My female panther chameleon died suddenly

[lexingtonLisa]

I rescued a female panther chameleon less than a month ago. She was found on a dirt road so I know nothing about her history or how old she was. She ate well and poop looked normal. She appeared healthy but I never actually saw her drink after misting her plants. Last night I found her dead at the bottom of her cage. Her eyes were slightly sunken and her mouth slightly open. I have the same set up for her as I do for my veiled chameleon and he's been great for nearly a year now. I have the appropriate UVB lighting and heat lamp and a combination of live and artificial plants. Humidity around 50%. I am attaching a pic of her just 3 days prior to death. Any help figuring out what happened would be much appreciated. I didn't have her long but this really breaks my heart.

 

[NashansCamos]

She could have had parasites or something. If you found her on a dirt road with no history there is a big chance she could have had an unavoidable health problem.

 

[Kamikaze Chameleon]

My very 1st cham was female and she died from not being able to pass her egg, fertilized or not they still need a "laybin" to pass the egg. They end up suffocating on it ??? unfortunately i didn't know "she" was a female until it was to late....I can't be certain that's how yours passed but it is one possible explanation. I'm sorry for your loss ☹

 

[BenjiTheCham]

Yeah everything I’ve read says wild caught chams are not good. I agree that she probably had a parasite, but I’m not an expert so I could be wrong? Is this your first cham? Hopefully you can buy one from a breeder to have a fresh start.

Also, could you fill out this form below to make sure you had proper care just to help determine the exact cause.

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.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[PabloTheCham]

Yeah everything I’ve read says wild caught chams are not good

i think she was abandoned, not wild caught... I don't think a panther would survive in south carolina?

 

[BenjiTheCham]

i think she was abandoned, not wild caught... I don't think a panther would survive in south carolina?

Oh you’re right. I didn’t even check the location. Well then op needs to fill out the form

 

[lexingtonLisa]

i think she was abandoned, not wild caught... I don't think a panther would survive in south carolina?

Yes I think she escaped or was abandoned. Definitely not native to our area although we do have Tegu lizards here now.

 

[kinyonga]

Sorry you lost her. At least you gave her a good home for a while.
Hard to know why she died.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Any help figuring out what happened would be much appreciated. I didn't have her long but this really breaks my heart.

Please don't take this the wrong way... To what end?

You did a really good thing here, and gave her succor and security for her last days.
There are so many variables, unknowns, and possibilities, we'd only be guessing, and could be totally wrong. I don't see any upside in pondering the unknowable and beating yourself up over it. This will only drag out your grief and engender feelings of remorse.

It's over for her; it is not for you and your veiled fellow who still needs you.
Have a good cry, eat something fattening, and turn the page.

Best wishes.