Prolapse please help!!
- Thread starter CharlieWhiskey
- Start date
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Keep it moist! If you are able to somehow soak it in sugar water, it may help to reduce the size. Then use a water based lubricant on it. Vet asap!
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
Ok, freakout over here. Is it bladder or something else? What usually causes this?
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
If unable to get the little backside in a soak, then saturate gauze or a clean washcloth in the sugar water and hold it there gently. That doesn’t look like hemipenes to me, but I could be mistaken. It may be colon. I’m not sure what causes prolapse, other than some chams seem to be more prone to it. He needs a vet to treat him and maybe place a suture to hold everything in place for healing.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
He went to the bathroom so I guess that would be colon? How much sugar to water?
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
I don’t know the specific ratio, but I would do at least 50/50.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
In case you need it, here’s the vet list. I hope and pray for everything to go well. Do keep us posted. 
ehdee6
Member
1 tablespoon per 0.375 cup of water... Poor fella.
Honey will work too and has more healing agents in it. The measurements don't have to be exact. You could even put raw sugar on it, but the liquid will be easier to work with. It basically draws fluid from the swollen tissue so that it might shrink enough to go back in... I had a gecko that this happened to.
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CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
My husband kindly drove me an hour to an emergency vet for reptiles. The doctor is examining him and then they’ll come speak to me. 
thank you @MissSkittles 
thank you @MissSkittles
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
Were they able to treat your gecko? Such a scary situation. Thank you for your help!1 tablespoon per 0.375 cup of water... Poor fella.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
I’m at the one in Bothell, WA. They’re a 24 hour which is wonderful.In case you need it, here’s the vet list. I hope and pray for everything to go well. Do keep us posted.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
Thank youGood luck. Hope the vet knows what to do for your chameleon.
ehdee6
Member
He did get better, I had to put him on a special diet of feeders lower in chitin that are easy to digest/pass. Like bsfl (while they're white still) and smaller younger feeders like pinhead crickets for a few months.
Also hi neighbor, you're just south east of the border from me.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
These are the discharge papers. Thought it would be easier to copy and paste than try to type it out:
Louis presented to our hospital on emergency for prolapse. On physical exam, Louis was bright, had a soft coelom, and had an approximately 3.5cm cloacal prolapse of healthy tissue. We discussed that these physical exam findings may be caused by: - Intestinal parasites - Coelomic disease - Dehydration and constipation - Electrolyte imbalances - An as-of-yet-unidentified reason
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: As a result of the physical exam findings, we recommended the following tests to help guide our treatment plan: CBC - to assess for infection and general systemic health Serum chemistry - to assess for organ dysfunction and electrolyte levels X-rays - to assess the chest (lungs/heart), abdominal organs/GI tract, musculoskeletal system Ultrasound - to assess for fluid within the coelom/abdomen, soft tissue/internal structures Fecal analysis - to assess for intestinal parasites - unable to obtain sample At your request, no diagnostics were performed, and we were unable to obtain a fecal sample. We are moving forward with prescribing empirical therapy (medication without testing) to do our best to help alleviate Louis's symptoms. We discussed that the biggest risk in moving forward with this approach is that we are unable to confirm our diagnosis, and there is a possibility that Louis may not respond to the treatments prescribed, may have another cause for the symptoms we are seeing that are currently not addressed by the treatments we have prescribed, or may be adversely affected by the medications prescribed due to an undiagnosed underlying condition.
DIAGNOSIS: We are still not sure why Louis developed a prolapse. The most common reason for this in males is parasitic infection. Submitting a fecal sample as soon as possible will allow us to determine if there is a parasitic infection and treat the underlying cause for his symptoms. Other possibilities include intra-coelomic disease, cancer, dehydration, etc.. Further diagnostics would be required to help determine an underlying cause.
TREATMENTS: Louis was sedated and his prolapse was gently replaced using lube and cotton tipped applicators. Two sutures were placed along the sides of the vent to prevent Louis from reprolapsing. There is still a small space to allow fecal matter to pass. We will leave these sutures in place for 10-14 days to give the body time to heal and hopefully prevent another prolapse when they are removed. MEDICATIONS: Louis has been prescribed a short course of anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Please give all medications only as directed for the full course of treatment. Changing the dose or frequency of treatment may be harmful, and could impact Louis' chances of making a full recovery. 1) Meloxicam (Metacam) - this is a pain and anti-inflammatory medication. While risks of side effects at the prescribed dose are low, they may include gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney damage. Please monitor for any changes in appetite, behavior, frequency of urination, or character of feces and contact CBEAM immediately if any of these changes are seen. 2) Lactulose - this is a laxative medication to help with passing stool and getting the GI tract moving. Do not administer any over-the-counter medications to Louis without first consulting with an exotic animal veterinarian, as many of these can be toxic.
HOME CARE: Do not soak Louis while these sutures are in place. Monitor for straining to defecate. Some straining may be normal, however, if Louis seems to be swelling around the lower portion of his body, he could have stool building up and may need to be evaluated. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. MONITORING: As always, continue to monitor Louis closely at home for repeat prolapse, abnormal appetite or behavior, abnormal or reduced stool/urine production, lethargy, or weakness. If the condition changes in any way, your pet should return to the hospital for further evaluation immediately. We have an emergency on-call service available 24/7 should you need us. FOLLOW UP: Please schedule a recheck with us in about 10-14 days to remove his vent sutures. Louis should return immediately if deteriorating further prior to this time.
We appreciate the opportunity to help you and Louis today. Louis is very sweet, and was an excellent patient for us. We hope that you start seeing some improvement at home.
Louis presented to our hospital on emergency for prolapse. On physical exam, Louis was bright, had a soft coelom, and had an approximately 3.5cm cloacal prolapse of healthy tissue. We discussed that these physical exam findings may be caused by: - Intestinal parasites - Coelomic disease - Dehydration and constipation - Electrolyte imbalances - An as-of-yet-unidentified reason
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: As a result of the physical exam findings, we recommended the following tests to help guide our treatment plan: CBC - to assess for infection and general systemic health Serum chemistry - to assess for organ dysfunction and electrolyte levels X-rays - to assess the chest (lungs/heart), abdominal organs/GI tract, musculoskeletal system Ultrasound - to assess for fluid within the coelom/abdomen, soft tissue/internal structures Fecal analysis - to assess for intestinal parasites - unable to obtain sample At your request, no diagnostics were performed, and we were unable to obtain a fecal sample. We are moving forward with prescribing empirical therapy (medication without testing) to do our best to help alleviate Louis's symptoms. We discussed that the biggest risk in moving forward with this approach is that we are unable to confirm our diagnosis, and there is a possibility that Louis may not respond to the treatments prescribed, may have another cause for the symptoms we are seeing that are currently not addressed by the treatments we have prescribed, or may be adversely affected by the medications prescribed due to an undiagnosed underlying condition.
DIAGNOSIS: We are still not sure why Louis developed a prolapse. The most common reason for this in males is parasitic infection. Submitting a fecal sample as soon as possible will allow us to determine if there is a parasitic infection and treat the underlying cause for his symptoms. Other possibilities include intra-coelomic disease, cancer, dehydration, etc.. Further diagnostics would be required to help determine an underlying cause.
TREATMENTS: Louis was sedated and his prolapse was gently replaced using lube and cotton tipped applicators. Two sutures were placed along the sides of the vent to prevent Louis from reprolapsing. There is still a small space to allow fecal matter to pass. We will leave these sutures in place for 10-14 days to give the body time to heal and hopefully prevent another prolapse when they are removed. MEDICATIONS: Louis has been prescribed a short course of anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Please give all medications only as directed for the full course of treatment. Changing the dose or frequency of treatment may be harmful, and could impact Louis' chances of making a full recovery. 1) Meloxicam (Metacam) - this is a pain and anti-inflammatory medication. While risks of side effects at the prescribed dose are low, they may include gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney damage. Please monitor for any changes in appetite, behavior, frequency of urination, or character of feces and contact CBEAM immediately if any of these changes are seen. 2) Lactulose - this is a laxative medication to help with passing stool and getting the GI tract moving. Do not administer any over-the-counter medications to Louis without first consulting with an exotic animal veterinarian, as many of these can be toxic.
HOME CARE: Do not soak Louis while these sutures are in place. Monitor for straining to defecate. Some straining may be normal, however, if Louis seems to be swelling around the lower portion of his body, he could have stool building up and may need to be evaluated. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. MONITORING: As always, continue to monitor Louis closely at home for repeat prolapse, abnormal appetite or behavior, abnormal or reduced stool/urine production, lethargy, or weakness. If the condition changes in any way, your pet should return to the hospital for further evaluation immediately. We have an emergency on-call service available 24/7 should you need us. FOLLOW UP: Please schedule a recheck with us in about 10-14 days to remove his vent sutures. Louis should return immediately if deteriorating further prior to this time.
We appreciate the opportunity to help you and Louis today. Louis is very sweet, and was an excellent patient for us. We hope that you start seeing some improvement at home.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
Glad to hear he made a full recovery! Also, whaaatttt! I have a cham friend close to me!?He did get better, I had to put him on a special diet of feeders lower in chitin that are easy to digest/pass. Like bsfl (while they're white still) and smaller younger feeders like pinhead crickets for a few months.
Also hi neighbor, you're just south east of the border from me.
ehdee6
Member
Lol that gif! I'm in the Vancouver area up in Canada. 
For the fecal sample... To not contaminate it, it's best to pick it up with a piece of cling wrap (try not to squish it) and put it in a container in the fridge. It's best to bring it in within 24 hrs. Also when transporting it, put the container in a bigger one with an ice pack, that will help keep it fresh. But don't put ice or anything in the same container as the sample.
I hope your little man heals quickly!
For the fecal sample... To not contaminate it, it's best to pick it up with a piece of cling wrap (try not to squish it) and put it in a container in the fridge. It's best to bring it in within 24 hrs. Also when transporting it, put the container in a bigger one with an ice pack, that will help keep it fresh. But don't put ice or anything in the same container as the sample.
I hope your little man heals quickly!
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Kudos to getting very prompt veterinary care for your beautiful Louis and I’m hoping he makes a full recovery and with no repeat. Definitely get a fecal test for parasites. If you don’t already, I would add in some of the juicier feeders, like silkworms and treats of hornworms more frequently. Keep the poos soft and moist so he won’t have to strain or go too many days without pooping.
CharlieWhiskey
Established Member
Ya, I went to bed at 2:30 am and am at work now. Thinking I might need to tape my eyelids open later.
I just got a bunch of silkworms and more hornworms so it was good timing on his part. His poo looked normal and the urate was white. He's just a high maintenance guy...haha. It was a challenge trying to transport him. He wanted to walk around the whole time and was not enjoying the gauze. I finally had to hold the towel down over the basket but then he started systematically testing each side for an escape! At one point he stuck his little nose out the handle. I kept apologizing .
He was thoroughly angry when we were leaving but as soon as he realized it was me he wanted to walk around again! He was woozy and finally fell asleep on my hand.
I'm not looking forward to getting him to take his meds. I'll try to do it while he's eating a hornworm or silkworm. The nurse told me he would need the next dose of one med at midnight and I'm not sure how that would work so I'm gonna call the vet later to see.I really appreciate all your help and @ehdee6
LizardLurkin
Established Member
Poor Louis! He always seems to be going through something, but it's great he has such an astute and caring human to look after him. Hoping him a swift recovery!
