Found/injured Tiger Salamander

[amy]

I hope somebody can help me out. I was recently presented with what I have identified as a Tiger salamander that was found at a truck stop in the parking lot. His tail is pretty injured, it is barely hanging on and the last couple inches are a greyish color. Im assuming it is dead, and that it will fall off on its own. There doesnt appear to be any "open" wound at the moment, and was wondering if I should do 15 minute soaks in tetracycline, or use antibiotic ointment. Any opinions, positive or otherwise would be greatly appreciated......

 

[andy]

soaking it sounds good.....keep the poor creature on wet paper towels and change daily to minimise infection etc.....keep us posted any chance of a pic?

 

[kai]

It is usually not a wise idea to use antibiotics without specialist advice - in any case make sure that it is suitable for amphibians (some used for humans or pets are poisonous!).

You may consider to amputate the dead portion. Keeping the salamander on moist paper towel until the tail wound has completely closed is probably all what is needed if there's no sign of an infection of the wound. Most caudates are pretty good at healing themselves as long as the environment is reasonably healthy.