nail ripped out??

[ShelbyM]

My Jackson's Chameleon's toenails was ripped out by the metal screen on his cage. it just happened and im really worried. its two of the nails on his back left leg. he was bleeding a little bit but it stopped. I cleaned it with water and he made a little crying noise and he's never done that... please help!

 

[KWALA]

Welcome to the forums and very sorry for your jacksons. if your screen cages wholes are a particular size chameleons nails can get caught and be pulled out. you can try getting a new cage so it doesn't become a persistent problem.

 

[Guaca mole]

Is it a good idea to have a styptic pencil/ powder on hand in case this happens or should those not be used on a chameleon?

 

[Lathis]

Can you post a picture of your cage? We might be able to help you get more "highways" put together to help prevent this in the future. Jackson's are very active climbers. Even with tons of paths, mine still does climb the screen.

 

[ShelbyM]

Pic

https://www.chameleonforums.com/members/shelbym-albums-jacksons-picture25339-habitat.html here's the picture. The screen on top is really small so his little nails most likely got stuck there. But what should I do to care for his little toes?

 

[Lathis]

You can use neosporin on the open wounds to help prevent infection. Definitely keep an eye on the toes - swelling will be a sign that they are infected and he will need a vet.

Is that an exoterra type viv? Can you rearrange his branches so that he can't reach the top screen?

 

[ShelbyM]

I cleaned out his terrarium and moved everything around so he can't reach the top. It's not infected so that's good

 

[Grumpy]

sorry to hear about his little toes. Poor guy.

 

[pinsetter1991]

exact same thing happened to my female oustalets yesterday, i felt terrible, she loves to be out of her cage for some reason, and she will scratch around the screen until i let her out, i'm just letting her stay in her free-range all day now, which makes it a pain to give her water and food, but i dont know what else to do.