Sick chameleon with swollen testicles

Hi, we are taking care of a Jackson chameleon that we believe has recently fallen ill. What we believe to be his testicles have recently become visible, and appear to be swollen and purple. He has also exhibited strange behavior by lying on the bottom of his cage instead of being on a branch. We are concerned about a possible infection because his previous owner left the cage rather dirty. The cage has been cleaned, but it would be very helpful if someone could clue us in on the severity of this behavior. Thanks!

I am glad you are caring so well for a friends chameleon, not everyone one does. Could you post a picture of the little guy? I will be a lot easier for us to help if we have at least some idea of the problem. And can see hoe he looks.

Laying on the floor is never good, I and probably everyone else suggest a vet visit immediately to a vet who is knowledgeable with chameleons.

Sounds like a prolapse. Keep whatever is sticking out moist to prevent it from dying (vaseline or something like that.) And take it to the vet ASAP! If it's a prolapse he needs it taken care of right away.

Sounds like prolapsed hemipenes (the reproductive organ of chameleons, like a paired penis). This needs to be corrected by a vet asap! If they are left out too long they will die and need to be surgically removed or it can kill the cham with infection! If they fix it early enough they can stitch them back in place and hopefully it won't happen again. Make an appointment with a vet asao.

As others have said, keep the tissue moist. KY Jelly is a much better lubricant than vaseline.

If it is a prolapse (do a search to see what that looks like) use sucrose, plain water, or KY (NOT vaseline) to keep it moist and take the animal to the vet IMMEDIATELY. Do not delay.

If his cage has been dirty he could have parasites which could cause the prolapse or if he hasn't pooped in a while. Mist with warm water and as others have said apply the ointment. You will need to take a poop sample to the vet to have it checked for parasites. Is he eating at all? If the cage is dirty and the feeders are crawling around in poop, he probably has parasites and could be fatal if not taken care of quickly.