maryanne27
Avid Member
Let me start by saying that if I could take Rorschach to the vet, I certainly would. There are certain circumstances preventing that, and as soon as I am able to, I will. In the meantime, I would like to know if anyone has any advice to help me out for now. With my extra time, I have been trying to do some research, and I feel like my graceful cham may have gout.
Info: Rory is a little over 2 yo male graceful chameleon that I have had since he was 8 months. Handling is very minimal, maybe about once a week, if that, for short periods. His diet consists of crickets, superworms, hornworms here and there, and occasionally reptiworms. He gets fed sometimes daily, sometimes with 2-3 days in between depending on if he is hungry or not. I alternate gutloads of Repashy Bug Burger and a homemade gutload made using a recipe recommended on these forums. Supplements include Repashy’s calcium powder regularly, Repashy vitamin dust twice a month. I keep a dripper going all the time, mist 2-3x daily. Temps are monitored and kept within recommended range for his breed/age. UVB light and basking lamp are on a timer, so that has been consistent. BMs are average.
Issue: a little while ago (can't remember exactly when it started), I noticed Rory's back ankle was a little swollen. He moved easily, though, and nothing seemed to bother him about it. More recently, he has gotten weaker and less mobile. I have been exposing him to natural sunlight now that the weather is warming up, and that perked him up a bit. He has gotten very weak within the past week or two, and today I saw him just laying on his little perch, like belly on the branch. I don't recall ever seeing him do that, and I feel like that is not normal. He is still eating and drinking quite well, but this lethargy and that lump on his leg is concerning.
I'll attach a photo that was taken a few weeks ago before he got so lethargic. It is the back leg that is swollen in the "ankle" area.
Again, as I said at the beginning, I know vet help is the best advice, and I will get there. Just please help me and my little Rorschach out until I can!
Info: Rory is a little over 2 yo male graceful chameleon that I have had since he was 8 months. Handling is very minimal, maybe about once a week, if that, for short periods. His diet consists of crickets, superworms, hornworms here and there, and occasionally reptiworms. He gets fed sometimes daily, sometimes with 2-3 days in between depending on if he is hungry or not. I alternate gutloads of Repashy Bug Burger and a homemade gutload made using a recipe recommended on these forums. Supplements include Repashy’s calcium powder regularly, Repashy vitamin dust twice a month. I keep a dripper going all the time, mist 2-3x daily. Temps are monitored and kept within recommended range for his breed/age. UVB light and basking lamp are on a timer, so that has been consistent. BMs are average.
Issue: a little while ago (can't remember exactly when it started), I noticed Rory's back ankle was a little swollen. He moved easily, though, and nothing seemed to bother him about it. More recently, he has gotten weaker and less mobile. I have been exposing him to natural sunlight now that the weather is warming up, and that perked him up a bit. He has gotten very weak within the past week or two, and today I saw him just laying on his little perch, like belly on the branch. I don't recall ever seeing him do that, and I feel like that is not normal. He is still eating and drinking quite well, but this lethargy and that lump on his leg is concerning.
I'll attach a photo that was taken a few weeks ago before he got so lethargic. It is the back leg that is swollen in the "ankle" area.
Again, as I said at the beginning, I know vet help is the best advice, and I will get there. Just please help me and my little Rorschach out until I can!
