swollen eyes

[bugboy]

Hey guys, my friend asked if I would start a thread for his chameleon. She's a panther chameleon, female, and probably close to 2 years old. Recently she has been closing her eyes a bit, and they look rather swollen. Any ideas as to what is going on? We suspect a lack of Vitamin A, as there was a period of time where she was being supplemented with calcium but no multivitamin. This is really the only thing I can think of that would cause this problem, as all other parameters are in check (and for the record, she still moves about the cage and is eating, even hitting her mark just about every time). If someone thinks there is another problem going on, let me know. In the meantime, I'll try to get a pic so you all can see for yourselves. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[carol5208]

what do they use as a gutload???

 

[bugboy]

what do they use as a gutload???

Sorry for the late reply. He does not use a gutload. Now I know the general consensus here on the forums about gutloading, and I don't deny that it plays a part in everyone's success. These are just my observations. He has quite a few different reptiles, and everyone else seems to be ok (I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything, as only 2 of his animals are chameleons). Wouldn't not having a gutload affect the other animals as well? His only other chameleon is a male panther who we just acquired around a month ago, and is not having the same symptoms (I know, not really enough time to make any claims). On top of that, he had a male previous to this one that lived to almost 8 years of age, and as far as I know he was under the same conditions; no gutload. Is it possible that it's a male/female thing, and females are more likely to be affected? It's just strange to me that she's the only one with this problem.

I was just there today and was able to observe her myself. I kinda rushed out this morning and of course I forgot my camera. I'll try to get a pic tomorrow. It seems to be the left eye is the bigger problem right now; she's not really using it aside from feeding. When not feeding, either the right eye will be open or both will be closed. When feeding, she seems to explode with life and opens both eyes, shoots, and hits the cricket. This is the part that makes me a little hopeful that we can fix it, as she can still see well enough to be able to hit her mark. Granted, I'm hand-feeding her, so she's not being made to shoot to her full potential, but she is still extending the tongue. Still moves about the cage, still going to the bathroom, still drinking. I'll update how she looks tomorrow.

Thanks again in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Solid Snake]

Well the feeders must be eating something.
Gutloading plays a HUGE role in their health, and could very well have a play in this issue.
If they are swollen, infection could also be a possibility.

 

[bugboy]

Well the feeders must be eating something.
Gutloading plays a HUGE role in their health, and could very well have a play in this issue.
If they are swollen, infection could also be a possibility.

Now that I think about it, the cricket bin is lined with oats, so they are being fed something. I understand that gutloading is thought of as critical in the success of keeping these animals, but I'm still puzzled as to why his current male or previous male never showed the same symptoms. I have spoken to a local breeder of veileds, panthers, carpets, quads and even deremensis, and he told me he used to gutload his feeders until his animals began to develop problems. Now he's just dusting. I'm not saying this is the right way or the only way, but it seems to be working well for him. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
If it were an infection, what could be the cause of it?
I didn't get a chance to get over there today, but I'm going there tomorrow morning. Hopefully I can finally get a picture. In the meantime, I'm pretty sure he is planning to take her to the vet soon.