Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can this be corrected? What causes this so it can also be prevented?

That looks like a shedding problem. It is to late to do anything for the tail now. But in the future when your chams are in shed, increase the himidity, this helps them shed more easily and completely.

The condition of your chameleon’s tale is likely due to an incomplete shedding of its skin. I’m am sorry to say but I believe that the tip if its tale is most likely dead. The dead part will fall off but be careful it might become infected and your cham could die. You can prevent this from happening in the future by providing adequate humidity and moisture. If you don’t all ready spray down the entire cage twice a day you need to start doing that immediately. If your cham is friendly enough you can assist in the shedding process by gently rubbing him/her with your fingers.

The pic is a bit blurry so it is hard to tell. Make sure the tail sheds to the end. Try dampening the tail and helping remove a bad shed all the way to the end. He could also have broken the tip somehow or it could be from an infection.
Try a bit of Neosporin on the end or Carravet ointment.
If it is broken or dead the tip will probably fall off. Keep an eye on it for signs of infection moving upwards and see a vet if it does. One of mine lost the very end of his tail as a baby and he is fine.

That looks like Charlie's tail did after a bad shed. His soon progressed to a massive infection & he had to have about 50% of his tail removed to save his life (the antibiotics did not work with him, the infection was too strong, for lack of a better term... he's better now but I def. keep an eye on his shed at all times). Try soaking his tail & watch for signs of grey or black spreading throughout his tail & body. If that happens, take him to a vet ASAP & get antibiotics. if the tail that is non-functioning/rotting does not drop on it's own soon, consider having it taken off to avoid a systemic infection of your cham. Good Luck!!
~Chrissy
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1.0 Crazy dog... or duck, sheep, snake, cat & grumpy old man combo... (Gizmo)
0.2 Vacationing Kitties (Puddy, PeeWee)
1.1 Veiled Chameleons (Charlie & Emma)
0.1 Collard Lizard (Jimmie)
0.1 Leopard Gecko (Lily)
0.0.1 AWOL Leopard Gecko (Eddie)
1.0 AWOL Kitty (Mikey)
0.7 Guardian Angel Puppies (Sandy, Floppy, Lily, Crash, Tigger, Lady, Lassie)
0.1 Amazing Fiance =o)