Is this beginning of a skin-shed?

[Dominic]

Hey y'all,
Just recently picked up this 1.5 yo deremensis from a guy on Kijiji - it's our first reptile. I'm wondering what this spot is on his leg. He indicated that it's possibly just a part that didn't shed during his last 'shed'. Just wanting to double check. Does that sound like a reasonable explanation for this spot?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Hoj]

looks like a little pc of retained shed to me, give it a day or two and it should fall off...
and welcom to the forums

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

I don't know, it looks slightly swolen looking.

 

[Dominic]

...welcom to the forums

Thanks Hoj, appreciate it!

 

[Elizadolots]

It doesn't look like what I've experienced, but my experience is sort of limited. When mine have had retained shed it really looked like something that could be picked off (and so taxed my "picking compulsion" no end....). I agree with Karma that it looks swollen. Of course, that could just be the picture.

If it were me, I'd act as though it's retained shed. Up the mistings a bit and look for it to fall off in a couple of days. If, after 3 or 4 days it is still there, take another picture and compare. If it gets any bigger or appears more swollen, it might warrant a vet visit.

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

Either that or it's just extremely close up.

 

[Elizadolots]

Oh, and I forgot to say HI!!! You'll find this place extremely informative.

 

[Dominic]

Karma - it's both quite close-up and yes, seems raised a bit as well....
Eliza - thanks, looking forward to it

 

[KarmaChameleon1337]

To me usual shed skin looks like white fish flakes but when it comes off it feels velvetty.

 

[Elizadolots]

It's great you've documented it. If it doesn't go away, you'll have a basis for comparison. It's always hard to tell if something is growing, getting smaller or staying the same. This will tell you (heck, you can count the "scales".)

 

[Hoj]

i think it is just how close the pic is that is making it look swollen, look at the bottom edge, doesnt it look like it is lifting up and flakeing off there??

 

[ChameleonNerd]

looks like shed to me. i wouldn't worry about it.. chances are you will wake up tomorrow and find your chameleon to look snow colored and extremely grumpy. i wouldn't worry about it

 

[Dominic]

Up the mistings a bit and look for it to fall off in a couple of days.

re. mistings... do you mist the cham directly or just keep overall high humidity in the terrarium (Exoterra - 18"x18"x24" - glass w/screen ceiling)?

 

[Dominic]

looks like shed to me. i wouldn't worry about it.. chances are you will wake up tomorrow and find your chameleon to look snow colored and extremely grumpy. i wouldn't worry about it

Sounds good Alex, thx!

 

[Elizadolots]

re. mistings... do you mist the cham directly or just keep overall high humidity in the terrarium (Exoterra - 18"x18"x24" - glass w/screen ceiling)?

If your chameleon will tolerate being misted directly, go for that. Mine act like the wicked witch of the west...so, I mist the cage including the top, heavily, so it drips. You just want to get more moisture in there.

 

[Elizadolots]

i think it is just how close the pic is that is making it look swollen, look at the bottom edge, doesnt it look like it is lifting up and flakeing off there??

Maybe, but the OP says that the area is swollen.

 

[Hoj]

i went over it again and the op says the area is raised, but it was karma who said it looks swollen.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello, welcome I'd say it's too difficult to be 100% from the photo. If you touch it is the leg smooth under the skin, or is there an actual bump?
I'm sort of thinking you wouldn't have posted the question if it just looked like dead skin. I also know how paranoid everyone gets about Chams, esp. the first one..........
Just keep an eye on it, but I think it'll probably be gone after next shed.......
Possibilities include an insect bite, which caused retained shed........

 

[Dominic]

OK all... thanks for the tips / observations... starting yesterday and even moreso today, it's lifting so it should be fine. David... re. paranoia...you're right on the money! This is a surprise Christmas gift for my son and the thought of it somehow dying before we even get to Christmas makes me break into a cold sweat!

On another note, just got rid of the waterfall that came with the setup... different things I've read in here indicate that they can be a real breeding ground for harmful bacteria (makes sense) so again... taking no chances.

(*humming*... I love my paranoia and my paranoia loves me)

 

[Hoj]

OK all... thanks for the tips / observations... starting yesterday and even moreso today, it's lifting so it should be fine. David... re. paranoia...you're right on the money! This is a surprise Christmas gift for my son and the thought of it somehow dying before we even get to Christmas makes me break into a cold sweat!

On another note, just got rid of the waterfall that came with the setup... different things I've read in here indicate that they can be a real breeding ground for harmful bacteria (makes sense) so again... taking no chances.

(*humming*... I love my paranoia and my paranoia loves me)

so was it retained shed???? is al well now?