Just found out my female is male

[Angelica199]

Hi everyone!

First time poster, dealing with some things google cannot explain! I purchased a panther chameleon about 3 years ago. She recently started bleeding from the lower lip, and our local reptile specialist suspects she bit her lip being to excited while eating a horn worm. 5 days of fasting and a few weeks later we were back, as the other side of her mouth started to swell as well.

The specialist is now concerned it may be mouth cancer, and we are scheduled for removal next week. Testing to follow, with hopes it is not cancer.

During this visit, we started to chat about "her" a bit more. Weighing in at 180 grams, bearing no eggs, with a little bulge past the tail, we established that she is actually a very, very dull he. My worry, could the dullness be a sign that he has been unwell since I aquired him?

He has never been any brighter than he is in the photo below.

Any comments or advice would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
A very concerned chammy momma

 

[JacksJill]

Blues would be a very unusual color combo for a female not to mention the bulge. A husbandry review might reveal some things that could be improved.
Answering the questions below could shed some light on any husbandry problems.
Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[CamoChameleonsHuman]

^ fill this out as accurate as possible. We need to know exact brands and wattage as well as temps and humidity day and night. It could be his locale but it very well could be a husbandry issue. Take your time and remember to be very detailed in your answers. Welcome to the forums!

 

[JacksJill]

Yes! Welcome! promise it will be worth your time.

 

[KobaOregonherper]

Were here to help. The forum helps us better help you!

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Looks like a Ambanja, yes, male. Sure hope it is not cancer. Cancer is quite rare with Panthers so odds are on your side! Please help us by completing that form! It would be so helpful for both us and you!

 

[ChamLB]

I'm really curious about your supplement schedule. Does he get any outside sunlight?

 

[salty dog]

What uv light do you have?

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Haha, we are so eager to help!