Long term prognosis from kidney issues?

[PappaRONzi]

My boy is at the exotic vet and seems to be recovering from kidney failure. My question is do Chams usually have a decent life after a problem like this? Is he going to be prone to problems because of this issue? I know I need to get more water in my guy, going to keep an eye on the dripper and going to increase the spraying. Any other ideas?

 

[Carlton]

My boy is at the exotic vet and seems to be recovering from kidney failure. My question is do Chams usually have a decent life after a problem like this? Is he going to be prone to problems because of this issue? I know I need to get more water in my guy, going to keep an eye on the dripper and going to increase the spraying. Any other ideas?

Unless the specific cause of his kidney problems can be diagnosed (effects from chronic dehydration, a disease, damage from oversupplementation), it would be hard to say. But, IMHO, many kidney problems in captive chams start because of dehydration or oversupplementation. Chances are, his kidneys will be permanently affected as I don't think kidneys heal all that well. He may be harder to keep properly hydrated, so you'll need to pay closer attention to signs of thirst (in addition to drinking, make sure your cage is properly humid so he doesn't lose ground between chances to drink), and also be very conservative with supplements. Rely on high quality gutloads rather than dusts and use them sparingly.

 

[PappaRONzi]

Thanks for the advice. I was very careful with his supplements in the past so I am leaning toward dehydration. Going to make sure I am spraying more/longer in addition to dripper and humidifier.

 

[PappaRONzi]

My boy is home. I need to give him 2.5 injection of water twice a day and they want me to force feed him also! Not looking forward to this. Any advice?

 

[Alexl]

Unfortunately, damaged kidneys can't regenerate.You'll need to take special care for your chameleon for the rest of his life (which will be shortened certainly).

Taking special care means: Always have a dripper to give him the opportunity to drink. Injections are the best way to hydrate a sick chameleon. Cut down the food severely to reduce proteins and disburden the kidneys. In my opinion, overfeeding is the main problem leading to kidney diseases in chameleons, not oversupplementation. Look out for edema and other signs of your chameleon getting worse. And continue staying in contact with your vet about your chameleon's health.

All the best for you and your boy.