Sassysmom
New Member
Bought Sassy, my (GUESSING) 7 month Veiled from a woman that could not care for her. I was told she was 1 1/2 years old and to feed her every other day. After some research I concluded that she was 3 months old when purchased from a big box pet store around 4 months when i got her making her around 7 months. I had never seen the coiled UVB before ( I've always used the traditional long lights) I continued to use it, she came with no Calcium so I assume she hadn't received any. I gut load feeders and sprinkel with calcium daily, calcium with D3 2XS per month. Wide variety of fruits, veggies plus insects and worms. Changed her to a very large cage, water drip, mister, real plants. 5 days ago I noticed she was at the bottom of her cage. I provided a bucket of soil for her. After 24 hours of her wallowing in the dirt I KNEW in my heart that she had MBD with broken limbs. That was 4 days ago. I found a vet ( an 80 year old big animal/reptile/regular vet). She tested positive for pinworm and MBD with all 4 limbs broken. He was surprised her jaw wasn't broken. I told him about the calcium I give her and that old man actually swore in front of me (That generation of men DO NOT swear infront of women) calling the "calcium provided by pet stores S#it!!!, because its not for human consumption, they can call it calcium and put whatever they want in it. Chamelons grow fast and require more calcium, human calcium." He also stated that the parasites come from the feeder crickets. He gave me droppers for her "super formula/food and liqiud calcium he ground and I mix and administer. He wants to wait untill shes eating on her own and hydrated before worming her. I have never cried so hard over a pet!!! The rest of the world thinks I'm crazy, but my family understands I LOVE HER!!! I will do whatever it takes to nurse her back to health. She is receiving 1 dose of calcium and 3 feedings per day(totalling 1 tsp of fluid per day) along with 45 minute shower and 2 hours a day in the sunshine. Today she took the super food by drops didnt have to force feed. Ive worked in the medical field for 14 years and am sure to place it past her air vent to prevent aspiration. This isnt my first lizard I have nursed back to health, I am an experienced reptile/amphibian owner since 1991 but this is my first Cham. Ive always wanted one but I knew that my children would stress one out so I waited untill now (youngest 16) to own one.
Questions:
1. Is the vet right about the calcium?
2. How long can I expect for the healing process?
3. Where can I find crickets that are parasite free?
4. Should I be giving additional water?
Questions:
1. Is the vet right about the calcium?
2. How long can I expect for the healing process?
3. Where can I find crickets that are parasite free?
4. Should I be giving additional water?
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