Our rescue was surrendered this poor baby tonight. She’s in really bad shape, has been sick for over a month from what owner was saying. I don’t even know if she’s gonna make it through the night, but I’d really like to try and do whatever I can to help her. The person didn’t even give me her enclosure with her. Just her wrapped in a towel. She’s basically unresponsive. Any advice would be so appreciated! My heart is breaking for her.
Emergency! Advice needed
- Thread starter Lurvie26
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ERKleRose
Chameleon Enthusiast
Do you have an experienced chameleon vet near you? Sadly what she (though looks like a he) was kept in is completely inappropriate for a chameleon. This is the most up to date chameleon husbandry available, read through the basics first, then the other modules: https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
He looks to have at least metabolic bone disease, possibly a fungal infection (there looks to be orange growth on his back thigh), and possible parasites (based on previous owner)
He looks to have at least metabolic bone disease, possibly a fungal infection (there looks to be orange growth on his back thigh), and possible parasites (based on previous owner)
ERKleRose
Chameleon Enthusiast
Chameleons do not benefit from soaks, and it is extremely stressful for them. Are there any other vets near you?
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
I agree with the last comment, no soak for this baby. I’ll send you a list of our chameleon recommended vets shortly. Baby needs a vet unfortunately.
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
I would put baby in a hospital bin to start with, this can be something as simple as a box with a towel on the bottom, and some leave coverage to help the chameleon feel a little more secure. Do you have any extra heat lamps, hygrometers/thermometers and uvb lights to use?
Yes, I’m getting her into a different one this morning
i put her in a small container with heat and uvb last night. Will be getting her to a vet asap this morning
Thank you for the list! I’m getting her into a reptile vet this morning when they open
This is not a female. This is a male with extreme MBD issues and probably a lot more going on. He is a translucent male so his coloring you can see is pulling orange, peach skin tone, black and white. These colors are normal for a pied or translucent veiled chameleon morph.
Note the fact that it is a male gives it a better chance. Females with this extent of MBD typically do not make it due to reproductive issues and the inability to lay their eggs.
Vet if it is a good reptile vet will take an xray to see what the bone density is. Put him on liquid calcium without D3. UVB lighting being on point, Cage set up, and proper nutrition and supplementation will be extremely important.
For the cage you want either a hospital bin set up or a screen cage even a 16x16x30 set on its side so the height is only 16 inches. Then lay in lower branches to the floor and live pothos would be best with strong vines for him. Until he has the strength to move around with a proper grip you want to avoid tall cage set ups because he would be high risk for fractures if he falls.
Additionally every single thing the original owner said they provided was wrong. They did not seek out proper husbandry this could have been avoided completely with T5HO UVB lighting, supplements and a proper set up not an aquarium. Due to the aquarium have the vet check for signs of a respiratory infection as well.
Note the fact that it is a male gives it a better chance. Females with this extent of MBD typically do not make it due to reproductive issues and the inability to lay their eggs.
Vet if it is a good reptile vet will take an xray to see what the bone density is. Put him on liquid calcium without D3. UVB lighting being on point, Cage set up, and proper nutrition and supplementation will be extremely important.
For the cage you want either a hospital bin set up or a screen cage even a 16x16x30 set on its side so the height is only 16 inches. Then lay in lower branches to the floor and live pothos would be best with strong vines for him. Until he has the strength to move around with a proper grip you want to avoid tall cage set ups because he would be high risk for fractures if he falls.
Additionally every single thing the original owner said they provided was wrong. They did not seek out proper husbandry this could have been avoided completely with T5HO UVB lighting, supplements and a proper set up not an aquarium. Due to the aquarium have the vet check for signs of a respiratory infection as well.
Thank you so much for all this information. I’m appreciate it so much
My pleasure let us know what questions you have for husbandry. We can go over the details with you. A great learning resource for you will be this husbandry program. https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
It will take you through what they have to have to thrive. There will be modifications you will need to make to accommodate the rehabilitation this boy will need to get strong again. But most of these are only having to do with how you set up a hospital bin or cage on the side. When he gets strong and can climb/grip well then you have to make smaller modifications to a vertical standing 2x2x4ft cage but these are mostly providing more branches so he does not have to reach as far and can stabilize better.
Gloriawood
Chameleon Enthusiast
Just want to say hello and welcome. I’m so glad he made it through the night. I have nothing to add as you are in the best hands possible right now. These keepers helped me get my guy with MBD back on track when I came here. Keep posting. Keep asking questions. I’m rooting for you and this little cutie 
UPDATE:
He does have some moderate MBD going on and he is weak, but there is thankfully no sign of fungus or respiratory infection. Once we get him to go to the bathroom, they will test for parasites. But the vet does believe with proper husbandry and rehydration/food, he will be alright.
He does have some moderate MBD going on and he is weak, but there is thankfully no sign of fungus or respiratory infection. Once we get him to go to the bathroom, they will test for parasites. But the vet does believe with proper husbandry and rehydration/food, he will be alright.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
However we are able to help you bring this poor guy back to health, do let us know. One of the best ways is thru checking all of your husbandry to make sure it’s all correct. If you’d like to do this, here are the questions.
Chameleon Info:
Cage Info:
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
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Please Note:
Chameleon Info:
- Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
- Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
- Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
- Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
- Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
- Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
- History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
- Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
- Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
- Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
- Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
- Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
- Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
- Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
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Please Note:
- The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
- Photos can be very helpful.
