Chameleon's tail black

[JoshD]

Hey all,
I just recently got a chameleon (yesterday) and I don't know how it happened but he has a black tail and it doesn't look good. I am new to chameleons but I would like some help!

 

[Eltortu]

Dude it looks painful! You have to take him to a vet as soon as you can. If he was OK when you initially got him, is it possible he burned himself with the heat lamp?

 

[JoshD]

I don't know if it happened after he got here or not. I don't remember seeing it yesterday when I went to pick him up, but I didn't get a good look at him. I don'
t think it could have been the lights if it happened when he was here because I didn't have them set up yet.

 

[Alexl]

That's a necrotized tail tip and it surely didn't happen yesterday. Looking at the skin surface, this has probably been going on for longer time, a fresh wound or even a burn looks different. Necrotizing tissue in chameleon tails tends to spread into the healthy tissue, so please visit your vet as soon as possible. The dead tail tip has to be surgically removed and the chameleons needs proper medication (analgesics, antibiotics + infusions).

 

[CLP]

That's a necrotized tail tip and it surely didn't happen yesterday. Looking at the skin surface, this has probably been going on for longer time, a fresh wound or even a burn looks different. Necrotizing tissue in chameleon tails tends to spread into the healthy tissue, so please visit your vet as soon as possible. The dead tail tip has to be surgically removed and the chameleons needs proper medication (analgesics, antibiotics + infusions).

Yes, vet ASAP. But seeing as you just got him, if you choose to, you should be able to return him and get another one or the seller should pay for the treatment.

 

[JoshD]

I am at a loss as what to do, I seriously doubt the guy I got it from would take it back, and even if he did I can't see him taking care of the tail properly. But I don't have a whole lot of money, about how much would this surgery cost? It seems like it would cost alot?

 

[ReptiGeek]

Look at it this way. That wound could potentially be fatal if you don't find out proper treatment methods at a local vet. So either you could pay to save his life, or risk losing him. There will always be that tough decision to make when it comes to all pets. Not only might you lose out on the money you spent to get him, but you also might lose out on him all together. Or you will lose out on a smaller amount of money to get him fixed up.
Your call, but if I were you I would hit that vet up asap!
And also, I don't think it would hurt to try and contact the person you got him from.

 

[CLP]

Likely yes, it would be a fairly expensive procedure. Cost is somewhat dependent on the vet and where you're located. You can certainly call around and tell them what you think is the problem and they should be able to give you a ballpark estimate over the phone.

This is not something that can go without veterinary treatment though, so whatever you decide, there will be no one on the forum that will think badly of you. You were sold a sick animal and should not have to assume the cost and responsibility of caring for it. We all understand why you might choose to keep him, but would also understand if you decide not to. Keep us informed and remember, we're here for information AND support. Good luck!

 

[JoshD]

I made an appointment with the vet and the soonest they can see me is on Saturday.

 

[JoshD]

I talked to the owner and he said he did notice the black part of his tail and said it happened after a shed? I am not sure if that changes things? I know with my snake was if he had a hard time shedding I used to put him in a container with warm water and that helped pull all of the old skin off. Is there something like that, that I can do until the vet sees him?

 

[CLP]

It is possible that a piece of retained shed can cause loss of blood flow to the tail tip like can happen with snakes. You can try giving him a long, warm shower, specifically aimed at his tail and see if the skin can come off. Or if he'll let you, soak his tail in warm water. Be very careful though. If it is an infection, you don't want to make it worse.

 

[peacenlove]

This looks like the starting case of tail rot and you need to fix this before it gets worse. i had to deal with this with my nosey be cham i bought who had his tail bitten off by another cham when he shed a certian spot had ristricted blood flow and caused tail rot.

tail rot can be fatal for a chameleon if not treated properly it will continure to grow up the chameleons tail and if worse case senario the tail will need to be amputated. soaking will help also what i did for my cham is bought the berts snake oil not in the spray container but drip containter and put that on him every day until the piece of the tail infected fell off. i havent had issues with him since. I highly recommend you try that it helps! and has tee tree oil and other good products that help heal wounds i even use snake oil on myself! you can pm me with any questions like i said i have delt with this personally and thats what helped for me. hope all goes well!

 

[Carlton]

I talked to the owner and he said he did notice the black part of his tail and said it happened after a shed? I am not sure if that changes things? I know with my snake was if he had a hard time shedding I used to put him in a container with warm water and that helped pull all of the old skin off. Is there something like that, that I can do until the vet sees him?

At this point I doubt it matters WHY the original problem happened. What you have now is a necrotic tail to deal with and the treatment would be the same. Actually I don't think I would soak it or try to remove anything unless it is completely dried blackened tissue that is ready to fall off by itself. If some of the necrotic part drops off and exposes pink tissue keep that clean (maybe even wrap a small piece of sterile gauze over it) until the vet sees him. Necrotic tissue doesn't have active nerve endings but the adjacent healthy tissue does.