New Cham with Bulbous Casque

[SuikaTheChameleon]

Hello!

I just got a new chameleon today, pet store thinks he's about 8 months considering his size (they didn't have a birth certificate since he came from another store just yesterday... the store he originally came from was making room for baby chams). He looks fairly healthy and already pooped which I'm very happy about. The only thing I'm concerned with is the bulbous growth-like thing on the top of his casque. Not sure if it's obesity related or what- though I know obesity would affect the whole casque, not just the tip, so I dunno. I never owned a male cham before, so I'm not very familiar with their casque situation, or if this is normal.

Since I literally just got him today (5/30), I don't have a history for him.

Any help or insight would be appreciated! I want him to be a healthy boy.

 

[MissSkittles]

That looks like an abnormal growth of some sort to me. Could be a tumor, abcess or I don’t know, but it’s definitely in need of a veterinary evaluation.

 

[SuikaTheChameleon]

That looks like an abnormal growth of some sort to me. Could be a tumor, abcess or I don’t know, but it’s definitely in need of a veterinary evaluation.

It is? Shoot. Was worried about that. Well, the pet store I got him from has a 30 day policy where they cover the costs of veterinary bills. Guess I'll be doing that tomorrow.

 

[MissSkittles]

Do you need help finding a good vet? Here’s our list of vets who have demonstrated knowledge/experience with chameleons.

 

[SuikaTheChameleon]

Do you need help finding a good vet? Here’s our list of vets who have demonstrated knowledge/experience with chameleons.

I did take a look at the vet contracted with the pet store, and they do treat exotics. I'll learn more tomorrow once I give them a call.
Edit: I also live in Wisconsin, so none of the vets on the PDF are in my area. ;;;

 

[SuikaTheChameleon]

Update!
I'll be bringing him back to the pet store so they can take him to the vet on Tuesday. But the employee I talked to brought up a good point; it'll be very stressful for him and it's up to me if I want to get the growth removed... not entirely sure what to decide- I only want what'll be best for him in the long run.

I tossed in some crickets in his enclosure today, and he ate! Tried dubias at first, but those are more of a hands-on feeder in my experience, and he just hissed at me when I tried to give him one. He also finally moved from his hiding spot at the back of the cage. Small victories.

 

[BleuSaphir]

I can’t figure out if that is cancerous. But the only way to find out is through biopsy from the vet.

 

[MissSkittles]

I do hope you’ll let us know how it all works out. As for stress levels, yes, it will be stressful but there are times when it’s unavoidable. It’s the long term stressors that are best avoided.

 

[SuikaTheChameleon]

I can’t figure out if that is cancerous. But the only way to find out is through biopsy from the vet.

Yeah, I know. Do you know if he'd have to go under for a biopsy or is it just a local anesthetic? Or does it depend on the vet?

 

[SuikaTheChameleon]

I do hope you’ll let us know how it all works out. As for stress levels, yes, it will be stressful but there are times when it’s unavoidable. It’s the long term stressors that are best avoided.

I will! I appreciate all the help I've gotten so far from you.

 

[BleuSaphir]

Yeah, I know. Do you know if he'd have to go under for a biopsy or is it just a local anesthetic? Or does it depend on the vet?

They will probably do local numbing.