Something is wrong with my chameleons head fin.

[BChurch642]

Ok so i have a year and a half old veiled chameleon. And i take extremely good care of him. But today i noticed that the fin on his head. Like right at the top looks like it is starting to fall off. I'm staring at him right now and he is really happy and vibrant green, except for the top of his head and it looks like its dead.

He is in a proper airtrium so i dont think it has to do with his cage. I clean his cage and everything every 2 days and i have him in a stress free area of my house. I'm a little worried and honestly baffled at what is going on.

Maybe someone here might have a explaination to whats going on? It would be much appreciated. Thank you

 

[carol5208]

Can you post a picture? It is kind of hard to tell without seeing it.

 

[teejayteej]

You will need to see if you can post some pictures if you want us to help. it could be several things but as a group we need to see what you are talking about so that we can help you.

 

[BChurch642]

Sorry, i actually was browsing the forums and found my anwser

https://www.chameleonforums.com/casque-burn-100446/

Turns out the top of his head is burnt (Not as bad as some of these though) but it looks identical to that. But now that i have that question sorted out i actually have another one.

So on that thread everyone suggests getting silvadene?, I had someone else suggest i use polysporin on it, but im a little skeptical on the idea. Ive made the appointment with the vet already.

Thank you so much again.

 

[Carlton]

Sorry, i actually was browsing the forums and found my anwser

https://www.chameleonforums.com/casque-burn-100446/

Turns out the top of his head is burnt (Not as bad as some of these though) but it looks identical to that. But now that i have that question sorted out i actually have another one.

So on that thread everyone suggests getting silvadene?, I had someone else suggest i use polysporin on it, but im a little skeptical on the idea. Ive made the appointment with the vet already.

Thank you so much again.

Silvadene is a more specific burn treatment than Polysporin. Both would protect against infection, provide protection for the tissue as it heals.

 

[BChurch642]

Silvadene is a more specific burn treatment than Polysporin. Both would protect against infection, provide protection for the tissue as it heals.

Thank you for the insight. I have also lifted my basking light up a few inches and i have moved his plants and sticks lower so it allows a easier time for him while he is recovering.

As a new member here i'd like to say that this place has honestly helped me with a few of my chameleon questions, without even having to ask. Great forum guys and i will be popping by more often!

 

[symphonica]

Good for you, for having done your own research and coming to a conclusion. Hope all turns out well for your guy.

In terms of avoiding burns in the future, what do you have your basking spot and ambient temps at? You should have a basking spot of 85-87, with coolest spot being 75. You should have plenty of vines where he can access the gradient of various temperatures. He shouldn't have to choose between 85 or 75 because there aren't enough branches for him. If he wants to be at 79, he should be able to find a spot that he can perch to suit his needs (or at least fairly close to it).

Also, make sure the top branch is very close to the top of the cage. There should essentially only be enough space for the cham's body to fit between the top branch and the top of the cage. A lot of them will try to get higher and end up hanging upside down from the screen. Not being able to get much closer to the top reduces their urge to rely on the screen. Also for this reason, your basking spot temp should be taken at the top of the cage. Wherever your cham can touch, make sure it's not too hot.

 

[BChurch642]

Thank you

If i had a camera i would snap some photos of his cage and everything. I have the average basking temp jumping in between 80-85. But the spot where he sits was actually REALLY close to the night itself, i have a monsoon RS400 automatic misting machine that i use to try and regulate temperatures with (Also nobody is here to mist his cage while i am at work)

I have moved his basking light up about a inch and half from the cage itself using a few bits of metal i had from a previous project (I am working on building my chameleons next cage for him, its pretty huge and a cool project)

As for wattage on my light i cant remember what i bought because it was a while ago and i threw the box out. I guess i could hunt them down at some point but as i write this i honestly couldnt say.

I've noticed a huge improvment with the crown of his casque this morning. i had gone out and got some polysporin because i couldnt afford silvadene and my local pet store owner suggested it (He has owned alot of lizards so i took his word for it).

 

[ridgebax1]

In my experience as a nurse, with burns, it is best to leave them alone unless they are open and weeping. The eschar that is on top of it (the black scab) is a protective tissue the body makes. Even 2nd degree burns that blister, you should not pop the blister but leave it intact as it is protective too. In people with severe 3rd degree burns they debride this and put sterile dressings over them on a regular basis. So if it is not weeping or infected, I would just watch it. Picking at it or trying to clean it etc, could just cause it to be disrupted and open the underlying tissue to infection. But that's just me. I prefer open to air methods of healing rather than a lot of goop and dressings.