Tip of tail turning black

[samilove]

Hi guys,

I have a veiled chameleon about 1 1/2 old and this morning I noticed he had his tail in his mouth. Upon examining closer, I noticed the tip was turning black (note picture below). I soaked him in warm water, which we do maybe once a month. I soaked him thinking maybe it could be some shed got stuck?.... has anyone experienced this before if so, pleaseeee help.

 

[Jol]

I haven't had this issue before however I decided to quickly research it and it suggests that it could be necrosis. I'm certainly not an expert on these situations as I've had a Cham for a little over a year now and it's been plain sailing. The article I've read suggests that you'll want to get him to a vet as soon as you can. As I said, I'm no expert so what I found on the internet may be wrong.

 

[Lathis]

It happens - it's dead. Maybe he pinched it on something or got a bit of shed stuck which cut off circulation. I would put some neosporin on it daily and keep a close eye on its condition. If it heals clean, it will shrivel up and fall off with his next shed - don't pick at it or you could open a new wound. At any sign that the dead tissue is spreading further up the tail, you will need to go to a vet and have the dead area surgically removed and probably get antibiotics. Try to keep him from chewing on it (easier said than done, I know). The neosporin may help it not bother him so much.

I don't know that there is any reason to soak a healthy chameleon regularly. They don't readily absorb water through the vent, and if the humidity is at the right level, they shouldn't have trouble with shedding. That said, it is always a good idea to pay special attention to the tail and toes during shedding - skin does sometimes get stuck there.

Good luck with him!

 

[jajeanpierre]

Looks like it might have gotten pinched in a door or something like that. He might lose the tip. Just watch. If it dies, it should just dry up and fall off. Just leave it alone and watch it. A problem is when it develops a swelling or the lesion increases in size.

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

Looks like a tailnip!