WC Chams and parasites.

[PoshPenny]

Tomorrow I take Hoggle to the vet to be checked out, but iv been reading about this species having issues with parasites and especially if WC. I looked at two Oustelets today and realized I bought the WC one, I know they need extra care in some areas. The CB female fell off the branch right in front me! I did not want to get her because her grip was so weak. The oustelet I bought was strong. Very good grip. Too good! My hands are a mess from his claws!

Can anyone give me insight on the first course of action to take with a WC verses CB vet wise? Is it much different? He sees the vet tomorrow, I'd like to have a firm game plan when I go in as to what I want checked. Fecals for sure, do I need X-rays? Also his spit looked a little thick too, should I ask for a swab of his spit to rule out URI? Any advise is greatly appreciated. I'll do whatever takes. I really want him to make it by giving him everything he needs to flourish.

 

[rshewfel]

I typically wait about a month before I take my wildcaught chameleons to the vet. I do this to let them settle in and start acclimating. It is not always good to start them on medications right from the start. After they settle in, I take them for a check-up. I just bring in a stool sample to check for parasites.

I give my wildcaught chameleons plenty of water, and plenty of privacy. I have a barrier between their cage and the rest of the room. This way the chameleon isn't disturbed when I tend to other chameleons. I also don't handle them at all during this time, unless absolutely necessary.

 

[PoshPenny]

Putting him in his new free range was scary last night, he didn't want to let go of the wood stick and boy did he let me have it. He was pissed. I will not handling him. Lol

I misted him this morning and put crickets in his cup. He still hasn't moved from his spot so I moved the lamp down to him. He is hiding behind his stick. I'm pretending to not see him.

 

[Trace]

I've written a blog about how I acclimate wild caughts, maybe you will find some of these tips helpful: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/trace/776-dealing-wild-caught-chameleon.html

 

[PoshPenny]

Thank you so much trace !!!!

 

[PoshPenny]

After several misting a those eyes look great!

Going to follow traces blog advise. Excited for this guy. He is so mellow.

 

[MelissaB]

His eyes look so much better! I hope he gets a good report at the vet. Good luck.

 

[PoshPenny]

They plumped right out. Very happy mommy!

However we are getting a extra enclosure for him for when we are gone. Hoggle has been doing some exploring. For his safety when I'm not home to rescue him from chandeliers( no idea how the crap he managed that one!) and hanging wall mirrors, he will be in his enclosure. But free ranged when one of us is home.

 

[Carlton]

I typically wait about a month before I take my wildcaught chameleons to the vet. I do this to let them settle in and start acclimating. It is not always good to start them on medications right from the start. After they settle in, I take them for a check-up. I just bring in a stool sample to check for parasites.

I give my wildcaught chameleons plenty of water, and plenty of privacy. I have a barrier between their cage and the rest of the room. This way the chameleon isn't disturbed when I tend to other chameleons. I also don't handle them at all during this time, unless absolutely necessary.

Completely agree. You can take a fecal to the vet at any time just to get an idea what parasites it MIGHT have, but hold off on treating for a while. If the parasite load is minor and the cham doing fine in terms of weight and condition, opt to treat or not later. There may always be a few parasites present because they are present in their feeders, but not all of them cause problems. It is something you can keep an eye on over time.

 

[PoshPenny]

His poop and urates looked great. I'm relieved to see this. He is drinking. I think he ate. His cup looked half empty. He is still very stressed. I understand why people free range these guys now. He hates his enclosure. But in the meantime I'm staying out of his way and will take this poop to the vet.

 

[CarlC]

I'm with Robert and Carlton. I let animals settle in and hydrate before doing any course of action. I think it is really important to let the kidneys get flushed with plenty of water before doing any deworming.

Carl

 

[PoshPenny]

I'm taking everyone's advise. Unless I think he had a URI or something major he will go see Dr. Ramirez on the 8th of Feb. Right now he is still very stressed out. But I know time is important. He just needs time. I love him already. Wish I could tell him I'd never hurt him. But trust I know with these animals is earned, unlike a dog.

I put food in his cup again, but he crapped in it. Soooooo....

Yeh ......

above is him basking. He really gets creative in his posing. I never know what I'll find when I go to mist him.