Help with Yemen chameleon ill health!!!

[Laurenbenefer]

Hi,
I took my 4 yr old Yemen chameleon to the vets on Tuesday after noticing he had a blockage and sore looking rear end (Sunday) the vet removed the blockage (poo which he said was healthy looking) and suggested I keep it clean with salt water and keep an eye on him. I asked the possible causes ... He said its hard to say but likely it's bad husbandry! I explained this is impossible. He hasn't had any health problems in the four years I have had him. Perfect temps, very bright and rarely stressed, supplements added to his food, regular misting and water changes ( he drinks from his water dish) he has a large mesh cage and I use a solar glo lamp 125watt for his uv intake. I regularly take him outside on sunny days to bask also.

Since coming back from the vets I have misted the cage more than usual and bathed him as he is looking dehydrated (sunken eyes) he isn't eating or pooping and spends way too much time at the bottom of the cage. I've moved him a couple times to get him warm. He is still fairly lively and bright but not his usual self. I have got another vets appointment Saturday but would like some feedback from other Yemen owners as my get was more interested in me getting him booked back in for X-rays and blood tests (expensive) which obviously wi will do if I can get him better. If anyone has had anything similar I would appreciate any response!

Thank you!

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

FYI if your chameleon drinks from the dish chances are he is not getting misted for long enough. Do you have a misting system or hand misting?

 

[Laurenbenefer]

I hand mist A minimum of 3 times a day. I make sure everything is dripping wet He has drunk from the bowl since he was tiny.

 

[Laurenbenefer]

I've never ever let him get dehydrated. This is the first time I've seen it and I haven't changed my care regime since I've had him

 

[Lazy Boy]

I hand mist A minimum of 3 times a day. I make sure everything is dripping wet He has drunk from the bowl since he was tiny.

I understand you have always done it and he drinks from it but a water bowl can and will breed bacteria and is a bad idea. You can use a dripper so he can drink when he wants.

 

[Laurenbenefer]

Ah ok. I was advised a water bowl is a good idea to have as well as long as it's water is changed regularly. I have tried a dropper before but he didn't seem too fussed and preferred licking droplets from misting!will take on board removing the water dish. Don't think it's this that has caused his health problems though

 

[Laurenbenefer]

*dripper

 

[Lazy Boy]

I think I would get him in for blood work. Him not being able to push a healthy poop out isn't good and might have more blockage. Keep us updated and I wish you the best

 

[Laurenbenefer]

I have him booked in Saturday... Thank you for your feedback. Yeah alarm bells rang as soon as I noticed. I'm so worried, fingers crossed. Will keep you updated.

 

[laurie]

My fingers are crossed with you!! Best of luck.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Bacteria in the water dish could cause problems with digestion and maybe pooping. Definitely go with a dripper. Fingers crossed

 

[carol5208]

If you have kept him alive and healthy to this point you must be doing something right! Let us know what the bloodwork says.

 

[Laurenbenefer]

Hi everyone

It saddens me to say my chameleon had to be put down today I booked him in for an emergency appointment because he deteriorated overnight. My vet said his rear end looked a lot better and healed but he couldn't even grip or walk to bask . He said I did all I could but there was likely to be an underlying disease.

I'm absolutely devastated. Anyone that keeps chameleons as a pet knows how much time and effort goes into making them have a perfect life and how saddening it is when there is nothing you can do to help. He was awesome and I am so sad. Gunna miss the little guy but glad he isn't suffering anymore.

Thanks for your concerns sorry this isn't good news.



Lauren

 

[Laurenbenefer]

Carol5208 - just seen your comment.... Thank you I appreciate your comment.... Each Cham is different ... Some do drink
Out of their water bowls and I agree .... The water situation here is not a cause of illness.... After four years of caring for him! He has a water bowl as he doesn't like a dripper and his water is changed daily, I don't want to feel bad for giving him a water bowl( feel slightly guilty now because a few people mentioned it!) mentioned to the vet and he said that would not of been the cause and he even seemed in good health on Tuesday other than his rear end.

don't know what more to say. Gutted.

 

[Lazy Boy]

So very sorry for your loss.

 

[MichelleNFrankie]

I've never ever let him get dehydrated. This is the first time I've seen it and I haven't changed my care regime since I've had him

That's normal, I have a dripper that drips into a cup and my veiled chameleon will drink out of the cup the water drips into plus I mist 4 to 6 times a day, I think he just likes it better because he can get all the water he needs there. I don't think it's your fault that he's dehydrated, maybe try misting more that he's dehydrated now though. Good luck, I hope he gets better...

 

[MichelleNFrankie]

I just realized you lost your little guy, I'm so sorry, I'm sure he's in chameleon heaven now atleast he's not in pain anymore.