Gave me a scare..still freaked out

[Renn]

So Kabuki had been doing better since we rescued him, but as an older guy in a bad situation and from advice we got from the vet he's been probably going to go downhill.

Lately he has been getting thinner despite eating very well and getting his dusted food that we've been gutloading properly. He's been having a hard time retaining water regardless of misting and his dripper. Sometimes I find him climbing into the water tray to 'jacuzzi' for half the day.

Tonight I was heading to bed and I always check on him. He was settled down and a brght yellow. As I passed by him he saw me and instantly started arching his back and gaping! Which knowing my chameleon, he's never ever showed any behavior like this. I backd off immediately but he did it more, and then I noticed....his mouth turned black and his eyes turned black and looked like they were getting sucked into his head and he started gasping, like he couldn't breathe. He looked like he was choking and he wasn't going flat or anything, but started globbing his tongue out an after what seemed like forever it seemed like it resolved itself...but it scared the crap out of me. I felt totally helpless and couldn't help him at all. I'm hoping its not indicative of him dying, and I'm hoping I don't find him lying there in the morning....

I really can't take him to the vet. I know its "not cool" to not have a vet fund but after several surgeries this year and two layoffs, funds are just ****. Thanks for listening....

(I've already filled out hose health forms a bunch, just wanted to share and see if anyone has had this experience.)

 

[Cait0420]

I hope he's ok!

 

[Renn]

Me too husband just went and checked on him and says he looks back to his normal self. But had given him water and a little heat. I'm hoping it doesn't mess up his sleep cycle too bad.

I was about to move him into this larger enclosure I setup but no I'm worried it'll stress him out. Chameleons are so sensitive.

 

[Cait0420]

I'm glad he seems better. And yes they are VERY sensitive. Keep us posted!

 

[camimom]

has he ever been tested for parasites?

How much does he eat? and what is he eating?

can you post a photo please?


The arching and black markings, can be a sign of impending death (don't want to scare you, just inform)

but he could have just been having a moment.

what do you supplement with?

ANy chance you can take him outside for some real sun?

 

[Renn]

He was dead this morning

I don't know much about chameleon death, but he was yellow and striped black, his eyes black. I tried to wait to see if he might come around, but there was...that smell, you know what i'm talking about if you've been around deceased pets...and he was completely unresponsive and I heard no heartbeat or respiration.

I'm upset about it....but at the same time I'm glad he's not suffering anymore. He was older and in really, really bad shape when we got him, she was pretty much "Well he's old and dying but take him". Living for 5 yrs with other species of animals without lighting or anything. And he lived longer than I expected him when we got him with our other rescues.

At least we were able to make him comfortable and warm for several months, at least I'm trying to convince myself he didn't die in vain.

I do appreciate all the advice I've gotten off these forums, y'all have been just been a wonderful resource for everything I've ever needed or been confused about.

We won't be getting another chameleon anytime soon. Mostly because we don't have the funds, and I'd really want to have everything setup and vet funds setup the next time we get one. Probably wait several years but who knows.

Thanks guys.

R.I.P Kabuki <3

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I am sorry for your loss! It sounds like you did everything you could for him and it is clear that you cared about him a lot. RIP Kabuki!

 

[ridgebax1]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss; I just lost both of my boys. I am also taking a break from chameleons. I have quite a bit going on and will have to take a certification exam for my job in the spring so I am going to concentrate on that and then once that is past, I may get a new chameleon afterward.

 

[skeart]

I am so sorry to hear that was his outcome. People think because they aren't mammals, just "lizards", that it is hard to be sad about losing them, but I know it hurts. You did your best to help him it seems.

 

[carol5208]

This thread is almost two years old!!