Hi. I really know almost nothing about Jackson’s but do know that they can have problems with temporal glands filling/getting infected. There’s also things like mouth rot and respiratory infection that could cause him to keep his mouth open, along with mbd. More pics will definitely help. If you’d like you could also have your husbandry reviewed to make sure that mbd and other things can be ruled out. You’ll find the help questions here if you want to do that. Just copy & paste.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
Hopefully someone with experience with Jackson’s can better help you.
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care? Male xanth, around 4.5- 5 years old, 4 years in my care
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon? Almost never but occasionally for transportation purpose or if there is a power outage at my house
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
My Cham tongue issues so I am forced to hand feed, mainly dubias but also hornworms, superworms, every once in a while crickets, I want to start varying his diet more though. Because of hand feeding usually 1 relatively large bug everyday, gutload mostly consists of leafy greens such as collards, kale, bok choy, turnip greens, but includes carrots, raspberries, blueberries, apple, banana, zucchini occasionally
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Zoo med no d3 calc 2-3 times a week
Calc w d3 once a month
Reptivite once a month
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
I must 36 oz bottle (5-10 min) in the morning before lights go on and after the lights go off.
I also include a hydration session where I offer him water by spraying lightly near his mouth. He usually drinks then so I see him drink
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
Not tested for parasites, his poop is usually looks firm as in it keeps it’s shape, unrated are white as the moon maybe too white and sometimes a little watery
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
He was diagnosed with articulate gout 2.5 months ago. His tongue doesn’t work it shoots out only 1 inch, I used to not know what I was doing and I used to not fully give him best care possible which could be reason for some of his issues
Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
24 24 48 reptibreeze
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
White heat light creates 84 degree basking spot, and 24 inch t5 ho 5.0 zoo Med reptisun for uvb 12/12 on off cycle for both
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Floor is around 68-70 top is around 73-75, night time temp around 66-70. Usually 66. I used a digital thermometer
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Daytime-50-60% I live in a very humid area nighttime I’m not sure but probably 60-85 depending on where in the cage because it is bioactive I use a spray bottle, I use a digital hygrometer
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Yes, I have one large massangena or mass cane that is very large, two draceana little trees, and a yucca cane
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Located on a high drawer way higher than humans, I do have a fan facing towards it at night to help with the temp drop
Location - Where are you geographically located? Houston, hot and humid
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
MBD slightly open mouth
It also has an open wound on the inner aspect. Are you using anything on that? When the vet did the surgery, was he at least able to remove some of the gout crystals?
I immediately switched to fresh fruits and veggies after
he has trouble climbing because his arm is so big and it probably hurts him terribly. The wound is still there but it is healing. I used to apply ointment to it. The vet told us that he did remove as many crystals as he could but he said that there was still swelling and it would go away. It hasn’t gone away at all.
