Broken nail

[Shalynchameleon]

Hey guys, my chameleon looks like his nail was injured. What should I do?

 

[Shalynchameleon]

Another view

 

[ElleArranda]

They don't grow back but a broken nail isn't going to help him more than no nail at all. Personally, I'd cut it just so he doesn't stab himself

 

[Beman]

Is the cham in the process of shedding? The coloration on the feet looks off.

 

[Beman]

They don't grow back but a broken nail isn't going to help him more than no nail at all. Personally, I'd cut it just so he doesn't stab himself

We do not ever recommend cutting a chameleons nails... Not only do they not grow back but you can easily cut a quick in the nail causing them to bleed.

 

[MissSkittles]

A couple of my chams have nails like that. I believe mine got it from screen climbing when young. It doesn’t seem to bother them at all or impair their mobility. I just keep an eye out.

 

[Shalynchameleon]

Is the cham in the process of shedding? The coloration on the feet looks off.

Yes

 

[JacksJill]

Watch the toe for signs of infection just in case there is more injury than is currently visible. Cutting the nail could also allow it to get infected.

 

[Beman]

Yes

Ok so just watch as it progresses. It may not be the nail but part of the shed letting go.

 

[Shalynchameleon]

The nail is gone now there is just a hole where it was. Is he okay? No sign of irritation, redness, swelling or infection.

 

[Beman]

The nail is gone now there is just a hole where it was. Is he okay? No sign of irritation, redness, swelling or infection.

Just keep an eye on it to ensure an infection does not develop. As long as it looks normal without showing signs of swelling he will be fine.

You do want to look at the enclosure though. If the cham is losing nails from screen climbing then you want to make adjustments to the enclosure. Otherwise they are higher risk for continuing the behavior and losing more nails which you do not want. They do need the nails to grip firmly.

 

[Shalynchameleon]

Just keep an eye on it to ensure an infection does not develop. As long as it looks normal without showing signs of swelling he will be fine.

You do want to look at the enclosure though. If the cham is losing nails from screen climbing then you want to make adjustments to the enclosure. Otherwise they are higher risk for continuing the behavior and losing more nails which you do not want. They do need the nails to grip firmly.

Totally. Thank you!

 

[Thatcher]

I would second never cutting a chams nails and even if it did break I would let it fall off unless it gets infected or something but I'm glad this is not the case! Good luck!