Illness/Sickness: Salamander dropped tail

[Mocroft]

I'm so worried - came to feed my salamander last night and his tail was off. He is never handled. he wasn't scared or threatened in any way and he is alone in his tank. I have no idea why this could have happened and don't know what to do to help him heal

I think he is an Oregon Ensatina his name is Alexander and I have had him for about four years.

He looks completely normal other than the fact that his tail was ripped off.

He is moving around pretty normally considering the trauma. He is staying in the water more than he usually does and seems to be keeping the stump submerged.

He wouldn't eat last night, but normally eats well and is healthy weight.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated I am very worried and freaked out about this

 

[Mocroft]

I have not changed anything in his habitat. 45 days ago I put in fresh Moss that was collected from the middle of a forest. I rinsed the moss & let it dry two or three times over a period of a couple of days before putting it in.

 

[Mocroft]

I have no idea why this happened and am afraid he has a disease or ?

I don't think I should I take him out of his bowl to put him in a more sterile environment, but am worried that his stump will get infected

 

[Mocroft]

No need to respond. My beautiful Alexander died last night. I'm heartbroken.

 

[Otterwoman]

I"m very sorry.

 

[CatSpit]

I searched for reasons this could have happened to a safe and secure salamander, but could find nothing. I'm so sorry you lost Alexander.