Cam's First Vet Visit

[ChamOh]

what are some good questions/things to bring up at a chams first vet visit? This would be a "check up" not a sick visit.

 

[beeze]

Most important find a vets that knows chameleons. Fill out the Ask For Help sheet and take that with you so the vet can see if everything's right. I would also take a fresh poop and ask for a fecal.

 

[ChamOh]

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how old can a poop be for a fecal to be accurate?

 

[Miss Lily]

I have asked this before and was told that 'the fresher, the better'! Under 12 hours old is best, and you can keep it in the fridge in a plastic bag/tub, etc. Just be sure to label it!

 

[draetish]

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how old can a poop be for a fecal to be accurate?

You want it as fresh as can be and place inside a plastic baggie. It can be stored overnight in the frig, but again fresh is best.

If your cham is healthy and the vet recommends de-worming even if parasites or not present, don't do it. Also if they "think" the cham needs this or that, think twice before doing it. You can tell the vet "let me think about it". Another thing we see posted is the mis-handling of chams by vets, if you think they are too rough or you're not comfortable, speak up.

 

[Miss Lily]

Those are a few good points! I find it very stressful at the vets and it's hard to take in everything you're told. We presume that the vets know best, when it may not always be the case with chameleons (re: handling)! A least you will know how your cham reacts when it's healthy so you can be prepared if you ever need to take it to the vets for treatment in the future.

 

[jannb]

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how old can a poop be for a fecal to be accurate?

I always collect a poop the day before....just incase the chams don't give me one the day of. I put it in a ziplock bad with a damp paper towel or tissue and use that one IF I don't get one the day of the appt. As everyone says.....the fresher the better BUT a day old is better than nothing.
Also as beeze said a vet that knows chameleons is best some reptile vets know nothing about chameleons.

 

[lisagr07]

and you can keep it in the fridge in a plastic bag/tub, etc. Just be sure to label it!

ha!!! best advice yet!!!!!!!! lisa