Vet vs forum members

[Alexander1]

I recently started taking my veild Cham to a new vet in my city, it's across town but he is the only vet that I found to be associated with numerous reptile associations and research committees etc. I took my Cham because he had a lack of appetite, I was first a little reluctant because I was spending a good chunk of money to treat him for parasites and a minor bacteria treatment for his mouth, well a couple weeks later my Cham is eating like a champ!!! So much I find myself having to throttle his food intake now..
My issue now is humidity, the vet told me he worked at a zoo and veiled thrived in lower humidity conditions asking as they where hydrated, forum members recommend 40-70% humidity.
My Chicago home is very dry this winter and I'm worried it can drop to 30% humidity, should I be concerned for his health?
Should I disregard my vets educated opinion or my fellow forum members expirience?

 

[jannb]

There's a really good chameleon vet in the Chicago area. I'll get you his info. Most vets even the ones that see reptiles have very little chameleon knowledge. I have also noticed that the ones that know the lease charge the most. I have to drive 4 1/2 hours to a good chameleon vet. Veiled do not require as high humidity as some chameleons. If it drops to 30 or 35 that's ok as long as it goes back up when you mist. I recommend 3 good long mistings a day and if you use the potho plants they help to keep up the humidity for a long time.

Here you go:

Dr. Todd Gray
Arboretum View Animal Hospital
2551 Warrenville Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-963-0424 - phone
630-963-0537 - fax
www.avah.org

 

[Alexander1]

Wow thank you for your help!

 

[Blang]

Scott McDonald in Chicago was the vet at the Brookfield zoo in illinois, he now has his own practice In Illinois!

 

[OldChamKeeper]

Jannb is easily one of the most experienced members when it comes to finding a vet.

I can personally say I'm not impressed by the listing of "credentials" by the vet you used. I went thru eight over the last 30+ years until I found two that were solid. All eight "said" they were skilled with reptiles but it didn't take long to see they didn't even understand the animals habitat requirements let alone how to treat it. Also the really expensive vets, I honestly think they are just taking advantage of the owner needing a vet who will the reptile. I use Dr Greek. Very reasonable prices for the very best work.

 

[jannb]

Jannb is easily one of the most experienced members when it comes to finding a vet.

I can personally say I'm not impressed by the listing of "credentials" by the vet you used. I went thru eight over the last 30+ years until I found two that were solid. All eight "said" they were skilled with reptiles but it didn't take long to see they didn't even understand the animals habitat requirements let alone how to treat it. Also the really expensive vets, I honestly think they are just taking advantage of the owner needing a vet who will the reptile. I use Dr Greek. Very reasonable prices for the very best work.

I really like Dr. Greek. I got to meet him and hear him talk about chameleons at one of the Chameleon Keepers meeting held at his office years ago. I personally have two different chameleon vets. One is a mobile vet that use to keep chameleons himself so his knowledge is from experience and then for serious problems and surgeries I go to one of the few reptile vets with an actual degree. I am very lucky to have them both. I feel that both charge a VERY fair price. I also feel that the vets that really don't know chameleons think of them as exotic and something they rarely see so they charge extra just because they are exotic.

 

[nick barta]

There is a difference between humidity and water intake. ALL chameleons need enough water, in long enough dripping sessions to drink. Not ALL chameleons need humid environments. Humidity in the cage is required for montane species, but is not as critical for Veilds and Panthers, IMHO. ALL chameleons do not need humidity at 60-80%: the result of keeping high humidity will be Upper Respiratory infections.

CHEERS!

Nick

 

[OldChamKeeper]

There is a difference between humidity and water intake. ALL chameleons need enough water, in long enough dripping sessions to drink. Not ALL chameleons need humid environments. Humidity in the cage is required for montane species, but is not as critical for Veilds and Panthers, IMHO. ALL chameleons do not need humidity at 60-80%: the result of keeping high humidity will be Upper Respiratory infections.

CHEERS!

Nick

totally agree with this. This is also where many Vets make their mistake. Before I met Dr Greek I tried a local vet near my home who would see reptiles, I HAD TO teach him the needs of my animal. It was an amazon tree boa and he gave me instructions that strangely were perfect for ball pythons......... I should have charged him for the lecture I gave him.

 

[HueTheChameleon]

There's a really good chameleon vet in the Chicago area. I'll get you his info. Most vets even the ones that see reptiles have very little chameleon knowledge. I have also noticed that the ones that know the lease charge the most. I have to drive 4 1/2 hours to a good chameleon vet. Veiled do not require as high humidity as some chameleons. If it drops to 30 or 35 that's ok as long as it goes back up when you mist. I recommend 3 good long mistings a day and if you use the potho plants they help to keep up the humidity for a long time.

Here you go:

Dr. Todd Gray
Arboretum View Animal Hospital
2551 Warrenville Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-963-0424 - phone
630-963-0537 - fax
www.avah.org

That link opens to a dead page! My female veiled 5-6 months just started turning amazing colors but also is refusing to lay her eggs. I have tried 3 different lay bins and she won't lay. I tried all organic dirt, then just sand, then dirt and sand mixed and she won't lay her eggs. I'm really worried she'll become egg bound. Also, she started having odd growths on her joints this morning.

Basically what I'm saying is that I need to schedule a vet visit and would greatly appreciate any recommendations near the Pilsen area of Chicago.

 

[jannb]

The vets name and phone number is posted above. You don't really need the link. My friend that used this vets has a number of different species so this vet is experienced in chameleons. Chameleon vets are rare and I have to drive 4 and 1/2 hours one way to mine.