Veiled Cham - Lump on Neck and Swollen Eyes

Mac31

New Member
Okay guys I'm new here and I need some help!

My Veiled Chameleon is Thacelio. He's 3.5 Years old and I love him so much! 😀

About 8 days ago a lump appeared on the right side of his neck. Literally his neck, under his jaw.

Then a couple days later his eyes started swelling. His right eye is worse, I'm guessing that's because that's the side the lump is on, on his neck.

He has been on an antibiotic for 6 out of 7 days now (5/24 is his last dose) and the lump isn't shrinking.

Today it seems his right eye swelling has gone down some, and now around the eye is shedding.

I did have a vet appointment this morning via zoom, to tell him these things and he said, "take him to a vet to poke a needle in it and test it for cancer."

If that's what I have to do I will, but if I can figure this out without transporting him and sticking with needles, that's obviously what I would prefer.

I've been searching and researching and trying to find someone with experience in what's happening here.

Thank you !
 
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EDITED TO ADD ;

Thacelio is acting co plwtely normal outside of having a lump snd swollen/shedding eyes.

He eats and drinks all the time, basks and goes to sleep and wakes up on schedule every day.

His poop looks good too.

I will say his mouth seems pretty slimy.
 
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Welcome to the forums. I’m sorry to hear that you are having some problems with your chameleon. He certainly has some gorgeous colors. It’s possible the swelling in his neck could be edema. I see it in chameleons sometimes and it’s usually cause from the supplements. BUT it could also be something else. I‘m not sure about the eye. Does he also have problem with his mouth? Below is some questions that you should fill out for us so we can better help you and your boy. The more we know, the better we can help.

Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


Chameleon Info:
  • Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
  • Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
  • Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
  • Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
  • Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
  • Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
  • History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
  • Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
  • Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
  • Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
  • Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
  • Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
  • Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
  • Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:
  1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
  2. Photos can be very helpful.
 
Can you get some better/closer shots of your chameleon’s mouth and head and swelling please.
Is there a mark/swelling inside it’s mouth?
 
Wow thats a pretty large lump. I hope its not an abcess (pus filled sack) Since the eye is being reactive also, i see no way around a vet visit. The antibiotics have not worked and now the eye is swelling. the lump needs to be aspirated to see whats in it. If it is an abcess, it can be drained and cleaned out then the meds would work to heal it up. Since the eye is infected too, you need a professional if you want to save this handsome guy. Best of luck to you.
 
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