Tail rot?

[Mimi51002]

Hello all, I noticed yesterday that my female veiled chameleons tail started to look like a brown black color at the tip and which led me to the internet where it was diagnosed tail rot. She has been eating and moving around normally. And her poop is normal. Does anyone have any suggestions or medicine that I can buy over the counter instead of a vet visit. I do not have the funds to take her to an exotic vet and there aren’t any close to where I am located. I am attaching some pictures of her tail as well the first one shows how it was yesterday and how it progressed.

 

[Lindasjackson]

I’m not an expert but what some of the more knowledgeable people here have said is that the earlier you catch it the better it will be for your Cham but unfortunately it looks like it is almost to the body of the Cham! That is very dangerous! Let me see if I can tag some others in but I really think you need to get this Cham to an exotics vet ASAP to save it’s life.
@kinyonga @Beman @MissSkittles

 

[Beman]

Well if it is tail rot you can not treat it at home without a vet. But it looks very odd to me. The way the tip goes from black to a more normal color as it progresses up the tail. Can you post a picture or two of the entire chameleon for us?

@kinyonga have you ever seen anything like this?

 

[ElliotG]

I’m thinking an extreme burn that’s lead to the tip of the tail to die.

I had a baby with a tail almost similar to this. It’s probably discolored from damage and attempting to heal.

Here’s how his tail looked. Almost similar to yours.

I treated mine with iodine and anti bacterial ointment without painkillers. I would seriously consider a vet though.

Can I see your lighting, if it’s close or on top of the cage that would make sense for the burn.

 

[kinyonga]

Sorry...im not sure what's going on here...but I would get it to a good chameleon vet ASAP.

I think @ElliotG might have it right.

 

[DocZ]

I agree a vet visit is a good idea
Burns, trauma, infections, and metabolic/kidney disease are all possible causes and may require blood work, X-rays, etc.
I would check on your basking temps, humidity, and hydration methods and get a vet appointment as soon as possible

https://cdn.ymaws.com/members.arav.org/resource/resmgr/Files/Proceedings_2013/58.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/profil...ILS-IN-REPTILES.pdf?origin=publication_detail

 

[Mimi51002]

Here are the attached pictures of how she looks and where the lighting source is. She does not go to the very top where it’s closest to the lights.

 

[Beman]

Here are the attached pictures of how she looks and where the lighting source is. She does not go to the very top where it’s closest to the lights.

She has MBD as well. And looks to be a pretty bad case. Has she fallen lately? I do not think the tail looks at all like tail rot or a burn. I am betting something happened and she fell causing damage to the tail because of the MBD she is suffering from.

You need an exotic vet and you need to overhaul your husbandry to stop the progression of the MBD.

 

[Sonny13]

A really bad case, already noticeable in her front legs and mouth/jaw. Poor girl.
Please take her ASAP to an exotic vet, so she gets proper help and doesn’t need to suffer any longer.

 

[DocZ]

I agree with what’s been said above about metabolic bone disease
I also agree there’s likely several issues with her husbandry. I can see the double dome fixture above her cage with what appears to be an incandescent and a compact UVB bulb. I would guess the temps are fairly Hugh if you put a temp probe on the plastic plant below the incandescent bulb and the compact UVB is not going to provide sufficient UVB/UVA for D3 synthesis

You should go over your Chams care with the keepers here, make the necessary changes, and get to a vet as soon as possible

 

[Mimi51002]

She has MBD as well. And looks to be a pretty bad case. Has she fallen lately? I do not think the tail looks at all like tail rot or a burn. I am betting something happened and she fell causing damage to the tail because of the MBD she is suffering from.

You need an exotic vet and you need to overhaul your husbandry to stop the progression of the MBD.

Okay thank you all for the help. Do you think she will have to get her tail amputated because of the MBD? What suggestions do you have to add to my tank?

 

[DocZ]

Okay thank you all for the help. Do you think she will have to get her tail amputated because of the MBD? What suggestions do you have to add to my tank?

It’s a good question that I cannot answer with any certainty. Start by filling out the care form with as much detail as possible.

How to ask for help

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.