My baby Veiled has parasites. :(

[NolaGirl]

I brought my baby Veiled to the vet last week for his first check-up while in my care. I brought a fresh poop sample to be tested, also. I was also concerned about him hissing/wheezing. I noticed it a couple of days before the appointment. He only did it when I stick my hand inside of his enclosure.

Well, the Herp Vet found worm eggs in his poop. She said that the cham had probably contracted it while in the breeders care. She gave me some dewormer ( Panacur Susp.) to administer to him 3 times a week for 2 weeks. I just started on the second go round of Panacur Susp. today. She also examined him to see if he had any signs of respiratory infection. She said that his saliva and mouth looked fine. His breathing was normal. He did make a slight popping sound while in the examining room, though. She decided to give him an injection of antibiotic just in case he was starting to develop a respiratory issue. I went back twice (every 72 hrs.) for injections. The last dose was Friday. Hopefully, when I return to the Vet for a check-up in a week, he'll be fully recovered. She reviewed my husbandry and told me that everything is spot on. She said that my cham's immune system was a bit compromised due to the parasites, so if he was developing a respiratory infection, that was probably the cause.

He is already eating a lot more. He is eating 25 crickets or more daily.

 

[Carlton]

Most chams are going to have some parasites because they pick them up from feeders. Doesn't matter whether the cham is cbb or wc. They are very very common, so don't expect to see many chams with none. A few eggs showing up in a fecal isn't a huge problem as long as your cham is healthy otherwise. It is something to know, to test for occasionally, and treat if necessary. Consider this just part of your cham's long term health care.

 

[camimom]

If he only hissed at you when you put your hand in the cage, it was probably because he doesnt liek your hand!

its how they warn you to go away.. you know how dogs growl, cats hiss... same concept.

 

[NolaGirl]

If he only hissed at you when you put your hand in the cage, it was probably because he doesnt liek your hand!

its how they warn you to go away.. you know how dogs growl, cats hiss... same concept.

Well, I know that it's normal for chameleons to hiss, but his hissing was accompanied by a wheezing sound. It wasn't his normal "I'm pissed off" sound. He also made a slight popping noise in the examining room. Antibiotics were administered in case it was the start of a respiratory infection to nip it in the bud. He hasn't made any unusual noises in days and his appetite is a lot better.

 

[NolaGirl]

Most chams are going to have some parasites because they pick them up from feeders. Doesn't matter whether the cham is cbb or wc. They are very very common, so don't expect to see many chams with none. A few eggs showing up in a fecal isn't a huge problem as long as your cham is healthy otherwise. It is something to know, to test for occasionally, and treat if necessary. Consider this just part of your cham's long term health care.

I understand. I'm willing to do everything possible to ensure my buddy's health. Will breeding my own feeders reduce the spread of parasites from feeders to my cham?

 

[NolaGirl]

Tesla hasn't made a wheezing sound in days and he's eating like a pig! He has gained 4 grams! He's looking great. He received his final injection of antibiotics last Friday and I administered his last dosage of Panacur on Wednesday. He has a follow up appointment next week. The vet will do another fecal exam to make sure the parasites are taken care of.