Lizard Avascular Necrosis of Digits or Tail

Dry gangrene of the extremities is a common problem in captive lizards. Very often the aetiology is not apparent. Differential diagnoses for swollen toes includes digital or joint infection, fracture, luxation and articular or periarticular gout or pseudogout.

Aetiology

• Dysecdysis often resulting from low humidity
• Trauma
• Hypothermia
• Dermatitis
• Other infections (it can be a sign of severe septicaemia, mycotoxicosis, mycobacteriosis, mycosis or mite infestation)

Clinical signs

• Acute inflammation
• Necrotic tissue

Diagnosis

• History
• Physical examination
• Radiology

Treatment

• Amputation:
  • Toes – flush with foot and sutured
  • Tails – Amputation of the tail utilising the natural fracture plane through the centre of the vertebra causes little bleeding and is preferred to sharp amputation. Inject local anaesthetic circumferentially around the tail anterior to the amputation site. The tail is then firmly grasped with both hands and bent sharply several times laterally with some rotational force until it snaps and separates. Light pressure for five minutes controls haemorrhage. The stump is not sutured but is bandaged for several days then left open.
• Antibiotics

Prevention

• Correct underlying problem