My Chameleon is sick i think. please help...
- Thread starter Burrainiac
- Start date
Burrainiac
New Member
well i administered a few gulpfulls of the solution mixture and he moved aroudn a bit. I have him in his own cage with some water in a bowl( i have seen him drink from one before) and i put him on a fake plant on the ground to try to make him comfortanble I tried my best to do everything that you all said would help. i hope it works...... i tried my best...
Elizadolots
New Member
Keep misting him. Drip water or pedialyte onto his nose if possible...(if you get into the cage with him, use a plastic dropper. I've read stories of chameleons grabbing the dropper and biting on it...so, glass is a bad idea).
While chameleons are often very fragile, they are also often very resilient. He might well recover. Upping the hydration will do wonders. You'll need to address the other issues but hydration is the "live or die" issue at the moment.
I hope you can pull this baby through. I know you have his best interests in mind.
You might want to see if there's a herp club or organization in your area. You might find some advice on vets who know chameleons and are willing to do a payment plan.
While chameleons are often very fragile, they are also often very resilient. He might well recover. Upping the hydration will do wonders. You'll need to address the other issues but hydration is the "live or die" issue at the moment.
I hope you can pull this baby through. I know you have his best interests in mind.
You might want to see if there's a herp club or organization in your area. You might find some advice on vets who know chameleons and are willing to do a payment plan.
cantgetagoodsn
Avid Member
Sorry for the long post!
First, I would like to say AWESOME JOB on how quick you were, but also with great quality. That cage is fit so well you could use that for one of them in the future.
Second, I can tell you first hand everything people are saying here works and is correct, if it's not it is quickly corrected, usually by multiple people. Don't listen to what pet stores tell you. Trust this forum/vet/someone experienced with chameleons from now on haha. When I was about 11-12ish I had a female Jackson's chameleon. Of course, at 11 or 12 I did not do the proper research for the animal (easily avoidable with this forum, it's fantastic!), and she unfortunately passed away.
She was also gravid and had 14 little babies and because of the same issue, they passed too. I gave it a second go around now that I have income (once everything is initially setup and purchased, it's pretty inexpensive to raise one), responsibility lol, and this forum I have now had a perfectly healthy Jackson's chameleon for about 6 weeks now. But I had pretty much the exact same setup and routine you had initially (how I remember I don't know lol) and Jackie had the exact same symptoms and appearance.
This time around I did the research, and got a vast majority from this forum.
-You've already got a large screen cage - awesome!
-Heat lamp is okay, what wattage is it at?
-The compact UVB really needs to be a linear UVB 5.0 by ReptiSun, or ReptiGlo if that's all they have for now. I know it's more money, but this is essential. You can look at craigslist for some stuff. Id get a new bulb though, unless the owner has the receipt and can show its less than 6 months old.
-Mist consistently! You could try to get a rubbermaid type container to catch the water underneath for a drainage system. I noticed my chameleon will only drink after I have misted for about 2 mins consistently. The shower recommendation I've read all over the place, just bounce the water off the walls.
-The Gatorade/Electrolyte thing is new, but I haven't read about what to do with a sick chameleon. the members who recommended it though I have received advice from and have seen multiple times.
-It does appear as if he may have MBD. Use the search feature here and you can learn more about it. But basically he needs natural UVB that the sun gives off, emulated by the linear UVB bulb (crucial), otherwise bones and other parts don't develop properly.
-It's great you are giving him calcium on your crickets. someone may have posted here, but search on the forums for the correct calcium with vit. D3 and without. Jackson's are more sensitive to dusting.
DONT GIVE UP! If he is still moving, there is hope. Just keep consistent with the recommendations. Hope everything works out and keep us as updated as you can
And please fill this out, it will help a lot!
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
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?
Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about
First, I would like to say AWESOME JOB on how quick you were, but also with great quality. That cage is fit so well you could use that for one of them in the future.
Second, I can tell you first hand everything people are saying here works and is correct, if it's not it is quickly corrected, usually by multiple people. Don't listen to what pet stores tell you. Trust this forum/vet/someone experienced with chameleons from now on haha. When I was about 11-12ish I had a female Jackson's chameleon. Of course, at 11 or 12 I did not do the proper research for the animal (easily avoidable with this forum, it's fantastic!), and she unfortunately passed away.
She was also gravid and had 14 little babies and because of the same issue, they passed too. I gave it a second go around now that I have income (once everything is initially setup and purchased, it's pretty inexpensive to raise one), responsibility lol, and this forum I have now had a perfectly healthy Jackson's chameleon for about 6 weeks now. But I had pretty much the exact same setup and routine you had initially (how I remember I don't know lol) and Jackie had the exact same symptoms and appearance. This time around I did the research, and got a vast majority from this forum.
-You've already got a large screen cage - awesome!
-Heat lamp is okay, what wattage is it at?
-The compact UVB really needs to be a linear UVB 5.0 by ReptiSun, or ReptiGlo if that's all they have for now. I know it's more money, but this is essential. You can look at craigslist for some stuff. Id get a new bulb though, unless the owner has the receipt and can show its less than 6 months old.
-Mist consistently! You could try to get a rubbermaid type container to catch the water underneath for a drainage system. I noticed my chameleon will only drink after I have misted for about 2 mins consistently. The shower recommendation I've read all over the place, just bounce the water off the walls.
-The Gatorade/Electrolyte thing is new, but I haven't read about what to do with a sick chameleon. the members who recommended it though I have received advice from and have seen multiple times.
-It does appear as if he may have MBD. Use the search feature here and you can learn more about it. But basically he needs natural UVB that the sun gives off, emulated by the linear UVB bulb (crucial), otherwise bones and other parts don't develop properly.
-It's great you are giving him calcium on your crickets. someone may have posted here, but search on the forums for the correct calcium with vit. D3 and without. Jackson's are more sensitive to dusting.
DONT GIVE UP! If he is still moving, there is hope. Just keep consistent with the recommendations. Hope everything works out and keep us as updated as you can
And please fill this out, it will help a lot!
Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
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?
Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about
cantgetagoodsn
Avid Member
How's she doing this morning?
beeze
Avid Member
Your received some excellent advice here. I just hope that you use it and now have a laying bin for your female and get that little MBD guy to the vet ASAP. A few useful links for you below.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/jack-update-47723/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/mbd-c-calyptratus-its-prevention-47813/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/what-mbd-looks-like-38000/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/jack-update-47723/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/mbd-c-calyptratus-its-prevention-47813/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/what-mbd-looks-like-38000/
Metric
New Member
Is she eating on her own?
If not look back on page 2 of this thread, i wrote a post about making a bug paste solution that should giver her some energy and nutrition until she can eat on her own again.
goodluck! and I really admire your willingness to help this chameleon. You wouldn't believe how many people would have "dumped" her at this point, because they feel it "isn't worth it."
If not look back on page 2 of this thread, i wrote a post about making a bug paste solution that should giver her some energy and nutrition until she can eat on her own again.
goodluck! and I really admire your willingness to help this chameleon. You wouldn't believe how many people would have "dumped" her at this point, because they feel it "isn't worth it."
Burrainiac
New Member
HE still isnt in that good a shape. I dont know why everyone insists that it is a girl because i have SEEn the spurs on the heels of the feet. they are BOTh male and someone told me that that in itself could have been the problem that the stress of two males sent this one downhill.
i tried giving him the bug paste solution with electrolytes and vitamin D3 and got a couple mouthfulls down his throat but then he stopped wanting it. He is sSTILL alive and moves when i pick him up but otherwise nothing. I am in need of a vet Near Redwood CITY California. i tried finding one last night but couldnt find any... unfortunatley...
At this point im expecting the worste but hoping for the best. when i get back from school in 3 hours i am going to make more of the paste and try it again...
Once again i have him in his own cage.. and it has a water bowl cause i have seen him use it before but he isnt recently...
i tried giving him the bug paste solution with electrolytes and vitamin D3 and got a couple mouthfulls down his throat but then he stopped wanting it. He is sSTILL alive and moves when i pick him up but otherwise nothing. I am in need of a vet Near Redwood CITY California. i tried finding one last night but couldnt find any... unfortunatley...
At this point im expecting the worste but hoping for the best. when i get back from school in 3 hours i am going to make more of the paste and try it again...
Once again i have him in his own cage.. and it has a water bowl cause i have seen him use it before but he isnt recently...
Burrainiac
New Member
I DID separate them.. i tell you i am SO pissed at everything petco and the other pet store told me... wtf man
FredChameleon
New Member
all the people in the pet stores know is that they want to make a sale... do some online research and some research on here in the search command. there are lots of sites with some good info. and get that cham to a vet... work out a payment plan with the vet if you need to!
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Its a shame that most pet stores don't give good information for sure....and you can't even just read sites on the net and be sure that they are right either unfortunately...anybody can post whatever they want to without proving it. IMHO a forum like this is about the best option...we all have some experience to bring to it and hopefully learn from that of others as well.
Sorry if you mentioned that you separated them in the thread already...I read so many posts that sometimes I can't remember it all...and I also get lazy sometimes and don't re-read everything.
Sorry if you mentioned that you separated them in the thread already...I read so many posts that sometimes I can't remember it all...and I also get lazy sometimes and don't re-read everything.
Burrainiac
New Member
its ok i really appreciate all the information that everyone has given. I have taken it and tried to run with it... Unfortuantley i did not know of this forum before getting my guys... Hopefully the one will be healthy for a long time and the other will regenerate some strength i feel horrible...
i feel horrible...
jannb
Chameleon Enthusiast
This vet may be pretty close to you. Sometime you have to drive a ways to a chameleon vet. My vet is over two hours.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/veterinarian-bay-area-45056/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/veterinarian-bay-area-45056/
Burrainiac
New Member
i called them and they said i have done everything i could exceot come in. They also said the two males together may have justmade this one so weak it will die.
KingJulien
New Member
I would call the East Bay Vivarium in Berkeley. They are a good pet store specializing in reptiles, they could probably suggest a chameleon vet.
Julirs
New Member
You have fallen victim to bad petstore advice Burrainiac-it happens all too often. This is exactly what happens to chameleons who do not have proper UVB and calcium supplementation. In my opinion if you cannot get them Vet care, you need to get them to someone that can or have them euthanized. It is cruel to let them go on like they are. Even with Vet care they are far worse than any cases I have dealt with and I do not hold out much hope. Getting them hydrated and calcium boosted would be of high priority, but at that level of MBD they are often going into organ failure. It can literally take these cold blooded creatures months to pass on.
This being said, you have learned alot and this experience will make you a more knowledgeable keeper.
This being said, you have learned alot and this experience will make you a more knowledgeable keeper.
AReptile
New Member
Unfortunately you are not the only one who has fallen victim to the petstore. My very first cham I purchased from a petstore, and I followed what the guy had told me. I knew some things about them beforehand, and i was going online trying to find out more info the day of the purchase and i came across this forum. It only took ONE day for the faulty advice from the petstore to affect the poor little cham, and i was forced to give the cham back for a new one. People on here helped me correct the issues for the second one and despite being a petstore cham she is still around today almost 9 months later.
But on your issue, you have to keep doing the pedialyte treatment it's your only hope. I just had a baby beardie who stopped eating due to what the vet and i believed to be an infection of some sort and they were giving him injections and tube feeding him. Despite having vet care he passed away. Your chameleons a bigger than my beardie was so i believe they have some hope if you can just get to a vet and see what they can do for it. Make sure its an exotic vet, a regular vet's guess about a chameleon is as good as anyone on here who has seen the pictures provided.
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