Poorly Oustalet's (PIC HEAVY)

[Bigheadben]

Hey everyone,
Im having some trouble with my male oustalet's - I bought him in February and had him couriered to me as the species is hard to find in the uk. He was sold with the female as a breeding pair and my intention was always to sell her. They were temporarily housed together and she bullied him slightly, I separated and sold her as soon as I noticed.
He has been alone for 4 months and since his bullying, has not been particularly happy, his colouring is always dark unless I take him in the bathroom and he's not eating anywhere near what he should, about 3 locusts a day. I've added a photo of his enclosure, 2 100watt bulbs with a basking spot between 86-90, a 12.0 uvb tube.
He is misted 3 times a day at least.
Also, he recently had a trip to the local reptile vets as I noticed he has a small bump above his shoulder, it contracts & retracts when he eats. The vet said he is in extremely good condition and other than this bump was healthy. She said he could've taken a fall and will probably stay like this but its unlikely that its doing any harm which I find hard to believe. She gave anti-inflammatories but they've done nothing - i've added photos.
Wondering if anyone has experienced this before or know what could be up with him? Sorry for the essay but I thought it best to give as much info as possible.
Thanks guys!

 

[SaintJimmy]

The arm definitely looks like he has MBD, is that what you were wondering?

The arm is bowed, which is a sign of a calcium deficiency (not good). Someone sold him to you with problems, most likely.

The bone that sticks out by his arm (I am by NO MEANS a chameleon expert or reptile vet or biologist or anything of the sort, I'm just guessing) looks like the hyoid muscles?

At least to me it looks like it would be that.

I think that drawing is a bit outdated honestly, but that's the only thing I can think of.

You mentioned it retracts/moves when he eats. That is what this bone does

 

[Bigheadben]

thank you for the fast reply, what would you reccomend is the best course of action? should I take him back to the vets and suggest its mbd? I'm really concerned about him and just want him to get better asap if possible!

 

[ataraxia]

From what i would guess. Jimmy hit it on the head. For both mbd and what the protruding bone is.

To help you boy some thing need to change ASAP.
1. Your basking spot needs to be raised closer to the uvb light. You will probably have to change the bulb wattage or get rid of one to accomplish getting him with 8-10 inches from the uvb and sustain proper temps.
2 Since he does have MBD i would suggest buying a new uvb bulb. A power sun would be best but a new replacement with a 10.0 bulb would be good.
3. I would administer a small dosing of liquid calcium daily. You can do this by injecting one feeder and feeding it off to him or you can force if you feel comfortable.
4. Proper nutrition. A supplement schedule recommended here on the boards has been tried and proved to work. Dust all feeder with plain phosphorus freee calcium. Twice a month a multivitamin and D3.

 

[Tay And A]

Oustalets are a big chameleon. We have had three of them. They need more food, and more water, than others Chams. They also nned the same amount of lighting as other Chams. 60 watt house bulb. Reptisun 5.0 for UVA-UVB

 

[Bigheadben]

thanks again for the advice, I have just ordered liquid calcium and will grab new uv bulb tomorrow. I read that T5 was good for chameleons, is this something people would recommend I invest in? How much liquid calcium do I administer? sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to make any mistakes.
I will dust his food like you've said and I have some repti-boost I can add to his water which might encourage him to perk up a little. Thanks again guys, I'll keep you updated!

 

[ataraxia]

No problem at all. Its better to ask all the question you can think of. Definitely better than keeping them in and never getting an answer

The reptiboost in his water is unnecessary.

T5 are great if your limited on space. As they are much, much smaller than the T8. Im not completely convinced they are that huge of an improvement of an T8 as far as visual lumens is concerned. Whatever your choice may be. Since you are using a reptarium be sure to buy a uvb 10.0.

 

[carol5208]

Can I ask a question? You said your vet said he was healthy other than the bump? Did she not notice your chameleon has MBD? If not, I would find another vet!!!

 

[Bigheadben]

Hey guys,
I've bought a bigger dome and changed it as advised to there is one spot bulb and now a 10.0 UVB tube next to it so he has full coverage when basking.
All food is being dusted with calci-dust & liquid calcium has been ordered & will hopefully arrive today! And No Carol, sadly she didn't notice the MBD, its the only specialist reptile vet around and she's been so good for me in the past!?
Thanks again for advice!

 

[chameleonowner32]

He has been alone for 4 months and since his bullying, has not been particularly happy, his colouring is always dark unless I take him in the bathroom and he's not eating anywhere near what he should, about 3 locusts a day. I've added a photo of his enclosure, 2 100watt bulbs with a basking spot between 86-90, a 12.0 uvb tube.


I noticed that your basking spot is only 86-90, mine is 90-95. Since they are alot bigger they need more heat along with water and more food.

 

[chameleonowner32]

Oustalets are a big chameleon. We have had three of them. They need more food, and more water, than others Chams. They also nned the same amount of lighting as other Chams. 60 watt house bulb. Reptisun 5.0 for UVA-UVB

I wouldnt agree with this. I use 100watt with 10.0 bulbs. I feel 10.0s are neccesary for ousties.

 

[carol5208]

That is crazy that your vet would not see that! She could give him calcium injections which would help him also. Where are you located?