Panther chameleon mouth issue

[Raitro]

So ive had Clive for over a year now, and he sadly lost an eye late last year, but he is doing well. I think hes nearly two years old.. But not sure 100%! First chameleon ive owned. They are hard work!

During the trips to the vets, i noticed a little something in the corner of his mouth, didnt look like much at the time and the vet said it was nothing to worry about.

My problem is, that it seems to be gettong worse. Im not too sure what it is? Or if its just something i can sort? He is fine. He eats, drinks etc, just cant find anything like it online and would like some opinions before going back to the vet.

Thanks!

 

[brownie64]

It looks like it could be a fungus. Might want to think about taking him back to the vet, or get a second opinion. Not 100% sure what it is, but 100% sure it don't look right.

 

[alphakenc]

Looks like An old scar , how long ago did it happen...how did he lost his eye?

 

[Raitro]

Thanks for the replies.

I dont think its a scar, its got bigger as time has gone on and sort of stands out a little from his mouth if that makes sense.

He lost his eye roughly 6 months ago. It got infected, tried all sorts to save it but the vet said it was too bad and the infection had eaten the eye so he removed what was left and sewed it up.

 

[alphakenc]

Have you look inside of his mouth,is anything look different,his teeth....gums?what was the infection on his eyes?could it be possible that infecting his mouth also?

 

[Lathis]

I worry that maybe the original infection wasn't killed and has continued to cause damage to his jaw and surrounding tissue. I think you need a new vet and need to take him ASAP. That looks extremely serious.

 

[JoeVet]

I'm betting its infection spread from the eye. That eye socket is filled with something not right. Possibilities include fungal, bacterial, cancer. The only way to know is to get a biopsy + culture and sensitivity. Was the enucleted eye sent in for pathology?

 

[Raitro]

They eye socket always goes like that after he sheds, seems it has a hard time falling off like the rest. This started to appear when all the stuff with his eye was going on. The vet i use was recommended by a very trust worthy reptile shop. I trust this vet. I will try and make an appointment.
As far as im aware no biopsy was done at all.

 

[Raitro]

As for the inside of his mouth, i dont really know what im looking for?

 

[Vanjan]

Let me jump in this thread with an other one-eyed panther.
I think that eye socket looks quite bad and agree with Lathis and JoeVet that it could be spreading from the original infection.

This is how they performed enucleatio on my guy:
View media item 42219
And how it was shedding 2 months ago:
View media item 42218
surgery was done at 2015.12.09. about 4 months ago. The vet said they used a special double-sewing to close the wound. They used absorbable sutures (- is this the correct word?) and some parts of that came off, some are still inside.

I can not really help you what and how to check inside the mouth. A vet can take sample of saliva and send it tor testing.

 

[Raitro]

Got a vet appointment for monday, will update as and when. Couldnt get anything sooner but he is eating and drinking ok so should be ok.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[Lathis]

Keep us posted, please. I hope for a good diagnosis.

 

[Carlton]

Let me jump in this thread with an other one-eyed panther.
I think that eye socket looks quite bad and agree with Lathis and JoeVet that it could be spreading from the original infection.

This is how they performed enucleatio on my guy:
View media item 42219
And how it was shedding 2 months ago:
View media item 42218
surgery was done at 2015.12.09. about 4 months ago. The vet said they used a special double-sewing to close the wound. They used absorbable sutures (- is this the correct word?) and some parts of that came off, some are still inside.

I can not really help you what and how to check inside the mouth. A vet can take sample of saliva and send it tor testing.

Yes, I have to agree with this as well. We now know that eye problems are connected with or affected by infections in the mouth, nasal passages or sinuses. It could also spread to the jawbone. It's probably difficult to get rid of every scrap of infectious material or the original bacteria throughout these interconnected structures. And, considering that you mentioned the eye infection did so much damage despite treatment that alone makes me think this as well. Poor little guy, I hope your vet can make some progress with it.

 

[Raitro]

Hi guys, just to update you all:-
Took Clive to the vet today and they said its mouth rot and hes most likely got it because he cant see that side so wont clean that side of his mouth. No mention of his eye which to me means its fine as the vet would have said if there was anything wrong.
Gave me a container of iodine and have been advised to rub the area with cotton wool, getting all the crusty bits off then dab that on. Twice a day for two weeks.
The vet gave him fluids and anti biotics.
Going back in two weeks and will keep you updated.

Thanks agaon for all your messages.

 

[Carlton]

I don't doubt there's more infection going on, but I doubt its because he doesn't "clean" that side of his mouth. Chances are the mouthrot is just another phase of the original infection presenting itself in another way. Regardless, it needs treatment. Did the vet do any sensitivity testing to make sure the prescribed antibiotic will affect the active bacteria?

 

[Raitro]

Woah Carlton. I believe this vet guy. Why would that not happen?
No he didnt do any sensitivity testing, what ever that is.
Hes given him antibiotics before anyway.
Hes a good vet.

 

[Lathis]

The concern is that without cleaning out the infected area mechanically and without conducting a sensitivity test, the infection will continue to worsen even with antibiotics. Chameleon pus is very thick and cheesy - antibiotics have a difficult time penetrating the pus to treat the infection. Plus, some antibiotics are better suited to attacked some types of bacteria over other - a culture sensitivity will double check that the prescribed antibiotic is effective against the bacteria present in the infected tissue. It could also tell you or help the vet diagnose whether the infection is viral or fungal, which won't respond to antibiotics. Since antibiotics are so hard on the system, you want to make sure it will be effective.

We're asking questions to get the full picture of the issue and recommended treatment to help you. Some vets are good vets but not experienced with chameleons, which can be very different from treating even other reptiles.

 

[Carlton]

And, if a less effective antibiotic is used you could end up with a nasty resistant strain of bacteria that survived treatment...and isn't sensitive to other meds.

 

[Raitro]

Vet said it was fungal, i will get the names of the stuff he used on my vet bill if that helps?

 

[kinyonga]

Did he take a sample of the area to test for fungus? I'd like to know the treatment the vet is using. Km always interested in these things.