I called the vet today after a week of waiting to find out what had happened to my chameleon Mr. Pissypants. Dr. D told me that the only thing he noticed was a darkened intestinal tract. He was unsure if this was caused by an infection or it had just darkened in his post mortem state. He asked me if I wanted a tissue sample done on his tract, I opted to keep the sample on hand for a while so I could think about it. So although still uncertain of his death it seems possibly have been an infection in his intestinal tract.
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Mr. Pissypants
veiledbrian
Feb 10, 2006 02:32 PM
Replies (3)
PHEve
Feb 11, 2006 11:03 AM
Brian, sorry you did not feel quite satified with your answer/ or findings they gave you.
I do not know much about intestinal infection, other than my dogie died of complications of infection from intestinal cancer. I can't really comment on the darkness that was seen or why.
Just wanted to say he was one beautiful creature your guy, and I truely am sorry for your lose, whatever caused it . I wish only good health for all your others.
Take Care,
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PHEve / Eve
lele
Feb 12, 2006 07:28 PM
same here, Brian. Not sure about the infection/neurological connection and maybe someone else will comment, but sometimes we just don't know. If you decide to have the tissue sample sent out it may or may not tell you more. I do feel your sadness and definately your frustration. I don't think there was anthing glaringly wrong with your husbandry. It may have just been a strange occurence and all your others will continue to be fine.
thanks for letting us know...
lele
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Carlton
Feb 14, 2006 02:19 PM
Sorry to come in late, I'm catching up from last week. I have read that some cham species have dark pigments in their intestinal tracts. The speculation is that it helps them absorb heat from basking and raise the temp of the intestine. This helps them digest faster and metabolize food more efficiently. I know this has been seen in melleri.
