Two poorly boys

[Miss Lily]

Well, for a good few weeks now we have been up against it with both Toby and Zippy. On top of the papilloma virus, Zippy also has mouth rot. A couple of days ago I noticed that seemingly overnight his bottom lips had become 'droopy', so back to the vet we went yesterday. The vet wasn't sure if it was the virus breaking through and now affecting his mouth, or if it was an infection. There is no pus on his lips. Anyhow, since Zippy has been having daily mouth washes with Tamodine (which is really stressful for him as he hates being handled) and the mouth rot has not improved, in fact it has changed a bit, we have to return on Monday. IF he shows signs of improvement then we'll talk about a next plan of action, but if he has not improved the vet has agreed with me that the best option would be to put him to sleep. Treatment doesn't seem to be helping and he has now lost full extension of his tongue. He won't let me assist feed as he won't let anything near his face - if I try and offer him a bug and it touches his wart on his head then he shakes his head violently. So, we shall see what Monday brings. Today he ate 2 calciworms, but at pretty much zero range - he stuck his head right in the pot to snag them.

Now, Toby has been having weekly antibiotic injections for his mouth problems (which I feel are not connected to Zippy's problems) and I had thought he was doing well, as did the vet at his last check up on Monday. However, I was washing his mouth this afternoon and saw a new yellow patch on his teeth/gum that look infected. That must have appeared since Monday. So, I guess I will take them both back on Monday afternoon and see where we go from here.

 

[Miss Lily]

Zippy has just turned 3 years old on the 10th, so he is elderly now as far as Carpets are concerned. They have no contact with each other and don't share any feeding cups, etc, and I don't go from one to the other without washing my hands and when I handle them I always handle Toby first, then Zippy. I am about ready to give up on chameleons now. It's been a wonderful journey and I have shared my home and daily life with 6 of these wonderful creatures since 2008, but I just can't do this anymore. Once they start needing the vets, it's usually the beginning of the end.

 

[absolutbill]

I am so terribly sorry you are going through all this right now. I know it's tough, but you are a fantastic cham keeper, and I would encourage you not to throw in the towel just yet. I had 2 of my 3 chams pass away within a month of each other and I am still getting over that shock. Things happen, we learn from them, we post on here to help others not go through what we have, and we emerge as stronger and better keepers because of it. My heart goes out to you right now, you will do what is best for your little guys, I know it.

 

[Lathis]

I'm so sorry your little guys are going through so many problems I wish them the best of luck and positive thoughts going out to you too right now. My Ferds has been sick for the last several weeks, so I understand how stressful this can be.

 

[MelissaB]

I'm so sorry for your little guys.

 

[laurie]

Aw Tiff, I am so sorry. I remember so well when several of us all started out together on the forums. What a long way it has been since then. i know you have been thinking about giving up, and with Armanti and the rest of your crew, to keep you company, I can see how you might toss in the towel. I do hope you will keep at least one chameleon, you have so much to offer a cham, it would be sad for one to not get to share your like. You could teach Leon to be a cham person.

I am always here for you no matter what.

 

[Miss Lily]

Thanks everyone. Laurie, we have been on such a journey together, through so many chameleons. I know now that it's time for me to get out of chameleon ownership. They don't live very long (well, for me, anyway). I just can't do this anymore. Take the cresties, for example, I have had them for 5 years now, and only a few trips to the vets for worming treatment about 4 years ago. I certainly don't want them to suffer, which I feel I would do if I kept taking them back to the vets to try 'one more thing'. I have learnt through the other chams, and Monty particularly, that I need to let them go before it gets to the stage that it's the only choice.

Looking back now, I feel that when Monty died, a part of me died too. He was the best chameleon I could ever have had, and maybe I shouldn't have gone ahead and got Toby. He is lovely, but he's not Monty - no other cham could ever replace Monty. Everyone who met him fell in love with him, he was such a sweet boy. I do on occasion forget and call Toby Monty, and that still hurts.

 

[laurie]

Tiff if your heart tells you it is time to leave chams, then I would also follow my heart. I have more and more questions regarding the ethics of me keeping chams here in my inhospitable environment. I can't let go yet, but I don't know how much longer I will last.

 

[carol5208]

I am so sorry for all you are going through. I understand how you feel though and it gets very disheartening when you know you are giving them the best of care and they still get sick. Maybe if you get out of it for awhile and take a break, you will change your mind. I have seen many members on here do that and then get back into it. If not, we will sure miss you Tiff. All the best to you in whatever you decide.

 

[Miss Lily]

Thanks ladies! I do love chams, but I do feel a bit defeated. Maybe, I will get back into it some time in the future, but I don't want any more just yet. I have the geckos, plus baby cresties and also my little Grandson to keep me busy too.

 

[Miss Lily]

Just a small update for everyone!

Toby, seems to be doing really well - he's eating nicely again and seems better. Zippy, however, isn't so good. The last couple of days I've caught him with his eyes closed a few times. He also can't fire his tongue out enough to eat on his own. I still have to hold him and wash his mouth with tamodine every day (which he hates), but while I have his mouth open I pop some food in, but he's not happy with being hand fed either.

 

[MelissaB]

I'm happy Toby is doing better. I hope Zippy feels better soon, too.

 

[Miss Lily]

Just a little update - things have been pretty hectic here for me the past couple of months. Zippy is still with us, and last weekend I thought it was time to put him to sleep, but we had a sudden illness with the new kitten last week so I didn't give so much thought to Zippy. However, yesterday he had regained use of his tongue, so for now he has a reprieve! Toby is still the same.

 

[Carlton]

Just a little update - things have been pretty hectic here for me the past couple of months. Zippy is still with us, and last weekend I thought it was time to put him to sleep, but we had a sudden illness with the new kitten last week so I didn't give so much thought to Zippy. However, yesterday he had regained use of his tongue, so for now he has a reprieve! Toby is still the same.

At least they are still hanging in there! Thanks for the update!