Female Panther with curved / thick / missing nails?

rbb2282

New Member
I got her from a pet shop and was so happy to get her that I didn't notice her messed up nails. Any ideas?
 
Without a photo, it's just a guess, but it could be a few things.

Lack of correct climbing surfaces either wore her nails down excessively or lead to missing nails from catching them. If she didn't have enough vines and branches, she could have lost nails while climbing screen. Also, I have seen pet stores put those sandpaper bird perches in chameleon cages - definitely not appropriate. Also, someone could have handled her too roughly and yanked her off a perch, damaging her nails.

If they were not completely ripped out, they may grow back. Give her plenty of branches and vines to climb and keep an eye on her to see if she has any problems gripping or climbing.

Also, damaged nails can get infected rather easily. Watch out for swollen toes, pus or discharge at the nail bed, dangling one foot preferentially, sleeping during the day, and lack of appetite. Any one of those may be symptoms of an infection. Chameleons are very good at hiding illness until it is serious.

Do you have a chameleon vet in line, just in case? If not, you should find one now and take her in for a lizard check up (take some fresh poop for a parasite check) or at the very least so you know who to call if she gets sick.

Have you checked out the great resources here?

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/

Best of luck with your new girl and welcome to the forum!
 
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