I have a few reptiles here in my Zoo, but none are Monitors... so this will be very "general" info, at best... just so's ya know. :o) K? Okay... first off, his tail should regenerate in time. A shed should not cause him to lose tail or toes, but it can if he's not hydrated enough and some old shed remains on too long... the old skin can act like a tourniquet and cause them to come off... I would imagine, very painfully. Yikes! So next, I would suggest you get a very big tub or kiddy pool, depending on his size, and allow the guy to soak in it whenever he wants... in other words, put it in his enclosure. He just needs a big enough "pool" to get in and turn around some.. not too deep.. and maybe a flat'ish stone or two in there for him to grip when he needs to get out. This will aid in being hydrated enough to shed easily.

Hope this helps!

~Aminah

P.s. Using a soft brush or any brush on your guy may or may not go over well... could cause unnecessary stress to him, if he's not used to getting a bath and all that. I have a little lizard dude here that LOVES the bath, the brush (toothbrush) and a pedicure! :o)