He’s not well :-(

[rangojonny]

Hi, we have a chameleon which we took in as an elderly person could no longer look after him… he has been fine but this past week he keeps falling down and we have realised he’s not using his back legs at all! One seems swollen. What can we do? Please help!

 

[MissSkittles]

Oh my. Normally I’d happily greet you and welcome you to the forum, so pardon that I don’t do that now. While there are several things that could be the problem, because of the malformation of his casque, I’m guessing he hasn’t been getting proper supplements or uvb light. That leg has some dark discoloration like a bruise, so it could possibly be a bone fracture. Do you by chance have any information as to the care that he received before…type of supplements, lights, diet, etc? We can help you get his husbandry correct, but I think the best thing to do right now is to get him to a good vet experienced with chameleons as soon as possible. An x ray will be able to show what is going on with his leg(s), his general bone density and several other things that could be a problem. Blood work would show his organ function, calcium levels and such. If you can get a fresh poo, a fecal test for parasites is always a good idea too.

 

[Beman]

This little man is shutting down. Eyes are completely sunk in. You need a really good reptile vet. Seeing major damage to the casque. Swelling in the cheeks and casque can indicate him being obese. This in turn can cause issues with the renal function. This in turn can cause issues of gout and the ability to use the limbs.

 

[Muedy]

Hello , came to the right place.. Aw, poor baby. He needs a vet ASAP.

 

[Mountain Dragon]

Welcome to the forums….. this guy is in very serious condition I would get him to the vet ASAP

 

[rangojonny]

We have an appointment at the vet (which is an hours drive) tomorrow at 11am. There is non close to us at all! I don’t think he is going to make it until then! He is now lying down on a little make shift hammock we have made! Is there anything we can do to make him comfortable? I am devastated for him! X

 

[Mountain Dragon]

I don’t have experience in chameleons that are this serious hurt I’m sorry I wish I could provide info just a warning there is a chance he will be put down

 

[rangojonny]

Yes I understand this, I jsit don’t want to leave him in pain over night x

 

[MissSkittles]

The only thing I can think of is to give him more vine to hold on to. You can mist some of his leaves and place them near him to offer some water. Call the vet back and stress to them that he needs to be seen urgently and maybe they can squeeze him in today.

 

[rangojonny]

The only thing I can think of is to give him more vine to hold on to. You can mist some of his leaves and place them near him to offer some water. Call the vet back and stress to them that he needs to be seen urgently and maybe they can squeeze him in today.

Ok thank you… it is night time here now as I am in the UK and there are no vets that see chameleons anywhere in our area I don’t think the poor thing is going to pull through and I just want to make him comfortable X

 

[Mountain Dragon]

Ok thank you… it is night time here now as I am in the UK and there are no vets that see chameleons anywhere in our area I don’t think the poor thing is going to pull through and I just want to make him comfortable X

Yes I’m sorry

 

[Bubblestheousaletchameleo]

Hi, we have a chameleon which we took in as an elderly person could no longer look after him… he has been fine but this past week he keeps falling down and we have realised he’s not using his back legs at all! One seems swollen. What can we do? Please help!

Go to a vet ASAP!!!!!!

 

[Mountain Dragon]

Go to a vet ASAP!!!!!!

He/she stated that they have a vet appointment for tomorrow

 

[Beman]

Honestly I would put him in a hospital bin since he is at this stage. At least then he can not fall.
Low branches and a towel on the bottom. Since it is night time. I would get him secured and then turn off his lights. See if he makes it through the night.

 

[rangojonny]

Honestly I would put him in a hospital bin since he is at this stage. At least then he can not fall.
Low branches and a towel on the bottom. Since it is night time. I would get him secured and then turn off his lights. See if he makes it through the night.

View attachment 311615

We have him on a flat surface on a towel abs he seems really comfortable now… he has hold of a branch in his front arm and is just very still and settled. I really wish I could have done more x

 

[Beman]

We have him on a flat surface on a towel abs he seems really comfortable now… he has hold of a branch in his front arm and is just very still and settled. I really wish I could have done more x

They are very hard animals to care for so much needs to be perfect and it looks as this boy had a very rough life prior to you. I seriously doubt if you caused the decline based on your pics. I am sorry your going through this. I know it is not easy.

 

[rangojonny]

We have him on a flat surface on a towel abs he seems really comfortable now… he has hold of a branch in his front arm and is just very still and settled. I really wish I could have done more x

They are very hard animals to care for so much needs to be perfect and it looks as this boy had a very rough life prior to you. I seriously doubt if you caused the decline based on your pics. I am sorry your going through this. I know it is not easy.

Yes I think he had been left for a long time before we took him in! I have 4 children who adore him and they are going to be devastated I have gave him water through a syringe and doing my best to keep him comfortable x

 

[Beman]

Yes I think he had been left for a long time before we took him in! I have 4 children who adore him and they are going to be devastated I have gave him water through a syringe and doing my best to keep him comfortable x

If he is just laying there let him rest... Too much stress at this point can harm rather than help. I know it is hard. They are so very different from other animals in their care when they are shutting down. Their airway is also in the front so you can aspirate him easily especially if he is not responsive.

 

[kinyonga]

Ok thank you… it is night time here now as I am in the UK and there are no vets that see chameleons anywhere in our area I don’t think the poor thing is going to pull through and I just want to make him comfortable X

I think you are absolutely right...he's on his way out. Poor thing. His darkening colors on the body are one indication of it being near the end. At least you are giving it a warm comfortable place to end its time if it doesn't make it to the vets.

 

[rangojonny]

I am doing my best! He seems very settled now and just laying still taking big breaths