Floppy Tail Syndrome (question)

[cml3.0]

Okay, there has been some really good discussions over Floppy Tail Syndrome (FTS). I have one little guy who is developing a bad case no matter what I do. I have increased his calcium, so he is definitely not lacking. But it continues to worsen.

What is the consensus of making them drop their tails? Should I? Or should I just leave him and let him be?

As of right now it isn't affecting his pelvis, but I don't want it to get to that point.

previous discussions:
http://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/...ht=floppy+tail
http://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/...ht=floppy+tail
http://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/...ht=floppy+tail
http://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/...ht=floppy+tail

[Amanda]

I would like to know too. I've got a male in the same situation. And he loves to hang with his tail "flopped" over his head and it's making his pelvis start to deform. I tried asking about making them drop their tails and didn't really get a response

I don't think it's a bad idea, they lose their tails and live a happy and normal life with out it. I just don't know how I could make him lose his tail...

[Lumpynutz]

guys, I've heard that sometimes it has nothing to do with nutritional intake but rather is hereditary and passed down through weak genes. I've had two individuals that had floppy tail, and before the sitituation got worse and caused permanent injuries, I decided to take their tails. First I wrap the animal in a t-shirt or towel with only their tail exposed, take a pair of feeding tongs or something with which pressure can be applied, and apply them on the tail about 1" down from the animals vent area. Apply all the pressure you can (don't hold back!) and you will notice the tail start to twitch, keep the pressure on the tail until you have a wiggling tail in your hand. Try to make use of the tail and feed it to one of your other animals. Keep the wound and the enclosure clean and mist less than normal until the wound has healed. If your NOT serious about taking your animals tail and avoiding a prolonged injury, then you will most likely not be able to bring yourself to do it and the attempt should be avoided all together!

[Amanda]

When you say apply pressure do you mean squeezing or pulling? I'm really thinking about doing it. Critter is not looking good. His pelvis is getting pretty deformed. He was already like that when I got him; I promise I've been feeding him good He was my first crestie and when I asked the shop about his "funny looking bendy tail" they told me it was fine.

[Lumpynutz]

squeeze, don't pull! good luck and keep us updated!

[RangerGrrl]

Can I just say, you will have to squeeze HARD, I tried to make my female drop her tail, and while I left big clamp marks in her tail, I gave up because I didn't want to be "mean". I had no idea how much pressure to apply. She didn't get worse, so it ended up all right, but it takes a LOT of pressure.

[cml3.0]

Thanks everyone for your input. I did try today but barely started to squeeze, and chickened out. I'll try again, but it is just sooo hard for me to inflict pain or discomfort on this little guy.

[IndyCrestie]

Oh man, I don't think I could do that. I'd really have to be worried about their future health to force one to drop their tail.

[Dark Helmet]

Have you tried scaring them? or grabbing them by the tail and holding them (just so they clear the surface).

[joeyburger16]

There is no way I would be able to do that. It seems a bit harsh, I would just leave the tail instead of trying to take it off.