Dizzy has about 3/4 of an inch of necrotic tissue on the tip of his tail that were are going to remove Thursday morning.
He injured it about 2 weeks ago while thrashing in the tub but I just noticed it was dead on Sunday.

Healthy tail, less than a month ago:

Tail yesterday


I know that a couple of you have had tail tips removed and I was wondering what method of sedation/anesthesia was used. The doctor left it up to me to decide because he hasn't worked on an ig in years and when he had to amputate part of his iguanas tail he also removed a growth on its face so he used a general gas anesthetic (isoflourane incase you want to know). I can use a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) and injectable anesthetic like ketamine or a general anesthetic gas (iso). Any recommendations? I'm kind of leaning towards seeing if we can use the lidocaine and if not giving him a little gas to just make him groggy. I'm more worried about the anesthesia than the tip removal itself. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

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I would avoid the general anesthesia whenever possible! Thats one of the areas that is still a bit shaky in reptile medicine. In fact it may not be necessary to anesthetize at all. One quick cut and its over with.
Iguanas tails are designed to come off.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

When iggy my first iguana need his tail amputated my vet used a local liquid anesthetic dabbed on to the area.

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Kirsty
0.0.1 Green Iguana

Yeah, I wouldn't knock him out all the way, too risky when it's not absolutely required. I'd go with the local or injectable. At least he's awake and alert. And at least the procedure is one quick "snip" and it's all over, so he only has to hold still for a bit. Poor Dizzy.

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"Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game."
2.2 Green Iguanas
See my Igs at:Kira's Iguana Page
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I've been lucky enough to watch someone do this and it is very quick. I would suggest foregoing any anesthesia for something so fast. Good luck!

Good luck!

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good luck lacey..I know all will go well

Good luck , we all worry when our babies need the Dr.

Lacey don't get too worked up over it. Its not a critical procedure.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Hang in there Lacey,
Well as usual Iggie and I are the odd balls of the lot!
When she had her tail done the vet here, (who we both really feel good about) suggested Iggie go to sleep for it. Iggie's tail had dry gangrene that was about 6inches up from the tip.
She explained that the way she would do the surgery was she would actually break the tail as opposed to cutting it( but I cant remember if she broke it then cut it regardless) I seem to recall she said that was a more natural way. Iggie came through surgery with no ill affects from the anesthesia but not me I was a complete WRECK! I know that anytime anesthesia is used there is always concerns. For myself (and myself only) I have had enough operations with it and it does not worry me. But that doesnt mean its right for anyone else.
You'll make the right choice I have faith in you!

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Natalie & Iggie LaLa
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0.1.0 Green Iguana ~ Iggie
0.1.0 Chow Dog ~ Kieko
1.0.0 Chow/Malamute Dog ~ Chubbers
0.1.0 Six toed Cat ~ Barbie,(decendent of Ernest Hemmingways cat)

Pic's of Iggie