Popeye has been to the vet!

[Kate]

Just before I joined this forum, Popeye sustained a thermal burn on his belly. Apart from the burn, the only other sign of illness was the loss of vibrant colour. Popeye is a male Ampiskiana panther now aged two and a half. Very soon after treatment with Baytril injections and flamazine cream to the area, Popeyes colour came back and he seemed to be very healthy. For the last month or two Popeye has been loosing his colour again. He seems to be less active and is constipated. There is a very small area on his belly that never really healed. Took him to them vet again today and he feels that there may be some activity behind the area that hasn't fully healed, and decided to treat him with a different drug this time. Marbocyl. It is similar to Baytral but with less side effects. I told him I had bought Neosporin while on holiday last year and he said to apply it wouldn't do any harm. Neosporin doesn't appear to be available in UK. Hopefully he will poop in the next couple of days and won't need to have that dealt with. Will be treated for parasites after antibiotics are finished. Hopefully he will be better soon. My story may help other Cham owners recognise that small changes in colour and behavour could mean changes in their health.

 

[AngieL]

Aw Kate! So sorry to hear that Mr Popeye isn't feeling well. Good in you for noticing those subtle changes. I hope hes all better soon

 

[Miss Lily]

Awww, poor Popeye. I hope he feels much better soon. Like you say - it is very important to spend time observing your chameleons so you are fully aware of what is 'normal' for each one. Mine get taken to the vet at the very first signs of anything being amiss, because I know them so well. Lily, my first Veiled started losing her eyes on one Monday afternoon and she was straight at the vets the next day. Despite our best efforts she sadly died just 5 days after first showing signs of illness. Experience and intuition has told me that if I have even a slight inkling that something is not quite right, it is usually the case that they have some issue going on. The saddest thing is that when they are sick they hide signs and symptoms so well, that by the time we realise something is wrong it is often too late already to help them. Time is of the essence with chameleons and their health. Good luck with Popeye!

 

[Kate]

Thanks Angie. I'm sure he will be ok. The vet was great, just handed me the syringe and told me to get on with it. LOL Was impressed with my use of Neosporin. Could only find those ingredients in ear drops. I did tell him I would post this on the forum and he said if anyone came back with any ideas of different treatment to let him know. Still have the option of him talking to Dick Vet School in Edinburgh.

 

[Kate]

Awww, poor Popeye. I hope he feels much better soon. Like you say - it is very important to spend time observing your chameleons so you are fully aware of what is 'normal' for each one. Mine get taken to the vet at the very first signs of anything being amiss, because I know them so well. Lily, my first Veiled started losing her eyes on one Monday afternoon and she was straight at the vets the next day. Despite our best efforts she sadly died just 5 days after first showing signs of illness. Experience and intuition has told me that if I have even a slight inkling that something is not quite right, it is usually the case that they have some issue going on. The saddest thing is that when they are sick they hide signs and symptoms so well, that by the time we realise something is wrong it is often too late already to help them. Time is of the essence with chameleons and their health. Good luck with Popeye!

Thanks Tiff. Photos of a colourful Popeye soon I hope. There are no reptile vets in Aberdeen but this vet has a good knowledge and doesn't bluff his way. I trust him.

 

[jannb]

Kate, best wishes for a speedy recovery for Popeye. At least you are on top of things and got him to the vet right away. Keep us posted.

 

[AngieL]

It's great that you can go to The Royal Dick! Well worth the 3.5 hour drive I woul think!

 

[Kate]

Well! Pleased to say he has had a monstrous poop this morning so that's one problem solved. I will spare you photos enjoying a very long drink from his dropper which he usually ignores. Thanks for your good wishes, it does help.

 

[AngieL]

I'm happy that he's gone poopie for you at least Teal'c drank a helluva lot when she was on antibiotics which is a great thing!

 

[jannb]

Well! Pleased to say he has had a monstrous poop this morning so that's one problem solved. I will spare you photos enjoying a very long drink from his dropper which he usually ignores. Thanks for your good wishes, it does help.

Thank sounds like good news Kate. May he continue to improve for you.

 

[lovepicasso]

That is such great news and I pray for continuing success in his healing.

 

[Kate]

Thank sounds like good news Kate. May he continue to improve for you.

Been under basking light for a couple of hrs. Hasn't done that for a while. Started gaping so raised his light. Fingers crossed.