healed broken leg

[assbags]

Hey guys I'm new here

I am about to take on a panther cham, but one of her front legs is broken, its a looong story but it has rounded and healed at the break, but not reattatched. I'm going to take her to the vets but was just wondering if anyone had any advice as to if there is a way around this without a trip to the vets (deffo worried they will insist on putting her to sleep) she's going to take some nursing but I think I can save her, even if she has to be 3 legged. Any ideas will be appriciated!x

 

[Dr O]

I don't quite understand where the fracture is that you are describing or how exactly it has healed. photos and a better description would help.

worse case scenario (rather than having a cham in tremendous pain from an unhealed fracture for the rest of his shortened and miserable life) is amputate the leg. relatively easy surgical procedure for an experienced vet and they do just fine with 3 legs.

 

[assbags]

Sorry I can't put pics on as I only have internet on my phone its fairly close to the shoulder joint on her front leg.

I was hoping removing the leg was an option, but she's pretty weak I'm not sure if she will make it

Ill update when I know more thanks for the reply!x

 

[AngieL]

If it were me, I'd be concerned about the pain she may be in. Also how did the leg get broken in the first place and why hasn't it healed? Chams don't break bones very easily so I'd be worried about metabolic bone disease which is a calcium deficiency that causes bones to curve and become fragile. If there is mbd then the poor thing will probably need quite a bit of nursing and calcium injections from the vet so it could get quite pricey too!

I'm no expert and I'm not saying this is the case, just saying these would be my first concerns with taking this cham home.

If you want to add pics from your phone you can get an app called tapatalk for free

 

[djfishygillz]

If the animal has a broken limb and you are trying to avoid a vet visit it sounds like the chameleon is in a bad situation. Have you ever owned a chameleon? Do you have reptile experience? If it has a broken limb it has to go to a vet. Also there are only a few with vet experince on here. So we have opinions but they aren't vet worthy. Please take the chameleom to the vet and if you can not afford surgery then have it euthanasianized instead of living with a broken limb and dieing slowly. I'm sorry i don't want to sound harsh it would just suck to have a broken limb and have it not getting treated. Chameleon or human.

 

[djfishygillz]

Also why the name assbags?

 

[Lovereps]

It would be inhumane to not have her seen by a qualified vet.
A vet would not insist upon an animal being euthanized unless it was in pain that could not be remedied.
If you're willing to spend the required money and time on her care that would be kind of you.
If you give us a hint as to where you are, maybe someone here could suggest a vet with the right experience. Not all vets are qualified to tend to chameleons.

 

[squeekz1992]

I agree with both AngieL and djfishygillz.

It sounds to me as if this chameleon likely has advanced MBD, and that it is in a lot of pain. I am by no means a vet, but I would urge you to go to the vet apt that you have scheduled, and if the best for the chameleon would be to put it down, do that. I commend you for taking in this poor baby, just be prepared.

 

[assbags]

Wow lots of replies! I'll try remember to answer as many questions as possible!

She is highly unlikely to be calcium deficient as her brothers and sisters are all fine and kept in the same conditions.

Its believed her leg was broken by a sibling biting her before they were separated?

Assbags... Just b'cus lol

If I decide to take her on it will be after a chat with a vet, she is weak and I'm not exactly rolling in cash and I need to know the full extent of the financial side before making a set decision.

Iv never owned a cham before but I have other reptiles and have read endless info on the little cuties too.

I also know where my local reptile vet is so that's sorted.

I have a habit of taking in sick and injured animals and I hattte having to say no but as much as I have many other animal commitments, I know I could nurse her back to health as long as the vet says they can fix her!

If I can't afford to fix her up she will be put to sleep. Sad but better than her living in so much pain fingers crossed I can have a chat with the vet early this week.

Thank u all for your replies xx

 

[Dr O]

A vet would not insist upon an animal being euthanized unless it was in pain that could not be remedied.

Well said!

 

[squeekz1992]

She is highly unlikely to be calcium deficient as her brothers and sisters are all fine and kept in the same conditions.

That doesn't exactly mean she can't have MBD. It is different for every cham, and if they were being kept together, which is bad, then she could have been spending less time under the UVB or Basking spots, and it would be helpful to us if you would fill out th e"How to ask for help" form in the health clinic so that we can rule out certain variables.

Its believed her leg was broken by a sibling biting her before they were separated?

How old are they/were they upon being separated??

If I decide to take her on it will be after a chat with a vet, she is weak and I'm not exactly rolling in cash and I need to know the full extent of the financial side before making a set decision.

I think that if you don't have the money to properly care for her, she needs to be euthanized. Taking on an injured animal shouldn't be something that you do on a whim. Chameleons require top notch care, and even if your heart is in the right place, which I have no doubt that it is, you need to be strong enough to think of what is best for her, not the cash value of it, although that is important..

 

[djfishygillz]

Goodluck! I hope the little one can make it.

It sounds like you are doing some real good in the herp world