help! my chameleon has a swollen eye and an abscess! :(

[jeckman]

Today, my boyfriend noticed that our veiled chameleons right eye was swollen. After looking at his eye, we also noticed that there was a bumped on his nose, in between his eyes. Neither of these two things were there yesterday. Does anybody think that they could be related somehow? Any advice? Please and Thank You!

 

[Kodos2150]

i had a chameleon with the exact same problem! it sounds like a sinus abscess, take him to a good reptile vet ASAP! i didn't do it as soon as i noticed it and the problems that spawned out of that thing eventually killed him

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

A picture would be helpful. It does sound like an abscess to me as well based on your description. If that is the case it will need to be opened, cleaned out, and cultured by a vet so you know which antibiotic to use. Due to the nature and location of the problem simply using oral antibiotics without surgically cleaning the wound will not be effective. I hope you have an experienced reptile vet nearby to help you out!

 

[jeckman]

here are a few pictures... thank you!

 

[Leroux2008]

sorry to say this but ur gonna have to go to the vet =[[ That is definitely what it looks like! (abscess)

 

[Leroux2008]

What it is is like a bacterial infection that causes puss.... Ferrett is definitely right about no matter what u put on it... it wont help... you have to get rid of the puss then medicate it so it wont get infected worse.

 

[jeckman]

okay, thanks. we found an exotic vet in the area so we are going to take Spike there tomorrow. I hope that he will be okay.

 

[Leroux2008]

woo thats great! I think he will as long as it is treated promptly! Sadly it will cost u some money...

 

[jeckman]

we just got back from the vet and she gave us TMS suspension to give to him daily. hopefully this will help. we go back for a follow up in 2 weeks.

 

[laurie]

Did she drain it and clean it?

 

[jeckman]

no she didn't. she said if the antibiotic didn't work she would have to drain it.

 

[kinyonga]

Its almost a certainty that the antibiotic won't work if the abcess isn't cleaned out thoroughly first. And without a sample of the exudate a culture and sensitivity test can't be done to determine if the chameleon is on the right antibiotic.

 

[oliveblanche]

What ended up happening? My Cham looks like she has this exact thing.

 

[Elizadolots]

Olive, I think you should start a new thread. It would be best if you complete the "how to ask for help" form. You can post a link to reference this thread.

 

[oliveblanche]

Olive, I think you should start a new thread. It would be best if you complete the "how to ask for help" form. You can post a link to reference this thread.

Thank you, I am bringing her to the vet today, I'll post a thread with an update!