Hello,



I work for a major pet store chain, and yesterday a customer had put up some signs advertising a "Free Chameleon Cage Supplies" ad. I contaced them, and this morning went to see what shape this chameleon was in.



A little background on me: I have not kept reptiles at home, but was about to set up a dart frog tank in the spring. I've had alot of experience keeping reptiles at the chain I work for, as well as a smaller pet store I worked for. I've got about 2 years of experience in keeping reptiles in the pet trade, but I've never kept one at home. I've always wanted a Chameleon, specifically a Jackson's, but when this ad came along, I was ecstatic.



Anyway, on to the chameleon. I arrived at this person's home this morning to see what the situation was. It's a male Veiled, probably a foot to 16" long. He was very alert, eyes were clear, and his feet and toes seemed to be in good shape. NO signs of mouth rot either. He had a drip system setup, and was housed in Reptarium 65 screened cage, filled with live plants. I did not see a UV lighting setup, only a basking lamp. The cage was in front of the window, and he was getting full morning sun.



His eyes are a little sunken, and his casque is sunken as well. He has some sort of skin problem on both sides, and the ridge on his back is affected as well. Near the base of his tail, it has actually started to seperate from his body. The skin in these areas is grey, and hard to the touch. The affected skin is bumpy and bludges outward. The owner had some cream that a vet had given to him, but he said he was unable to apply it.



Pictures:









I'd really like to help this poor guy out, especially since I could get him for free. Whats wrong with him? How easy would it be to make him healthy again? I've located some reptile vets in the area, and I can take him to one if need be. How expensive are reptile vet visits? Feel free to suggest anything, it pains me to see an anmial neglected.



Thanks!

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