Temporal gland

[SaintJimmy]

See the "tooth" like thing coming out from the corner (ish) of his mouth? That's on both sides.

Before this, he had sort of a blackish hue around the ends of his mouth (corners) and I was told it was the temporal gland acting up.

The only issues he had when I got him were that, a little "chip" off his front lip (missing like one scale and it caused an indent), and a gular edema that has been on and off (more prevalent when he is upset).

The black hue around the corners of his mouth went away, and now it looks like some form of residue is hardening in his mouth and creating a little toothlike thing that hangs out of his mouth like that.

Anyone have any ideas? He has no problems other than that and gular edema now. His setup is perfect except for the fact that I still do not have a live plant for him. Would love to get a baby umbrella plant soon.

Temps are fine, drinks a lot, humidity is good, UVB is good, gets his supplements..

What causes this residue "fang"?

 

[Lathis]

Hmm... When my Jax developed a temporal gland infection, he had a protruding blister and a slightly distended lip. The blister was hard and did not seem to cause him pain. It could be something similar, or he could have an injury there...

I'm a worry wart, so I would say it's time for a vet visit. Temp gland infections are something you want to take care of asap.

 

[Action Jackson]

His horns seem stunted. They should be longer at his current size imo. I can't help with the gland thing. Not sure what causes it. I've never had a Jackson's develop a gland problem.

 

[Psychobunny]

Can someone please explain where the temporal glands are and what they do?

How come it's mostly Jax that have infection problems with temporal glands?

 

[Lathis]

Can someone please explain where the temporal glands are and what they do?

How come it's mostly Jax that have infection problems with temporal glands?

I believe it's a scent gland in the corner of the mouth. I'm not sure that every chameleon has temp. glands, so that might explain why it's common (unique?) to Jackson's. They may rub it on things or get the pokey bits of insects stuck in the gland which leads to infections.

Where's Chris Anderson when you need him??

Here's a great post on the forum: https://www.chameleonforums.com/temporal-gland-info-please-74955/

 

[Psychobunny]

Thanks Lathis, that a big help.
Now I know

 

[chameleonowner32]

If a temperal gland infection continues, it will create a pocket of dead tissue and will eventually reach the jaw bone and get into the bone which can be fatal. If so he womt be able to properly use his jaw.

 

[pigglett79]

His horns seem stunted. They should be longer at his current size imo. I can't help with the gland thing. Not sure what causes it. I've never had a Jackson's develop a gland problem.

I agree, his horns seem real short for his size.

 

[Chris Anderson]

The temporal glad is a dermal pouch in the temporal region of the head that opens into the commissure of the jaws when the lower jaw is depressed. It excretes decaying cornified skin cells that can have a pungent smell and are thought to be used to attract prey items and possibly to mark territory. Because the temporal gland collects decaying cells, it seems to be prone to infection, particularly if it becomes blocked or irritated. As mentioned, its presence and development varies between genera and species, but the Trioceros seem to have the most developed examples, which is why it is so commonly an issue in T. jacksonii.

Chris

 

[Psychobunny]

Thanks Chris.
What would be the best way to help prevent problems, maybe frequent warm showers?

 

[Lathis]

The temporal glad is a dermal pouch in the temporal region of the head that opens into the commissure of the jaws when the lower jaw is depressed. It excretes decaying cornified skin cells that can have a pungent smell and are thought to be used to attract prey items and possibly to mark territory. Because the temporal gland collects decaying cells, it seems to be prone to infection, particularly if it becomes blocked or irritated. As mentioned, its presence and development varies between genera and species, but the Trioceros seem to have the most developed examples, which is why it is so commonly an issue in T. jacksonii.

Chris

Thank you!

 

[SaintJimmy]

He is getting everything he could need, except maybe humidity while I am gone. I am there to spray him when he needs it but my father is not.

I think it's time for a) mistking and timer and b) vet visit.

Since people think his horns are short anyway!

He usually ignores food that doesn't move much.