Red irritated tail area

shellfreak

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Has anyone seen this before? One of my Egyptian females has an irritated tail area. I’ve never seen this. Was hoping someone else has. It’s not from breeding. Their substrate is crushed oyster shell mixed with soil. I don’t think it’s from substrate irritation.

IMG_8607.jpg
 

Yvonne G

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No, I'm not familiar with that, bt first aid will help. I suggest keeping her on paper towels. Wash and sanitize
the area then dab on Neosporin. Do it daily until healed, then you can put her back on substrate.

Could excessive breeding be the culprit?
 

Pastel Tortie

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I'm not familiar with anything like that, either... Could there be ants or something in the enclosure? Or something abrasive that she could have backed into or onto? It would probably be right around ground level, I'm guessing.
 

TammyJ

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What do you mean by "...substrate irritation"? Do you mean substrate ingestion and excretion? And is crushed oyster shell a recommended substrate for this species? What is her diet and have you added something different recently? What do you place her food on? Sorry for all the questions but I am a learner here, and it's good to get some answers at the same time the OP does!
 

shellfreak

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What do you mean by "...substrate irritation"? Do you mean substrate ingestion and excretion? And is crushed oyster shell a recommended substrate for this species? What is her diet and have you added something different recently? What do you place her food on? Sorry for all the questions but I am a learner here, and it's good to get some answers at the same time the OP does!

Substrate irritation as in the substrate might causing some sort of contact dermatitis. Oyster shell is a standard of care substrate for Egyptians. Her diet has not changed. Her food is on a plastic square plate. I consulted a vet and it was recommended I place some antibiotic cream on the affected area. it seemed to clear it up. I still have no clue what caused it. If it comes back we will start her on some antibiotics.
 

shellfreak

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I'm not familiar with anything like that, either... Could there be ants or something in the enclosure? Or something abrasive that she could have backed into or onto? It would probably be right around ground level, I'm guessing.

No ants. Enclosure is inside. I looked for bugs,etc but saw nothing.
 

shellfreak

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No, I'm not familiar with that, bt first aid will help. I suggest keeping her on paper towels. Wash and sanitize
the area then dab on Neosporin. Do it daily until healed, then you can put her back on substrate.

Could excessive breeding be the culprit?

I wish breeding was the culprit. Hahaha. I got some “prescription” like neosporin that seemed to do the trick. I appreciate the response.
 

TammyJ

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I wish breeding was the culprit. Hahaha. I got some “prescription” like neosporin that seemed to do the trick. I appreciate the response.
Neosporin is a good antibiotic for use on reptiles. So is Silvadene, (Silver sulfadiazine, not sure of the spelling) but that really needs a prescription.
 
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