Illness/Sickness: Tail Issue

[Mack]

My son has a tiger salamander and a day ago his tail turned pink/red (looks like a rash) - he tries not to handle him too much because he's very adamant that it isn't good for them but we had to pull him out of his terrarium and inspect him - it looks like he has a hole at the base of his tail! it is sore because he goes crazy when you touch his tail (he never used to) - what do I do?! I've read to clean it with saline solution and/or bactine and put an antibiotic ointment (I have polysporin) on it - is this true? Or should I just bite the bullet and take him to the vet?? Please help!!

 

[Tasha H]

You would have to call and find out if the vet knows anything about salamanders. Many vets do not and will take your money for an "exam" then just tell you they can't help you and send you to someone who knows what they are doing. Its much better to go to that person first. Do you have a picture you could post of this problem so that we can see?

 

[Mack]

I will try tonight to get a picture of it - it looks sore poor little dude. he is still eating (although not a 'happily' as he used to - I could only get him to eat two crickets yesterday and usually he'll do four no problem) so I see that as somewhat of a good sign. And that is just it - oh the exam is $80 plus tax plus any meds plus plus plus!! if I can get it clean and keep it clean, that will make a world of difference! I am just concerned about his skin and what will hurt him. Thank you thank you! I am going to try to post a picture ASAP!

 

[RPM]

As you mentioned, try cleaning the area with saline then apply the polysporin. Others have had good results with polypore/Neosporin.

 

[Tasha H]

Not to mention I enjoy looking at pictures of salamanders anyways. Does he ever have live crickets or other live food items left in his tank? They will sometimes nibble on salamanders.