Please help new to Chameleon's very worried

[richgaskill]

My chameleon has swollen legs and bottom.
He is opening his bowels but every other day instead of his usual daily. We have had him since he was weeks old and have fed him mostly crickets and some worms and flys he catches in the garden. The crickets have always been dusted with both calcium and Reptivite. Having read through other postings I have began to increase watering, reduce vitamins and vary diet away from crickets to worms. He will see a vet this week but I thought I would get some opinions. This is our first chameleon and until now he has been a picture of health. We are very worried along with the swelling he seem less coordinated and miserable. He still has a strong grip but find moving difficult which effects his ability to catch food. Although he is being watered more frequently he does not seem to be drinking much. My brother in law is a vet in Poland and having seen some photos thinks it may be a kidney or liver infection and suggested an antibiotic. I hope someone can advise and reassure we do fear the worst please help.

PS: I have tried to upload photos but I cant make it small enough so if anyone can advise on that as well or I could email.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. Sorry to hear that your chameleon is not well. Please fill out this form below to give us all the stats on your chameleon so the member here and try to give you some suggestions. I would gets a vets appt. ASAP. If you will email me your pictures I will resize and post for you. [email protected]

How to ask for help

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Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information, you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


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?

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.
Current Problem - The current problem that you are concerned about.

Pictures are helpful

 

[Dave Weldon]

...PS: I have tried to upload photos but I cant make it small enough so if anyone can advise on that as well or I could email.

Howdy,

Many of us use www.photobucket.com and then paste the direct links using their "IMG Code" link supplied under each photo that you post there.

 

[jannb]

Here's the picture:

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy,

Please Sir, may I have some more photos .

If you can show some full-body shots as well as the feet from other angles, it might help in formulating an opinion as to what might be going on.

Also, along with the "How to ask for help" details, be sure to give us a time-line of this health issue.