Bearded Dragon Tail

Question

tail 4-001.jpg   Hi, I have a 14 week old leather back bearded dragon who's tip of tail has withered like its dead (& flat). The actual dead/flat part is about 1/4 inch (maybe less) - but going up the tail looks a bit darker for about another 2 inches. The tail does appear to be about to shed, perhaps in a couple of days. He has had 2 tail & body sheds, so this would be the 3rd tail shed since I've had him. He eats very good, crickets (dusted with vit & cal, & gut loaded) for breakfast; repti worms in the late afternoon; and chomps pretty good on greens w/carrot & raspberries in between. I don't know how to determine if this is tail rot or a shed gone wrong; emergency or keep an eye on it; treat from home or require vet? Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!!

Answer
Hi Julie,
It is kind of hard to tell from the picture what is going on, but, the tip does look dry and brittle.  I would apply some Neosporin or Vaseline to the tail and see what happens...IE..does it help the shed come off, does the tail remain dty, brittle, etc..
If it is dry gangrene, a vet does need to treat it(amputate the dead part up into the "living part" and most likely administer antibiotics.  MOST vets will do a simple tail amputation w/o using oral anesthesia...it really isn't needed when the amputation will be in a skinny part of the tail.
From what you describe, I would say that the tip is 100% dry gangrene and possibly moving up the tail so it is best to get to a vet now, rather than later. Gangrene can and will continue up the entire tail if not treated and can also go internal, causing MAJOR  infection.
It isn't an emergency per say, but I would get an appointment now for in the next few days at the longest.
Its good that he is eating and being normal..a good sign that nothing major has happened yet.  
Sometimes we are lucky and they will whack their tails on something and the dead part will break off... those times are few and far between...