reaching sexual maturity, and hemipeen problems

so disco is about a 9-10 months old sambava, and has been showing signs of coming into sexual maturity. letting his hemipeen hang out for example. The other day he seemed swollen and it looked a little black and kind of shriveled. I took him into a warm shower where he almost instantly dropped his sperm plug.

That was like 2 days ago. today I seen some blood on a branch below where he was perched, and a black, crusty looking object hanging from his hemipeen. I took him back into a warm shower, and he let it all hang out. but I am not sure if he "went again" as my GF puts it. He had some white and black things hanging from it, but I dare not pull on anything. So after about 15 min in the shower, I put him back on his vine, and things definitly look better. What should I watch for that would cause alarm? should I be worrying right now, or is this pretty much normal adolescence for chams?

Good luck, hopefully he just let it hang loose for a bit.

Can you post pictures? And is he always bringing it back in? You need to make sure it's not staying out too long when he lets it out since it needs to stay moist. If he can't get it back in, it's a prolapse, and a vet visit is in order.

I would make sure it looks "normal" and just keep an eye on it when its out. If he hangs it out for an extended time get a pic. KY will keep it moist, and might be a good idea to put some on it next time, in case its drying out.
They should look like a sea mushroom, or flower, with lots of wiggly paler colored tips in the middle. I have had a hard time actually finding a good photo of it, but it should be moist and bright red.

Solid Snake said:

They should look like a sea mushroom, or flower, with lots of wiggly paler colored tips in the middle..

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Great analogy! thats exactly what it looks like and what he is doing. I have some video of it when he first did it, and before I put him in the shower the last time. It looks a healthy red, he has just had it out since the shower, and was curious when I should start to panic. I was documenting so I could eventually put a video together of the whole thing, maybe I will post that vid in a sec. Let me do some minor youtube editing.

Thanks for all the help and replys! I am still new to their adolescent stage.

My guy is only 6months old. He has flashed me a few times, but it was very brief. So im not sure if your guys behavior is "normal". I know its normal for the to display it at times, but for long periods, and maybe being swollen and such, Im just not sure. Definitely get some clear shots if you have the chance. There are few around.

just an update,

I noticed tonight that he has not been eating like he was, if at all. The hemipeen receded into the vent (which is a huge releif), but had a reddish black crusty stringy thing hanging. Back into the shower he went, got him nice and warm and rubbed off the stringy thing. just a dab of blood was on it, nothing even really noticable. So I am hoping it gets better from here, but for good measure I have a vet stoping by Thursday evening.

When the hemipeen recedes, should I still be able to see the tips?

pictures to boot

No. When receded you should just see the vents curved slit. Looks just like this

)

Any chance of that video? edit: didnt see the pics
I would go to a vet if there was blood.
As far as I know, thats abnormal, and should be checked out.

I have heard that powdered sugar in warm water can make it go back in, if thats as far as its going in, I would give that a shot. Keep it covered in KY if it wont go back in.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try anything right now! He is sleeping atm, and I dont want to stress him anymore tonight, so I will pick the powdered sugar up tomorrow. I am editing a video, but remember its before he released the sperm plug in the shower.

I would try applying the sugar water with a dropper or q-tip even, while hes asleep. Or at least apply the KY. You dont want it to dry out.

ok ok...off to wally world!

cortaid?

talking to a vet that is coming over tomorrow afternoon to look at my lizards and other pets. He said something about using cortaid on the hemipeen. Im going to go get some, but has anyone else used this or heard of using it?

I would not use cortaid on it.
Its for itching and such.
Did he give a reason/thought process for using it?
If hes a vet Im sure he has his reasons for recomending it, but it doesnt make since to me.
It says it has "cooling relief" effect. I dont think the cham would appreciate menthol on his thingy!
I dont think it would "hurt" him though.
It may be worth a shot at this point, but sounds like an odd recommendation.

I agree...i just got off work so I cant call him now, but is he possibly meaning a cortizone cream? getting a little frustrated, he said not to use the sugar yet..maybe I will just keep it lubed until tomorrow. Plus I dont think he has eaten. He is drinking though...as we speak actually

Solid Snake said:

I would not use cortaid on it.
Its for itching and such.
Did he give a reason/thought process for using it?
If hes a vet Im sure he has his reasons for recomending it, but it doesnt make since to me.
It says it has "cooling relief" effect. I dont think the cham would appreciate menthol on his thingy!
I dont think it would "hurt" him though.
It may be worth a shot at this point, but sounds like an odd recommendation.

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Maybe he suggested it because it is used to reduce the skin's inflammatory response. Might be a little swelling reducer or pain relief too. It still sounds odd and I'd research it further before doing it. There may be other products safer for delicate tissues like this.

Carlton said:

Maybe he suggested it because it is used to reduce the skin's inflammatory response.

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That makes since

so far so bad

I liked the vet. He knew what he was doing, and what he was looking at. He admititly was no expert, but knew his reptiles. After seeing it, he decided against the cortiaid, suggested the sugarwater, lube, and some ice on it from time to time to reduce the swelling. He was talking like amputating would be a possibility, but would gve it a week tops, to see if I can get the swelling down. He also said he could try to suture it in to see if things correct itself, and the sutures would just eventually fall out. Both amputating and suturing, a task he is not looking forward to because of local and anesthesia issues with chams. So yeah im a little discouraged atm . Dont want my buddie to lose his little buddie...even if he does have another one. will keep you posted on my progress or degress...started the cold sugar water right after another hot shower. I feel so bad, he has been so stressed these past couple days...I usally NEVER stress them.

btw here is that video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gzf8yCKQXM.

Can someone school me on how to post the ACTUAL VIDEO into a thread?

BTW its cold water that helps not warm. Just figured id let you know.


I see you mentioned that in your last post I didn't get that far.

Good luck with him, I think I got a clutch mate brother of his.