Hi Petunia, welcome to Herp Center
I've never kept Chameleons but I'm sure a more experienced keeper will come along and answer your question.
In the meantime I'll answer as best as I can. Most of the time when I've heard of chameleons with tongue problems (eating problems ) it has often ended up that they have had calcium deficiency.
Reptiles need UVB in order to make a chemical in their body that helps them use the calcium in their diet properly. Exposure to unfiltered sunlight or artificial lights that produce UVB helps reptiles create the chemical D2 in their skin, this then turns into D3 and aids the body in processing the calcium in their diet. Maintaining proper calcium levels in a reptile takes a combination of proper lighting, proper diet and proper heating (in order to help them digest the food properly and get all the nutrients they need out of it).
Calcium deficiency can cause softening of the bones- and the bones can become deformed. Chameleon tongues can be affected by calcium deficiency (from what I've heard) and the damage can be temporary or permanent- depending upon how quickly it's treated. Calcium deficiency- if left untreated will lead to seizures and eventual death.
It's a serious condition and needs to be treated quickly and correctly.
If you don't already have a vet I think you should find one that treats reptiles ASAP. The vet may perform blood tests and or take xrays of your chameleon. The vet will also prescribe a liquid calcium suppliment and or will give the cham an injection to help it get it's calcium levels back up. if you need help finding a vet that treats reptiles in your area please let us know what area you are in (city, and state/province) and we can try to help you. If $$$ is a problem please be aware that many vets will work out a payment plan that you should be able to live with.
They want your pet to get better - so don't be afraid to ask if you can pay them back in installments if that's what you need to do.
Some questions (this will help the chameleon people help you better if you can answer these):
How long have you had your cham?
How do you have your Cham set up?
What are the cage temps?
Do you have thermometers in the cage?
What do you feed your chameleon?
Do you dust the chams food occasionally with calcium (no phosphorus added please), and vitamins? What brands, and how often?
What kind of lighting do you provide for your cham? Basking lights? UVB lights? Please state brand names.
I hope this helps!
Oh for more info on calcum deficiency see-
http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/calciumdeficiency.htm
http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/mbd.htm
(Rich I'll write an Metabolic Bone Disease article for HC if you want)
