Fungal Infections/Handling

[Sion23]

Hi,

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

My Veiled has some black scab type things on 2 of his feet, one worse than the other.

Iv only just noticed last night so not had a chance to see if they are getting better or worse. Just wondering if anybody can point me to some pictures so that I can compare and get an idea if it could be an infection or not.

He doesn't seem to have any problems with his feet and still happily climbs around the place.

I would take a picture but I don't really like to handle him and its quite awkward to get him out of his enclosure, as soon as he sees you he buggers off into the corner so you can only try to grab him from below.

Would appreciate feedback on the foot thing and also any handling tips.

Thanks

 

[Carlton]

Hi,

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

My Veiled has some black scab type things on 2 of his feet, one worse than the other.

You are probably going to have to handle him, so here are some tips. Most chams will bluff when you try to pick them up, but rarely follow through and bite. Even if they do bite it's not a huge issue, more startling than anything. Corner him somewhere and offer your hand to climb on to by nudging him behind his hind feet. Don't reach in and grab his body from above. If he won't have it you can always coax him onto a stick and lift him out that way. Many chams chill out once they leave their cage. If he is really being a pill you can shut off his lights, cool him down so he's less reactive before handling him. Wrapping him in a towel won't hurt anything.
We can't diagnose anything without a clear photo and not even then for most fungal infections. If there is no swelling, reddish margins or discharge they could also be old scabs. Take photos if only to help you document whether the areas are spreading or changing in any way. If they are on the pads of his feet they could be cuts or infections from dirty perches. Just don't know. First, I would suggest scrubbing all his perches with a hot water/bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts hot water) to kill any bacteria that might be on them now. Another simple thing you could do that won't hurt is to dab some Polysporin OTC ointment on the black areas to prevent secondary infections from starting. And, if they are old injuries this would help treat and protect them.