Warning to all chameleon owners
- Thread starter tkalawart
- Start date
HydroCarbon
New Member
my heart goes out to you dude 
very sorry
very sorry
HydroCarbon
New Member
learning how to use this forum. sorry
pssh
Avid Member
In case this does happen again for whatever reason, you can try to remove the liquids by holding the chameleon between your hands securely and carefully/gently move them up and down with the head facing downwards. Does that make sense? I believe JanB posted about the technique before so I'll see if I can find it.
edit: here you all go:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/cpr-chameleons-31759/
edit: here you all go:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/cpr-chameleons-31759/
A little late to the game here, but I'm very sorry for this terrible experience and your loss.
I thought this would be a great place to give people an idea of anatomy for future reference.
Unlike in mammals where the windpipe and esophagus are basically very close to each other in the far back of the mouth, chameleons (and most reptiles) have their windpipe at the bottom middle of the mouth and the throat is much farther back. The blue arrow points to the esophagus where the food goes. The red arrow points to the glottis, or opening of the trachea where only air should go. (in this pic the glottis is closed) That tube structure that leads to it is the trachea itself. The mouth has kind of a scoop shape. So the point is, when you squirt water into the mouth it will naturally pool at the bottom unless it is swallowed immediately. And this is bad because the windpipe is right there on the bottom of the mouth, which makes it very easy for them to aspirate! This is especially true if they are stressed and hissing, because then that glottis is already open (to hiss out air) and water can go straight down into it so easily.
If you need to get extra water in (which I have to do on a daily basis for a very stubborn panther) the best way is how Olimpia described: give them something to eat and while they are chewing slowly squirt in small amounts. The glottis is closed at that point because they're eating so that is safest.
I thought this would be a great place to give people an idea of anatomy for future reference.
Unlike in mammals where the windpipe and esophagus are basically very close to each other in the far back of the mouth, chameleons (and most reptiles) have their windpipe at the bottom middle of the mouth and the throat is much farther back. The blue arrow points to the esophagus where the food goes. The red arrow points to the glottis, or opening of the trachea where only air should go. (in this pic the glottis is closed) That tube structure that leads to it is the trachea itself. The mouth has kind of a scoop shape. So the point is, when you squirt water into the mouth it will naturally pool at the bottom unless it is swallowed immediately. And this is bad because the windpipe is right there on the bottom of the mouth, which makes it very easy for them to aspirate! This is especially true if they are stressed and hissing, because then that glottis is already open (to hiss out air) and water can go straight down into it so easily.
If you need to get extra water in (which I have to do on a daily basis for a very stubborn panther) the best way is how Olimpia described: give them something to eat and while they are chewing slowly squirt in small amounts. The glottis is closed at that point because they're eating so that is safest.
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Captive Creations
Member
In TX they give them away for free, so druggies dont use dirty ones
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for posting this. I think it is great that your chameleon experience can be used to help others from experiencing this. I am very sorry your chameleon has passed. like someone else said it was not your fault. Your vet should have explained how to do it and make sure that you understood before you left the vet. Again I am very sorry for your loss you will be in my thoughts. May he Rest In Peace!
They do the same thing here in London as well and I know Hamilton, Toronto, and Calgary Alberta they do the same thing. There are several places in the downtown core of London. There is also a program that I volunteer at called London Cares they have people that walk around downtown with fresh needles and disposal boxes as well as band aids and water and snacks for homeless and anyone else that wants it.
A little late to the game here, but I'm very sorry for this terrible experience and your loss.
I thought this would be a great place to give people an idea of anatomy for future reference.
Unlike in mammals where the windpipe and esophagus are basically very close to each other in the far back of the mouth, chameleons (and most reptiles) have their windpipe at the bottom middle of the mouth and the throat is much farther back. The blue arrow points to the esophagus where the food goes. The red arrow points to the glottis, or opening of the trachea where only air should go. (in this pic the glottis is closed) That tube structure that leads to it is the trachea itself. The mouth has kind of a scoop shape. So the point is, when you squirt water into the mouth it will naturally pool at the bottom unless it is swallowed immediately. And this is bad because the windpipe is right there on the bottom of the mouth, which makes it very easy for them to aspirate! This is especially true if they are stressed and hissing, because then that glottis is already open (to hiss out air) and water can go straight down into it so easily.
If you need to get extra water in (which I have to do on a daily basis for a very stubborn panther) the best way is how Olimpia described: give them something to eat and while they are chewing slowly squirt in small amounts. The glottis is closed at that point because they're eating so that is safest.
Thank you so much for posting this photo with the detailed information. It is very helpful for us who are eager to learn.
Last edited by a moderator:
Pascal2017
New Member
My Cham is dehydrated and looking for help ASAP
shawnschameleon
Member
Sorry for your loss. It sure wasn't done on purpose and I don't think him being sick helped any..
opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
Great tip... to get food in while they eat. What would you suggest as a method if the cham is not eating?
@tkalawart I'm so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks with yours
Lennoncham
Chameleon Enthusiast
This thread is 5 years old
Tattersb
Avid Member
In Alabama you can get insulin needs without an RX.
opheliaeatsbugs
Avid Member
LOL, duh
Rapunzel's Pascal
Avid Member
I am so sorry for your loss. May his loving memories live in your heart forever
CharlieCharmingo
Avid Member
Sorry for you loss. it is unfortunate your vet didn't show you how to do it. Hope this doesn't detour your like of these cool little guys.
Sloppysponge
Avid Member
So sorry to hear that!!
greenbirdlady
New Member
Even if this thread is 5 years old, I just learnt something really important as to where a chameleons windpipe is. That's exactly where I would have thought to put water to be on the safe side, how wrong I would have been. Thank you ferretinmyshoes
This is a very useful thread.
Note: Your veterinarian can sell you syringes with or without needles if you need them for giving meds. They are technically being prescribed for your pet. You can ask for them when you have your pets exam or within a reasonable amount of time after your last visit.
Note: Your veterinarian can sell you syringes with or without needles if you need them for giving meds. They are technically being prescribed for your pet. You can ask for them when you have your pets exam or within a reasonable amount of time after your last visit.
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