can't say if it is common with them, but I have a few corns and while I have only had them a few months, they are all adults and have perfect tails, so I really don't know. But I do know that it's better to be safe than sorry and get the animal in question to a good herp vet. Best of luck, let me know how it turns out.

Smilts · 10-14-09, 12:30 PM

Ive never had this problem but it sounds like there was a stuck shed that was left and maybe caused a infection that has went bad... I would tak to the vet.

totheend · 10-15-09, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColbyKun

thank you very much. its definetly not colouring because its hard as well. damn, i dont want his tail to fall off. is it common? he's being a bit anti-social. havent got any pictures, sorry.

It sounds like it is going to fall off. This is most likely the cause of retained shed on the tail that has constricted that area as the snake has grown. At this point there is no saving the tail. In the future when your snake sheds make sure that all the shed has come off.

A trip to the vet is your best bet.

ColbyKun · 10-15-09, 10:45 AM

been to vet now. =]

Will0W783 · 10-15-09, 10:54 AM

What did the vet say?

BP_okay · 10-16-09, 12:12 AM

I am so glad you took him, better safe than sorry, and in your case I think it was necessary.

Please let us know. I am really interested in hearing about it! I sure hope it was removed by the vet and that there weren't any infections! Crossing my fingers for your little corn.

BP_okay · 10-16-09, 12:15 AM

Oh, btw, it is more common than people think. After researching other forums on the topic, alot of people had this happen to them. I think it's b/c that little tail is just so thin, especially for babies. Have some shedding on hand in the future. I have read it only takes 5 days for the blood flow to be cut off if retained shed is left on the tail. Just something to watch out for.

ColbyKun · 10-16-09, 08:52 AM

Vet told me to come back. They said his tail is neucrotic and it isnt infected. A reptile specialist would be in next week. have to go back. Drugs are dangerous for young snakes etc. I basiclly went in to be told to come back in next week for £13! But it made me stop worrying as much. Snake isnt being so bad. Thanks for your support guys, its appreciated. =]

Will0W783 · 10-16-09, 10:35 AM

He didn't do anything????? Geez, leaving necrotic tissue on is not a smart idea. While drugs can be difficult for young animals, a low dose antibiotic would have been a smart idea. I would honestly find a different vet if I were you. That guy sounds like he is full of ****.

ColbyKun · 10-17-09, 06:00 AM

it was a woman.the reptile specialist wasnt in. thats why im going back. no other vets, im 16 in school, cant get far.

Will0W783 · 10-17-09, 08:28 PM

Yikes! Well keep a very close eye on that tail.