Dead Tail?

Hello all, I’m new to the forum obviously, and am still fairly new to owning snakes
I got noodle about a year ago and she’s been a very good eater and has shedded pretty well since. I recently had to move and haven’t been able to keep as close of an eye on her so I missed some stuck shed on the very tip of her tail. When I first saw it about a week ago it looked as if it would just come right off, didn’t think much of it until it was still there. I soaked her in warm water for about 20 minutes and started trying to gently remove it. Upon doing so I noticed the tip was very dark and hard. I have read a couple posts on here that say it’ll fall off within the next shed. She hasn’t gotten to that point yet, so I am reaching out to see if I need to visit a vet for her or if it’ll just do as I read. I also saw some people talking about amputating it, which I personally don’t want to do that and risk causing more damage. Any input would be greatly appreciated, lectures are welcome. Thanks all

https://app.photobucket.com/u/Smokey...a-0164604edc5f

Your link says that you have your album set to private.

Originally Posted by hypnoctopus

Your link says that you have your album set to private.

It should be set to public now. My bad.

Yeah, that looks very constricted. I don't think you will be able to save it at this point. I don't think a vet visit is necessary; it will most likely fall off after a few sheds. Don't attempt any amputation yourself - if that becomes necessary, a vet would need to do that for you.

Originally Posted by hypnoctopus

Yeah, that looks very constricted. I don't think you will be able to save it at this point. I don't think a vet visit is necessary; it will most likely fall off after a few sheds. Don't attempt any amputation yourself - if that becomes necessary, a vet would need to do that for you.

Okay, much appreciated. I will keep a close eye on her. She doesn’t act like it bothers her at all. Still accepts meals pretty well, fingers crossed it comes off with no issues. I will post an update when I get one. She should be going into shed within the next week or two. Is ointment necessary at this point?

No, I don't think so. If it looks red or irritated after it comes off, you could switch her substrate to paper towels and give her a diluted betadine bath.

Originally Posted by hypnoctopus

No, I don't think so. If it looks red or irritated after it comes off, you could switch her substrate to paper towels and give her a diluted betadine bath.

Alrighty, I won’t sweat it right now. I’ll go get some betadine ASAP just to keep on hand. I super appreciate the advice.

You're very welcome. Please keep us updated!

So after a few days now, the dead part has just fallen off before her shed. It seems to be sealed at the end, so no open wound. I will continue to monitor her behavior and the affected area. Big sigh of relief. I will post pictures the next time I handle her as I already handled her a couple of times today.