Need help

[Lilpig99]

I recently obtained a veiled chameleon it's name is tj. I feed him 4 crickets every other day. I noticed something weird when I feed him the second time. He tilted his head up and breathed really heavily and then stretched. He now whezzes every few minutes and clicks. I read that they can get respiratory illnesses and that baytril is strong on their kidneys and can kill them. So here's my response does he have a RI and if so what's a good way to treat it without baytril?

 

[Carlton]

I recently obtained a veiled chameleon it's name is tj. I feed him 4 crickets every other day. I noticed something weird when I feed him the second time. He tilted his head up and breathed really heavily and then stretched. He now whezzes every few minutes and clicks. I read that they can get respiratory illnesses and that baytril is strong on their kidneys and can kill them. So here's my response does he have a RI and if so what's a good way to treat it without baytril?

How old is your cham? 4 crickets every other day isn't very much food unless he's a healthy adult.

There's a chance he was struggling to swallow a feeder that was too big for him and hard to get down his throat. We need more info to tell. Signs of a respiratory infection include:

Not eating or drinking
Sitting dark and not moving close to the basking light for much longer than normal
Eyes shut
Sitting with his snout pointed straight up
Expanding his throat, gulping and sitting with his mouth open constantly.
A lot of sticky bubbly saliva visible along his lips and in his mouth

Please describe your setup and your husbandry in detail. Answer these questions:


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.


Pictures are helpful

 

[carol5208]

As far as I know, there is no way to treat the infection without an antibiotic. There is no home remedy, if that is what you are asking. I have read raising the temps can be helpful, but not how to cure it. Is there a reason why you do not want to use Baytril? There are other antibiotics available, but it does seem like that is the most common one used for Respiratory Infections.