It's pretty quiet around here on weekedns, so I guess I'll jump in...



" They have provided proper caging, heating, lighting, and supplements.



Can you tell us what that proper caging, feeding, watering, etc. is? Depending on where your friend got their info? there could be some gaps, likely nutritional, that they were not even aware of. MBD can sometimes seem to appear suddenly b/c they can break limbs and a bone cold be extruding. She could also have other problems that mimic MBD. I hope the vet did bloodwork first b/c TOO much calcium can mimic these symptoms as well.



How old were they when they were purchased? It is possible they did not get proper care by previous owner and the damage is done. But this is all speculation...



Here is a list of specific questions that can help us troubleshoot. Where it asks for BRAND names please be specific.



1. Cage type: What size and type of cage (screen, glass, etc.)?



2. Temperatures: What is the basking temperature? How do you measure the temperature in your setup? What is the temperature in the warmest spot? The coolest spot? At night? During the day? You should measure the temperature of the chameleons' skin or the surface of its current branch to get a more accurate reading. Do you leave any heat on at night? What is the temperature in the room at night?



3. Lighting: What brand is your UVB light? How long have you been using it? How long are your lights on each day? Do you leave any lights on at night? Where are the lights? on top?



4. Humidity: Do you have a humidity gauge? What is the range of relative humidity (RH) from lowest to highest? How long does it take to go from high to low? Do you use a humidifier? Do you live in the north or south (or other)?



5. Water: Have you observed your chameleon drinking? How often do you mist? Do you have a dripper?



6. Food: Have you observed your chameleon eating? What is the chameleon's diet? Where do you get your live feeder prey? What are you feeding the feeders? Fresh veggies? Gut load? If you use a commercial gut load what is the brand? If you make your own what are the ingredients?



7. Supplements: What type of supplement(s) do you use? Brand name(s)? How often do you use supplements?



8. Plants & branches: What plants do you have? Are your plants alive or fake? Do the plants provide lots of coverage where the chameleon will feel safe? Can you see your chameleon most of the time or can it hide from your view?



9. Chameleon facts: How old is the chameleon? Do you know if it is wild caught or captive born? Did you get the chameleon at a show? Breeder?



10. Handling: Do you handle your chameleon? How often and how long? What is its reaction to you? Is the cage in a quiet part of the house or is it in a busy or noisy area? Any big stereo speakers near the cage? Is your chameleon alone in the cage? Can your chameleon see any other herps or pets from the cage?



11. Veterinarians: Do you have a veterinarian who KNOWS chameleons?



One last thing: As great as everyone is here (and they are), if there is a medical problem there is no substitute for a trip to the veterinarian.
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

1.0 Nosy Be Panther Chameleon - Cyrus

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky

1.0 Beardie - Darwin

1.1.1 Side-blotched lizards - Ana and Stan

0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita

0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skippy

0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh, Died 4/21/06

0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha, donated to science 4/4/06

?.? Pinktoe Tarantula - no name yet

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