spikes missing

[zhenry]

I recently noticed that my chameleons spikes had began to fall off of his spine. I feed him 4-6 crickets a day, i mist him 3 or more times a day, i do 6 hours of uvb a day. And 12 hours total of heat. Can somebody please help me!!

 

[carol5208]

It looks like your chameleon has burned his spine. What wattage basking light are you using and how close is the light from where he basks? Also, could you post a picture of his setup? His casque also looks burned.

 

[zhenry]

thank you for responding

he has a large reptiscreen cage, he has a double dome heat supply. He has these two lights. Should i lower his branches so that he is not as close to the lamp?

 

[carol5208]

I cannot really tell anything from the picture of your cage, but the branch below your basking light should be about 8 inches down. Your chameleon can get burned if he is touching the screen, but can also get burned if he is too close to the light without touching the screen. I would see your vet and get some Silver Sulfadiazine for the burn, And yes, move the branch down if it is too close. The spikes will not grow back by the way.

 

[DocsLadee]

My chameleon did the same thing it started to happen when he was shedding his skin, he has been in the same enclosure since he got bigger and NEVER had any problems with the lights, humidity or misting. Why does this happen if it is not a burn? One vet told me to put vaseline on his missing spike area to keep it moist.

 

[andrearamirezo91]

Someone just had a similar issue with their chameleon and everyone suggested they take their cham to the doctor because it could be at risk of infection. They said it was due to burns as well. I really hope he gets better