Chameleon has an infection on his spine?

[ndelmar]

Hey everyone,
I noticed on my veiled chameleon's spine that there is a some sort of infection like look to his spine. It looks as though some of the spikes on his spine are coming off, and a darkish looking clumpy like skin is coming off. I wonder if its a burn from the basking spot? I lowered the branch from the basking spot so that it is not so direct on him. could this be an infection? or maybe just a skin shedding problem around that specific area? please inform me about any ideas!

Thank you,

Niko

 

[jastate09]

Could be a burn. Post a picture so we can see.

 

[ndelmar]

Pictures of my chameleon health problems?

Here are some pictures of the burns. let me know if they are good enough.
I upoaded them if you guys dont mind.

 

[vegas shooby]

how many watts r u using for his basking spot...i'm not a vet but that does not look good...

 

[Olimpia]

Here are some pictures of the burns. let me know if they are good enough.
I upoaded them if you guys dont mind.

Ouch! It looks like a burn, but regardless, it's something that's going to need a vet visit ASAP. If it's an infection or a burn you'll need antibiotics and treatment that you can't get at home. It's probably very painful, so I would get him in an emergency appointment tomorrow.

 

[ndelmar]

I believe its a 60 watt bulb, but the branch under the basking spot is with in reasonable distance from the lamp. However, I recently lowered the branch due to me noticing this potential burn.

 

[ndelmar]

Yea i am considering taking him to the vet. This is my first chameleon ever, so i am new to the vet process as well. Money is not an issue, but i am curious to know how much a visit to the vet would run me?

 

[vegas shooby]

I believe its a 60 watt bulb, but the branch under the basking spot is with in reasonable distance from the lamp. However, I recently lowered the branch due to me noticing this potential burn.

i use a 40 watt bulb...and the temp is good...sorry...keep use update on his vet visit...

 

[Syn]

Yea i am considering taking him to the vet. This is my first chameleon ever, so i am new to the vet process as well. Money is not an issue, but i am curious to know how much a visit to the vet would run me?

Don't consider, just do it. They will most likely prescribe silvadene cream and perhaps another medicine to prevent infection. It shouldn't run you too much, but not all vets charge the same amount. When going to a vet, be sure to make sure they are a good reptile vet, and not just an "exotics" vet that thinks they can fix any issue.

 

[ndelmar]

Yea I have been searching around for what people have had to say about the vets and what not. I will be going to the either tonight or tomorrow. Thank you guys for your input! I will keep you guys updated on Yoshi's status!

Niko.

 

[Syn]

Where are you located? Perhaps someone in your area can let you know about vets.

 

[chameleon884]

i hope you keep us updated and i hope yoshi gets better!


btw: did you get the name "Yoshi" from Super Mario?

haha, best game ever

 

[ndelmar]

Went to the vet!

Hey everyone, I just got back from the vet and the diagnoses is still pending, however she did narrow it down to fungal or a burn. She took a culture and will examine it and wil notify me with in the next few days to confirm a fungal infection or not. The topical applications she prescribed are silver sulfadiazine(for burns) and Miconazole cream (for the fungal). Also, she gave me a betadine solution for cleaning. Fortunately, aside from that particular area of concern, she said yoshi is very healthy and well taken care of! Thank you guys for all your concerns and advice.

Niko.

 

[Syn]

Sounds like your vet is informed. So what vet did you use and where are you located?

 

[ndelmar]

I am located in Tucson, Az and the Vet I used is 24/7 emergency clinic with all sorts of specialists. the name of the place I went to is called Valley Animal Hospital in Tucson. I was actually referred to this clinic by other vet clinics. The place is nice and comforting, and from what I experienced everyone is friendly.

 

[morpheon]

You are lucky to have found a good vet! Not everyone have that chance!! And i am also glad that you didn't wait too long! Just imagine if you were burn that bad! I'm sure you wouldn't wait too long before going to the hospital!

About the watts, i just want to clarify something: it's not because someone uses a 40 watts bulb that it means that everyone shouldn't use bigger and more powerful bulbs! You can't just compare watts without taking into account the ambiant temperature, without knowing the distance between the bulb and the mesh on the roof and also on the closest branch where the chameleon can hang. Here, where i live, 60 watts isn't enough, while someone who lives on a 4th floor in the same city could use less! So that means absolutely nothing! I'm sure you guys understand my point!


PS: I apoligize if my rant sounds a bit rude. I kind of had a bad evening and i don't want to hit on somebody who doesn't deserve it! So if this is the case, i truely apologize!!

 

[Carlton]

The more accurate thing to ask is "what is the temperature at the basking perch directly under your bulb?" In the right conditions a 60 watt bulb could burn a cham who is too close for too long. Especially if the rest of the cage or the room is a lot cooler, a cham can sit under a heat bulb long enough to burn the skin right along the spine. It is a combination of temp AND the length of exposure. It is pretty common, but unfortunately we don't realize the problem until the burn has already happened. The vet gave you the right meds. Silvadene is great for burns!

 

[OOOst16]

I have to use a 100 watt bulb to reAch a 95 degree basking spot....so now I'm confused...

 

[Syn]

I have to use a 100 watt bulb to reAch a 95 degree basking spot....so now I'm confused...

Colder places need better bulbs. Here in Arizona it isn't ever 60 below zero, so lower wattage bulbs can be used.

 

[laurie]

Colder places need better bulbs. Here in Arizona it isn't ever 60 below zero, so lower wattage bulbs can be used.

Hey Sabrina did you really mean is isn't 60 below at your house??? Man I think the occasional -30 here to way too cold.