Panther Chameleon Sleeps during Day

[jmaster69]

I have been having a heck of a time...

Stopped eating all of the sudden
Clear white orangy discharge from anus
Full shed throughout 2 days( a bit stuck on eye but gone now)
Now yesterday and today I caught him sleeping during the day under his basking spot...

Could this be a virus or bacteria or what? Id like as much advice as possible before visiting the vet because its 70$ just for a visit...I only paid 150$ for him and already spent 150$ on his prolapse. I am on a budget and cannot keep this up

 

[carol5208]

you can fill out the ask for help form in the health clinic section but honestly not eating, closing his eyes, (not sure about the discharge) If he were mine I would be having him tested for parasites. If you have had him for awhile, and you don't believe it is anything in your set up causing it (old uvb light, incorrect lighting, temps too high etc) then you need to look beyond that and have him checked out by a vet.

 

[sandrachameleon]

ditto the above
And if you cant afford to care for your pet, including necessary vet bills, consider giving him to a rescue or someone who can afford his care. Doctor visits are not optional.

 

[jmaster69]

I have already scheduled an appointment. And the fact of the matter is when you purchase your first chameleon no one ever explains vet fees. I have two dogs and two cats and I never paid 70$ simply for a visit... Escpecially when dosing is minute for a 90-120 gram animal... Exotic animal perhaps but reptile nonetheless. No reason for the pricing of vet bills be way up there...

My animal husbandry are as good as it can get, i respect and love my pets more than most people. I have contacted my vet and we have arranged a price. I will be able to tell tomorow whats wrong with him

 

[carol5208]

My vet only charges $32 visit. $70 is high. We are not saying that anything in your husbandry is causing your chameleon's health issues. Sometimes things just happen to them that are beyond our control. Glad you are getting him to the vet. Is there any fresh poop in the cage that you can collect? He should have a fecal done.

 

[sandrachameleon]

.... And the fact of the matter is when you purchase your first chameleon no one ever explains vet fees. ...

Im glad youre able to continue caring for your chameleon. The suggestion was just in case you could not, for the sake of the animals. sorry if I struck a nerve.
Chameleons are expensive pets. From caging to constantly replacing he lighting to the range of prey required (some of which is not cheap like crickets), to vet bills and most importantly time. This is the sort of thing one usually researches before buying a pet, especially an exotic pet, so that one is aware of what is going to be responsible for.
You could ask your vet why they charge what they do, and they likely have an answer. Supply and demand will be part of it. But there is likely specialized knowledge and greater difficulty when dealing with small and delicate exotics.

 

[jmaster69]

I apologize if I sounded firm, Lots of stress lately ( lost my golden retriever to cancer 2 weeks ago) and now this..

I am sad to say that DJ was put down today. My vets reasoning for his demise)

1 month ago ( minor prolapse along with swelling and blood when defacating)
Antibiotics were given orally during 2 weeks, all was well

The original infection was treated and healed fine however the internal infection may have spread to his liver. The orangy clear white creamy discharge was actually urine and puss from liver failure. 2 days ago I caught him sleeping during the day, I decided it was vet time.

Even within 2 days enough damage had been done. Options were hospitaization with full anesthetics etc... and even then no guarantee of a comeback. So instead of letting DJ suffer my vet and I both decided that it was best to part ways...

Lesson learnt: Clear-white-orangy substance from anal cavity is liver failure and a sure sign of internal problems!

Off to find a new friend to add to the family. His empty enclosure is just killing me

 

[Riktor Scale]

Man, that was harsh to read. Sorry for your loss....

 

[maxttu]

Wow. So sorry to hear this. Glad he was able to go without suffering.

 

[jmaster69]

DJ was sedated right away to avoid any discomfort whatsoever. He is in a better place now.

My story is proof of the importance of fecal examinations. Regardless of what your chameleon looks like or acts, Its good to know whats going on inside your little buddy. Parasites and infections can hit hard and fast. Its always better to be pro-active then reactive.

I hope my experience helps someone in the future.

RIP DJ

 

[sandrachameleon]

Terribly sorry to hear this. I had hoped it was not serious.
my sympathy to you