2 female panthers both having issues:(

[PackMaster]

Gout in chameleons almost always comes from kidney failure which is usually caused by either a single severe dehydration event or chronic dehydration, which is the state most chameleons in captivity are kept in.

Gout is a build up of uric acid deposits throughout the body.

There is also something called pseudo gout which is not related to gout. There are many metabolic bone diseases as well..

You really need to get both of them into a vet.

Thank you. I will call the vets in the area and see if any specialize in Exotics.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Thank you. I will call the vets in the area and see if any specialize in Exotics.

If you can't find one who works with reptiles, try an avian vet since birds ARE just modern-day dinosaurs which are a little like reptiles.

 

[Scottsquatch]

Oops, I made a mistake in an earlier post. I said carpet chameleons like to be on the ground/ forest floor. I'm not sure if I used the right example now. I was referring to the little guys that look like brown leaves and live on the forest floor. I see that carpet chameleons are beautiful looking. Obviously not the same chams. I gotta go learn a bit more about the cham taxonomy and common names. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Rogue]

Gout can be caused by too much protein in their diet. I would suggest watching the protein levels in the gutload and I would also recommend making your own gutload and greatly reducing the protein until you can get to a vet. It makes monitoring what's in their diet instead of relying on flukers. Chameleons have a very slow metabolism so you won't notice any improvement right away, but it could help prevent the symptoms from escalating. There are some good gutloads that you can purchase, but just pay close attention to the ingredients and I wouldn't rely on those alone. Just my two cents.

Also a side note, if you find a vet, when you call to set the appointment, see if you can request a call back from the vet and see if he/she has care suggestions based off their symptoms until the appointment. We are fortunate enough to have a vet we can talk to on the phone with any concerns.

 

[PackMaster]

Gout can be caused by too much protein in their diet. I would suggest watching the protein levels in the gutload and I would also recommend making your own gutload and greatly reducing the protein until you can get to a vet. It makes monitoring what's in their diet instead of relying on flukers. Chameleons have a very slow metabolism so you won't notice any improvement right away, but it could help prevent the symptoms from escalating. There are some good gutloads that you can purchase, but just pay close attention to the ingredients and I wouldn't rely on those alone. Just my two cents.

Also a side note, if you find a vet, when you call to set the appointment, see if you can request a call back from the vet and see if he/she has care suggestions based off their symptoms until the appointment. We are fortunate enough to have a vet we can talk to on the phone with any concerns.

Thank you so much for the tips on the gutloading and what to watch for in the ingredients!! I mostly order online so I'm sure I can find a good product. I also appreciate the suggestion on talking to the vet in advance of an appointment! Thank you!!

 

[PackMaster]

If you can't find one who works with reptiles, try an avian vet since birds ARE just modern-day dinosaurs which are a little like reptiles.

Thanks! I never would have thought of that!!

 

[PackMaster]

Thanks! I never would have thought of that!!

I'm not sure if it's ok to ask, so forgive me if it's not proper, but would Repashy products be good, for gut loading and calcium dusting? ( bug Berger, and super load and calcium plus)