FINAL update: Eye Issues

[Rango_TheManEater]

Hello all.

I’m aware it has been a very long while since I was last active on this platform. The reasoning behind it was because I was desperately attempting to force feed & water Rango while also researching to find a proper vet.

The first vet I took him to gave me incorrect care instructions, leading me to have some trust issues with vets. Not only that, but I lost my puppy recently due to vet miscommunication, so it’s been a rough while.

The new vet I found (whom I researched on continuously and found he was very experienced, having bred chameleons himself) informed me that Rango’s eye condition is a secondary infection, with the primary cause being from his origin: mass breeding in Florida (where they didn’t care about the health of their chams), and sending him to PetCo/Smart, where I later bought him. This means that my enclosure and care was not at fault.

However, he weighed 88 grams. This is a very major issue— he was underweight, and struggling to grasp anything properly (very weak grip). My vet immediately prescribed eye drops for his infection and a slurry mix (similar to formula) which contains all his necessary nutrients, since he is blind and unable to eat bugs on his own/in general, given that he is incredibly weak.

Rango is set to begin improving, potentially showing signs of letting up in a week or more— as chameleons are not the fastest healers. I’m very satisfied with my vet’s advice and work, and I believe Rango’s life will now truly take a turn upward.

Here are photo attachments of the items I have been prescribed. For obvious reasons, personal information has been redacted.

 

[ehdee6]

I've often thought about Rango, thank you for the update!

I'm sorry to hear about your vet troubles. I too have gotten misinformation from vets that led to mistrust.

Despite the troubles, I'm stoked to hear you've been persistent in his care; and that he's in good hands.

Just keep giving Rango your best, and he'll keep giving his best.

Please keep us updated, the more knowledge shared is the best knowledge learned.

PS: Bonus pictures of Rango are always appreciated and loved. We're here to help and support you in your journey with him!

 

[LizardLurkin]

I'm glad you managed to get in with a vet that has handson experience with raising chams.
I really do believe their assessment; a lot of veileds that show up here (or anywhere) with eye issues' origin point often is petco/petsmart. I really wonder if it's some sort of indicator of the lack of variety in genetics; inbreeding. The rapidly available bearded dragons are presenting very unusual eye developments as well, known as "frog eye" and it looks as it sounds.
He's strong to have made it through the subpar petstore conditions, his mbd, and battling an infection for as long as he has.
Get better Rango! I'm hoping the best for you two!

 

[Rango_TheManEater]

Small update… WE HAVE URATES!!

I cannot put into words how thrilled I am that Rango is finally producing feces. Not only that— but his urates are a pretty healthy color (I think)! The temporary diet he’s on seems to be working.

Also— the eyedrops seem to be slowly reducing his eye infection. Though clear results aren’t noticeable yet (it’s only been two days on treatment), Rango is now able to “close” and “open” his eyes!

(Note: Since Rango is very weak, my vet informed me I needed to use cardboard/netting to prevent a serious fall. He’s able to hang around the top of his cage, making him feel less threatened, while also not being at risk of harming himself. This cardboard actually helped me spot his feces immediately after I came home from work!)

 

[ehdee6]

That's a healthy looking ! That's great news he's bouncing back... Chams can be quiet fragile, but also super resilient with the proper attention, care and love. You got this!