Tongue Problem

[bg77]

I have a male Veiled Cham. He is 8 months old. He is in a 24x24x48 all screen cage, 5.0 UVB tube light. Lights are on from 7am till 8 pm. He is misted 4 times a day for 3-5 minutes per session. He has been eating silkies for the past month or so. 3-5 med to large a day. Before he was eating crickets, that were dusted with herpivite(once a week), cal w/d-3(once week) and w/out d-3(3 x week) Came home today and noticed his tongue was out a little bit. I turned on his mister right away and it went back to normal. My wife is talking to the Vet tonight. Should I be to worried? Should I try to feed him on his normal schedule, or let it him rest for a day or two? Should I still supplement when he is getting silkies?I have not been supplementing him while on silkies.


Thanks

 

[ChrisD]

I've heard of this before, see if this sounds familiar, it was taken from http://webhome.idirect.com/~chameleon/owners/chapter5-sub4.html

Tounge Disfunctions
Causes: The chameleon could have a problem with his mouth, tongue or throat. This could be caused by a tongue infection, mouth abscesses, hypocalcaemia or vitamin deficiency. The infection could also be caused by puncture wound from enclosure or the sharp part of cricket leg!
Symptoms: (a) Your chameleon misses food constantly, probably due to the fact that he cannot "shoot" his tongue properly.
(b) Your chameleon will not be able to retract its tongue. In sever cases it can be completely extended, and your chameleon will not be able to coil it back into its mouth.
Treatment: Seek Veterinarian treatment immediately. Your chameleon will become rapidly dehydrated and starve unless treated immediately. Missing the insects is often a sign of a deficiency in B vitamins (and sometimes vitamin A deficiency). A good supplement containing these usually helps within 1-3 days if vitamin deficiency is the reason.
Prevention: Proper enclosure, supplements, lighting and hydration/humidity.

 

[bg77]

Nope just was out. He ate today, did not have a chance to watch, but have not seen a problem since. Thanks for the info...It seems as though no one else has any suggestions?? Weird for this forum. Oh well.