Black tail

[Thompson]

Ok so about two weeks ago I had some blood work done on my Cham to see if he had gout. Since then his tail has been black. I was told that some will never go back to normal but I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I can get it to go back to it's normal color? Only one side is black the other is normal.

 

[jessica]

Could it be a bruise?

Just a guess it's around the area they drew blood from?

 

[ChrisnLisa]

Sounds like a bruise. I have never had a chams tail stay black after bloodwork or shots. Who told you it would stay that way?

 

[Thompson]

Actually the whole tail is black. I'll get pictures. Another member on another forum told me that some will stay black if the vet does it wrong.

 

[jannb]

When Dr. Alfonso drew blood from Luie's tail he told me it could turn black but it didn't. My daughter's panther's tail did turn black when blood was drawn and has been black for years.

 

[Thompson]

 

[Thompson]

When Dr. Alfonso drew blood from Luie's tail he told me it could turn black but it didn't. My daughter's panther's tail did turn black when blood was drawn and has been black for years.

Thanks for the picture. But do you think at some point it could still turn back to normal?

 

[jannb]

I'm not a vet but I guess it could but Vega's never did. I think it might lighten up.

 

[Thompson]

Ok well if it doesn't, atleast one side is still normal.

 

[jannb]

Vega's is totally black.

 

[Thompson]

That sucks What was the reason why it stays black again??

 

[jannb]

That sucks What was the reason why it stays black again??

I can't remember at the moment but it was something to do with drawing the blood.

 

[Thompson]

Ah ok, thanks for your help Jann!

 

[Syn]

Chameleons change their color via chromataphores.. perhaps the blood has something to do with how it is changed, light versus dark.

He may have pinched something that caused his tail to turn black. I know when a chameleon takes a bad fall or something similar it could damage its spine and the back half will turn black.

EDIT:
Here are some interesting reads:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/male-veiled-unusual-colors-14928/#post123708
https://www.chameleonforums.com/chameleons-their-colors-what-do-they-mean-16977/#post141405
https://www.chameleonforums.com/changing-colour-2128/#post14533
https://www.chameleonforums.com/question-about-dead-chameleons-10458/#post83095

 

[jannb]

If I remember correctly it had something to do with the blood circulation.....wish I could get talk with my daughter but she in grad school and has a class right now.

 

[Thompson]

It turned dark because of the blood work. Sometimes it will have spots of blue though so I'm still hoping it will turn back to normal. Thanks for the links syn!

 

[Thompson]

If I remember correctly it had something to do with the blood circulation.....wish I could get talk with my daughter but she in grad school and has a class right now.

That makes sense. As long as it isn't bothering him in anyway I'll just have to live with it. Wish there was some way to get the blood circulating again.

 

[jannb]

That makes sense. As long as it isn't bothering him in anyway I'll just have to live with it. Wish there was some way to get the blood circulating again.

You could try putting a very warm wash cloth around it for a few minutes and then massage it for a few more minutes.

 

[Thompson]

Ok. I tried to massage it one time but didn't try a warm cloth. I'll give it a try

 

[kiltheduck]

Massage it real good and you might get a sperm plug too.