A vet can tell you if its a calcium issue and give the chameleons injections of calcium. When the blood calcium levels are high enough, they can be given a shot of calcitonin to quickly draw the calcium back into the bones.



Its important to get this solved as quickly as possible so that there will be no further damage to your chameleons and they can recover from it.



In addition to correcting the calcium levels, you need to address the husbandry issues so that it won't happen again.



A good source of UVB such as the Repti-sun 5.0 long linear tube or direct sunlight (neither of which should pass through glass or plastic) will allow the chameleon to produce D3 which will allow it to use the calcium in its system.



Dusting at most feedings with a phos.-free calcium powder will help to make up for the usually poor ratio of calcium to phos. found in most of the feeder insects used.



I dust twice a month with a phos.-free calcium/D3 powder. D3 from supplements can build up in the system though, so don't overdo it.



I dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that has a beta carotene source of vitamin a. Beta carotene (prOformed vitamin A) won't build up in the system. However, its not been proven if all/any chameleons can convert it so some people give a little prEformed vitamin A once in a while. PrEformed vitamin A can build up in the system and excess can interfere with the D3 and push the chameleon towards MBD..so don't overdo it.



Gutloading/feeding the insects a nutritious diet is also important. Crickets, roaches, superworms can be fed a wide assortment of greens (dandelions, collards, kale, endive, escarole, mustard greens, etc.) and veggies (carrots, squash, sweet potato, sweet red peppers, etc.).



Good luck getting your chameleons back on track!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]