Urgent advice about anesthetic before vet visit to avoid medical mistake

[bluemooon]

I am taking my 5 month old panther chameleon to the vet ophtamologist in 8 hours from now, to try to take out dirt stucked under the eyelid, or to determine what is there. It is university professor, but I have doubts if he have knowledge about chameleons. I believe he want to use anesthesia.
Please, if anyone have experience with putting cham under local or total anesthetic, to share it with me. What kind of anesthetic is used, problems, etc...
If I see that vet does not know drugs used for chameleons I will refuse any procedure.
I need your help to avoid medical mistake and keep him healthy and alive.

Here are images https://www.chameleonforums.com/something-stuck-under-eyelid-really-need-advice-58400/

 

[Texas Ranger]

I would just be VERY carefull with anesthesa. Even vets that do it on dogs everyday have made mistakes. Im very anti anasthesa. It has to many risks. I have seen too many dogs/cats go in for ruetine teeth cleanings or other things and not come out. Its just scary. But for a cham I would be a total reck. But maybe someone eles will chime in and give you some help. I hope every thing goes smoothly for ya.

 

[Miss Lily]

My Tommy was aneasthetised for some x rays and he was fine. I think they use a gas rather than an injection so that as soon as the mask is removed they wake up. They usually keep them under for as little time as possible.

Have you tried misting for longer or even showering your cham to see if that will help shift whatever he has stuck?

 

[lslcronk]

I would just be VERY carefull with anesthesa. Even vets that do it on dogs everyday have made mistakes. Im very anti anasthesa. It has to many risks. I have seen too many dogs/cats go in for ruetine teeth cleanings or other things and not come out. Its just scary. But for a cham I would be a total reck. But maybe someone eles will chime in and give you some help. I hope every thing goes smoothly for ya.

There is nothing really "routine" about anesthesia. It is scary, but if you take the proper precautions it can be very beneficial/helpful. Be cautious yes, but by asking questions, performing pre-anesthetic bloodwork (if not available or not offered, go somewhere else), IV fluids (again if not at least offered, leave. At least with dogs/cats, I dont know about IV fluids for chams). A lot of your "routine" anesthesia that goes badly is because clients want dentals, spays, neuters, hell even abdominal exploratory surgery done by the "lowest bidder" so to speak. Everyday we get calls from people price shopping for the cheapest possible surgeries - trust me people, if it is super cheap - IT IS NOT SUPER SAFE!! Just an FYI - dont be anti-anesthesia, be diligent in making sure your pet is "healthy" (obviously in severe cases this may not be possible) and take at least the minimal safety precautions offered, if not demand more.

 

[bluemooon]

I tried everything possible for one month, and more. Warm showers, saline flushed in the eye, Getamycin, Tobramycin in case of infection, even little doses of vitamin A. I will see tomorow if this vet can do something. It's blocking his vision, and his perception is not good so he miss the food sometimes.

My Tommy was aneasthetised for some x rays and he was fine. I think they use a gas rather than an injection so that as soon as the mask is removed they wake up. They usually keep them under for as little time as possible.

Have you tried misting for longer or even showering your cham to see if that will help shift whatever he has stuck?

 

[bluemooon]

Just update. I was suspicious, but we were lucky. Vet have found the way to take out deposit from his eye. It was hudge white ball, maybe 6-7 mm, possibly created from old skin stucked under eyelid.
We wait now labaratory test for both eyes, but there is no that horrible bulge any more

 

[lslcronk]

I am glad to hear it went well!! Thanks for the update!!

 

[Texas Ranger]

Wow thats great news. I was wondering what happen.

 

[laurie]

That is some good news! Did they have to put him under? I am glad it is all over for both you and your chameleon. I know how stressed you have been for a while.

 

[bluemooon]

Thank you. This is relief after almost 2 months.
Vet was very skilled, and my cham was very calm and brave. He did not moved during procedure. It's all done without sedation.
Now we have other eye to heal, it wasn't sheed, and lot of layers were there. Now, there is very young skin, and I hope this will go well too.

That is some good news! Did they have to put him under? I am glad it is all over for both you and your chameleon. I know how stressed you have been for a while.

 

[Miss Lily]

So pleased that everything worked out well for you! It's not nice taking them to the vets.