Chameleon Not Doing Well - Possibly Dying?

[AZJR]

I have a 5 year old male Veiled Chameleon who has progressively been slowing down and becoming seemingly unhealthy over the last few weeks, it started with him not shooing his tongue very far when he would eat, I had to start hand feeding him. I also noticed his vision was not the best as he would have trouble seeing crickets unless I held them right in front of his face when feeding.

This morning I woke up and found him at the bottom of his enclosure laying somewhat on his side halfway hanging on to the plant with his back legs and tail. At first I thought he was sleeping but I moved the plant a little and he opened his eyes and started moving back up towards the top, about 3 hours later now he's still near the bottom, still bright green and awake, but he won't eat at all today.

From what I read online it doesn't seem like chameleons normally live this long, could it be possible that he's just at the end of his lifespan and is slowly dying?

Food: He got crickets every 2-3 days, 5-10 large crickets dusted with multivitamin once a week, calcium every time, and calcium with d3 every other week.

Lights: I replaced his Reptisun 5.0 every 5-6 months, never went without a good working light. His heat lamp is just a 60w bulb keeps it at 85-90.

What do you guys think is happening?

 

[AZJR]

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Male Veiled Chameleon from FLChams - Purchased at 3 Months Old - Had for 5 Years (March 2009)
Handling - Once or twice a month I take him outside to get some natural light.
Feeding - Crickets every 2-3 days, gut-loaded with veggies, fruits, and cricket food (changes depending on whats in my fridge)
Supplements - Not sure of the brand but it's the same one I see most people use, I believe it's hetpative.
Watering - Gets sprayed down for 3-5 minutes 5-10 times a day, humidity ranges from 40% to 80%
Fecal Description - Normal color, dark brown, white tip.
History - No medical history.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Homemade cage (wood frame, all screen except the back)

Lighting - Reptisun 5.0 - replaced every 5-6 months
Temperature - Lowest overnight is around 65-70, hottest is 90. Basking spot is 85-90, other side of cage is around 80.
Humidity - Varies (dry here in Arizona)
Plants - Schleffera and Pothos
Placement - Cage is where it's always been, no issues with location
Location - Phoenix, Arizona - Hot and Dry here.

 

[Carlton]

I have a 5 year old male Veiled Chameleon who has progressively been slowing down and becoming seemingly unhealthy over the last few weeks, it started with him not shooing his tongue very far when he would eat, I had to start hand feeding him. I also noticed his vision was not the best as he would have trouble seeing crickets unless I held them right in front of his face when feeding.

This morning I woke up and found him at the bottom of his enclosure laying somewhat on his side halfway hanging on to the plant with his back legs and tail. At first I thought he was sleeping but I moved the plant a little and he opened his eyes and started moving back up towards the top, about 3 hours later now he's still near the bottom, still bright green and awake, but he won't eat at all today.

From what I read online it doesn't seem like chameleons normally live this long, could it be possible that he's just at the end of his lifespan and is slowly dying?

Food: He got crickets every 2-3 days, 5-10 large crickets dusted with multivitamin once a week, calcium every time, and calcium with d3 every other week.

Lights: I replaced his Reptisun 5.0 every 5-6 months, never went without a good working light. His heat lamp is just a 60w bulb keeps it at 85-90.

What do you guys think is happening?

If you've had him for 5 years you must have been caring for him well, though I would not be giving him a multivitamin once a week...it should be less often such as twice a month. That's a nice age for a veiled. Maybe he's got some achy joints and he's trying to find a more comfortable way to rest. What about giving him more of a network of branches to drape himself over or even a terrarium hammock so he doesn't have to grip everything as tightly all the time?

 

[AZJR]

I was sort of surprised at the lack of replies, this forum must have died off or something. He's dead now if anyone cares.

 

[zsazsa85]

Wow! I'm very sorry! 5 years is a nice long time for a cham! I think that was a beautiful life for him! Very sorry, that nobody replied in time... That happens to me too..
Take my condolenses!

 

[Carlton]

I was sort of surprised at the lack of replies, this forum must have died off or something. He's dead now if anyone cares.

The lack of replies wasn't because no one cared. Sometimes we just don't have an answer for you. I'm so sorry you lost him. He had a good long life with you!