buddythechameleon
New Member
On a whim I popped into the local aquarium (a small, underwhelming establishment) which doesn't sell livestock anymore. At the back in a small tank was this little albino-esque panther chameleon, a runt from a clutch which arrived sometime last September. Apparently no-one wanted him as he was half the size of the others and had a few 'problems'.
He was not for sale and rather underweight. He also had a bad case of MBD (classic signs in the legs and tail) which had gone unnoticed. He was slumped on his branch and probably stressed beyond belief from little kids running around 7 days a week and the huge green iguana in close proximity. The viv was also filthy and the décor clearly hadn’t been intended for a long term stay (I’d hope). Long story short I convinced them to let me take him (I only live up the road) and assess his health. I saw him on the Tuesday, picked him up on the Friday and have now had him for 11 days.
Observations when he first arrived:
After only these 11 days, with gut loaded and dusted locusts, calci worms, the odd wax worm, regular misting, basking area and new UVB bulb, his condition has improved remarkably!! Better coordination, much better strength and the shakiness in his movement is probably 20% what it was. I’ve upgraded his viv to a simply furnished, substrate planted environment with vines no higher than 5ish inches and a mossy substrate surface to cushion any falls (which he still often has). I’m itching to get him in a ‘lil slice of Madagascan jungle but am taking things at his pace.
I’d love any advice/tips/tricks from your experiences of cams in these circumstances and things that have or haven’t worked for others in the past? And has anyone experienced this stunted growth before? Could it be a result of a mutation or just malnourishment? Interested if any breeders have had any similar experiences with that regard.
Lastly, has anyone seen a similarly coloured Pardalis? I was told he’s an albino but I’m weary. He’s a very sandy colour with oranges, browns and occasional salmon colours. I’ve never seen one like him nor have I found any panther photographs similar to his colourations.
Apologies for the length of post! I’m new and figured context is beneficial. Thank you in advance.
He was not for sale and rather underweight. He also had a bad case of MBD (classic signs in the legs and tail) which had gone unnoticed. He was slumped on his branch and probably stressed beyond belief from little kids running around 7 days a week and the huge green iguana in close proximity. The viv was also filthy and the décor clearly hadn’t been intended for a long term stay (I’d hope). Long story short I convinced them to let me take him (I only live up the road) and assess his health. I saw him on the Tuesday, picked him up on the Friday and have now had him for 11 days.
Observations when he first arrived:
- Very visible ribcage.
- Bulbous neck and lower jaw.
- Very weak grip.
- Movement very limited and shaky/ unsteady, lack of balance and cognitive control of tail and feet/hands.
- Not able to hold himself up off the branch and obviously took comfort from being slumped over it and low.
- Arm bones curved with bulbous knees and ankles, feet positioning abnormal when grasping.
- A black bruise on left hand upper rear of the body.
- Disfigured vertebrae both above the pelvis and in the rear 3rd of the tail. Tail tip damage.
After only these 11 days, with gut loaded and dusted locusts, calci worms, the odd wax worm, regular misting, basking area and new UVB bulb, his condition has improved remarkably!! Better coordination, much better strength and the shakiness in his movement is probably 20% what it was. I’ve upgraded his viv to a simply furnished, substrate planted environment with vines no higher than 5ish inches and a mossy substrate surface to cushion any falls (which he still often has). I’m itching to get him in a ‘lil slice of Madagascan jungle but am taking things at his pace.
I’d love any advice/tips/tricks from your experiences of cams in these circumstances and things that have or haven’t worked for others in the past? And has anyone experienced this stunted growth before? Could it be a result of a mutation or just malnourishment? Interested if any breeders have had any similar experiences with that regard.
Lastly, has anyone seen a similarly coloured Pardalis? I was told he’s an albino but I’m weary. He’s a very sandy colour with oranges, browns and occasional salmon colours. I’ve never seen one like him nor have I found any panther photographs similar to his colourations.
Apologies for the length of post! I’m new and figured context is beneficial. Thank you in advance.
If you think the UK is small, google Guernsey, Channel Islands! 
