Is my chameleon being burned?

[VisionaryTrance]

I have a male ambanja panther that is almost a year old. A few days ago I noticed a darker almost blackish spot on his left side.

Is this burning or scarring from lighting?

I am currently using a 75 watt ExoTerra Intense basking spot and a 5.0 uvb bulb with it.

 

[garrettt331]

I can't really see what you're referring to. Is it possible to get a better picture when you have him out? I think the light reflection is keeping me from seeing the mark.

 

[carol5208]

I don't see it either.

 

[VisionaryTrance]

let me know if you need more pictures, thanks

 

[Chase]

I think I circled it?

Chase

 

[VisionaryTrance]

yes and it goes down a bit as well, a lot harder to see on camera

 

[laurie]

Thanks Chase, I thought I was the only one who couldn't see it, so I said nothing. That said, I think it is a burn but can't be sure from that picture.

 

[jajeanpierre]

I think I circled it?

Chase

Could it just be the natural pigment developing? You can see what looks like a similar darkening closer to the head where the bluish stripes meet the white line that runs parallel to the spine. The greener areas don't seem to have that darkening.

 

[garrettt331]

I can't really say for sure. I feel like the spines in that area would develop a more "burned" look. Do they look distressed in any way?

 

[Mike Fisher]

Nope, just pigment. You can see the same colors at the top of each band where it meets the lateral stripe along the flank, just less defined. Thermal burns look much different than that.

 

[sgiac801]

Probably not a burn.

I would still keep an eye on any "new" markings, but I doubt that is a burn since its more on his side, rather than his back where the light would be hitting. On that note I do think his branches are a little close to the ceiling, especially if you are using a 75 watt bulb. I would consider moving his top branches down a couple inches, or putting something between the lights/ceiling to give some more space. Hope this helps!

Sarah

 

[Montium]

You can always buy a temp gun and know if your cham is going to be burned or not. Here is a cheap one, they go up in price from there. Read any reviews and pick the one that works for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiTemp-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B0053Y6IPE

 

[VisionaryTrance]

Ok guys I know my lasts pictures were a bit unclear but these are a lot better.

It seems that there in a darker spot in that area of his skin now all the time, but it seems to be maybe getting bigger or smaller at certain times, I am not completely sure...