what is this?

[MDante88]

My male Panther Chameleon has this small, subtle slump on his back. The first time I saw something like it I realized it was just extra shed and once it went off I realized the it just looked like it was slumped. But now it's back again, and this time it looks more pronounced. There still is some shed at the top that has to come off but don't now if that's the issue this time. It's been like this for quite some time, does any one know what this it, is it serious, etc. He's had it for a while know but has never showed odd behavior, eats very well, and is active. Any ideas?

 

[babyjoe]

My male Panther Chameleon has this small, subtle slump on his back. The first time I saw something like it I realized it was just extra shed and once it went off I realized the it just looked like it was slumped. But now it's back again, and this time it looks more pronounced. There still is some shed at the top that has to come off but don't now if that's the issue this time. It's been like this for quite some time, does any one know what this it, is it serious, etc. He's had it for a while know but has never showed odd behavior, eats very well, and is active. Any ideas?

could it be a burn of some description.as far as i know burns tend to go that colour.thats just a guess now somebody more experienced should be able to shed some light on it for you

 

[ChameleonMom]

That IS very strange! Even the 'spikes' on his spine aren't there! almost looks like he's melting!! Could he be too close to his basking spot? My own Cham was situated close to her light and discolouration much like this started to form.. Lucky I keep a close eye on her and was able to catch it on the first day, and nipped the problem in the bud by moving her light up 4 inches. I am also wondering, if its not a light/burn issue, could it be a bone/spinal problem? What supplements are you giving him? It would be very helpful if you could fill in this form: https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/, so we can try to pinpoint the problem.

 

[anttu]

Looks like a burn to me

 

[squeekz1992]

I agree on a burn

 

[nimmitz]

It might just be the camera angle, but is anyone else noticing the legs bowing a bit?

 

[Elizadolots]

I agree it's a burn. I suspect that the "bowing" is a camera angle thing, it only seems to show in the first picture.

 

[Eltortu]

It looks as if he rub off his top and is just healing. How long have you had him and how long ago you noticed this?

 

[DavidBuchan]

Almost certain it's a burn. Best check your temps. Maybe change from using a spotlight if that's what you have (to a 'normal' bulb). I don't know what the best cream would be for him.

 

[MDante88]

He is about a 1 year and 7 months old. I've had him since he was a month old. Like I said, he is extremely active, eats well. I feed him crickets dusted with calcium, and sometimes will dust with calcium and other minerals. I thought it may be a burn too. I put some more plants lower in the cage to motivate him to go lower if he gets too hot. Even before the extra plants that I put in, I would observe him going to the lower parts of the cage when needed. The bulb I have isn't too strong and is only sectioned on the lop left corner of the cage. I noticed it a couple months ago, but like I previously stated, thought it was just a piece of shed that had to come off, which was making it look like the spikes were gone (this happened before and this was the case), so thats why I wasnt worried. Does this help guys, any other information would help me?

 

[MDante88]

I added some pics of the cage...my instant thermometer from zoo med broke so I'm unsure as to an exact temp but I checked it a while ago and remember that it was in a desired range. I do use a spotlight. In regard to "rubbing it off", and it "healing", I agreed that this may be it. Just because he sometimes has trouble getting all his shed off (probably do to lower humidity levels) and he will vigorously rub against things to get it off. Please comment back guys and let me know if you think that his spikes will grow back and if there is anything I can get for him to heal, etc, weather it be a burn or a rub. Thanks for your help!

 

[DavidBuchan]

The bulb I have isn't too strong

No offense intended Dante, but it is too strong. It's like an inferno under there .........I would advise what I already advised plus getting a digital thermometer which will be much more accurate than the sticky Zoomed ones. His spikes won't grow back fully, but might do a bit. Your setup look otherwise good from here

 

[MDante88]

I have the digital thermometer, thats the one I spoke of that's broke. It's a digital reader that you point and click..... I guess I'll try switching to a normal daylight bulb. This was never an issue, I'm just confused as to why it would be "too hot" all of a sudden. I didn't get a stronger bulb....

Do you use daylight bulbs for all your chameleons?

 

[DavidBuchan]

Do you use daylight bulbs for all your chameleons?

Actually I do use some spotlights sometimes. It depends on distance as well, and what ambient temps you want. Maybe your weather is cooler? This could make him bask for longer......... Maybe just as he has grown he has got too close to the light?

 

[MDante88]

Yes, that could be it...I live in buffalo. I just switched the spotlight with an eco friendly light bulb. It doesn't emit too much heat, do you thing it should suffice? I don't want to go from too hot to not hot enough? I'm obviously in the process of getting a new thermometer. what is the temp of your basking spot?

 

[babyjoe]

I have used the Eco bulbs after getting a fright with the electricity bill from using a 100w heat bulb.they don't get near hot enough.I changed the reflector dish and now have a 93f basking spot with a 75w daylight bulb.I don't know what basking should be for a panther I think a little lower than veileds though

 

[DavidBuchan]

Yes, that could be it...I live in buffalo. I just switched the spotlight with an eco friendly light bulb. It doesn't emit too much heat, do you thing it should suffice? I don't want to go from too hot to not hot enough? I'm obviously in the process of getting a new thermometer. what is the temp of your basking spot?

Eco won't get hot enough, no. I keep Veileds, have never had a panther. A panther I would have 85F or a little over if he seemed to be basking for a really long time.