Bearded Dragon - tail rot, partial paralysis

Question
QUESTION: My 8-year old bearded dragon is having problems.

It began with tail rot that started in 2004.  We took him to a vet and treated it aggressively, antibiotics, silvadene, daily soakings and diligent cleaning of dead skin, everything we could think of, and eventually it seemed to stop.

About a year ago, when he was 7, some of the tip of his tail started to dry out again.  I took him to the vet to consider amputation, she wasn't sure he needed it.  Did a blood panel and fecal and everything was good.

We have him on liquid calcium twice a day.  About a month ago another 1 1/2 inches of his tail broke off.  It looks like the progression of the rot may hae stopped, but we are not sure.

The problem right now is his legs.  His back legs are mostly paralyzed, not completely but they don't move much.  When I was soaking him this morning I noticed his front legs move OK but they tremble.

Since the paralysis started in the back legs, he sometimes gets himself turned over on his back and he can't right himself so we check him multiple times a day to make sure he's not stuck.

Appetite is good.  He sucked down a bunch of water in his bath today, ate a good portion of collards, and then 10 superworms.

The last time we were at the vet she suggested we could do a CT scan (for $500) but I balked because of the cost and at his age, unless we had at least some assurance it could result in some sort of solution for the paralysis I don't think the cost is worth it.

I am taking him in again this week to see if we can get an antibiotic, maybe some more ointment for his tail, and if there is anything he can take for inflammation or stiffness, last time we were there she suggested it might be arthritis.

I'm just looking for any other suggestions of things to consider or try.  He's the sweetest lizard ever and I want to be sure I'm doing everything reasonable to help him.

ANSWER:   That tail probably should have been properly amputated a long time ago.  I'm shocked that your vet let it go so far.  I think a blood panel is needed to check for a systemic infection in this poor boy.

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Gator - Bearded Dragon   QUESTION: Is it too late for an amputation now do you think?  I'm worried he may not be strong enough to recover from such a procedure.

I'm attaching a photo of Gator standing-- he got himself into that position, so his back legs are not totally paralyzed, but when he's flat he mostly pulls himself by his front legs.

Answer
 Gator looks like a sweet old boy.  Since he is eating well, and an 8 year old can get arthritis, get silkworms for him.  Silkworms is not only a great food for beardies, but they have an enzyme in them that actually alleviates pain and stiffness in the aged beardie.