Tawnee29
New Member
I was offering a wax worm as a treat to a veiled chameleon I'm petsitting for a bit, but he got my finger instead and I accidentally jerked my hand back out of instinct and now his tongue is out of his mouth and won't go back in.
I've never taken care of a chameleon before, but have general experience in reptile care, particularly with beardies. I feel so terrible and I have no idea what to do. I called the herp I usually take my beardie to to ask if they could give me any help or if so could schedule an appointment but he won't be available until Monday.
I looked up what to do for him and did a few things like take out all cage furniture except for a few branches on the ground now, added a infrared heat emitter to keep him warm, and am trying to keep him moist but he climbs up the side of his cage when I do and steps on his tongue and looks like he's gagging when he does.
When he gags, the stiff part at the base is bloody. I've attached a picture so you can get a better idea. It's not the best, but I didn't wanna agitate him more and make him hurt himself any more than he has.
Sorry if I didn't include all the necessary details, but I'm freaking out and just want to help him and don't want to make it any worse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I had no idea that was even a possibility and wouldn't have ever tried handfeeding if I knew. I feel like the worst person in the world.
I've never taken care of a chameleon before, but have general experience in reptile care, particularly with beardies. I feel so terrible and I have no idea what to do. I called the herp I usually take my beardie to to ask if they could give me any help or if so could schedule an appointment but he won't be available until Monday.
I looked up what to do for him and did a few things like take out all cage furniture except for a few branches on the ground now, added a infrared heat emitter to keep him warm, and am trying to keep him moist but he climbs up the side of his cage when I do and steps on his tongue and looks like he's gagging when he does.
When he gags, the stiff part at the base is bloody. I've attached a picture so you can get a better idea. It's not the best, but I didn't wanna agitate him more and make him hurt himself any more than he has.
Sorry if I didn't include all the necessary details, but I'm freaking out and just want to help him and don't want to make it any worse. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I had no idea that was even a possibility and wouldn't have ever tried handfeeding if I knew. I feel like the worst person in the world.
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