Iguana with end of tail pulled off, not bleeding, what do you do?

• A. Apply cautery
• B. Leave it alone
• C. Suture the tail stump
• D. Administer antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Tail autotomy is a natural defense in iguanas, where the tail can detach at a specialized fracture plane. When the tail tip is ripped off and there isn’t active bleeding, the wound typically heals on its own by secondary intention. The best approach is to leave it alone and allow the tissue to close and scar without sutures or cautery. Suturing the tail stump can be counterproductive because the autotomy plane is not designed for sutures and can hinder healing or cause necrosis. Cauterizing the area can damage tissue and delay recovery, and antibiotics aren’t routinely needed unless there are signs of infection. Keep the animal in a clean, low-stress environment and monitor the stump for infection or complications; some tail regrowth may occur over time, though the new tail isn’t identical to the original.