Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last couple of days I noticed my healthy 4 year old has had something stuck in his vent (or is vent an avian term...anyway, you know what I mean). Thought it was food but he's well hydrated (by appearance and observation of drinking behavior) & getting diet that includes live food, fruit & veggies of which he eats some of all. Took him out to soak vent in warm water and upon closer inspection realized it wasn't food. After soaked vent area well, making sure plug was moist before trying to removed, was able to gently remove plug from one side that, in addition to visible portion, ended up with another 3/4 inch coming out from inside hemipeni. The internal portion of the plug had become semi rigid but not dry (like what was outside) thank goodness. The other side is what I'm worried about though. I was only able to remove the exposed part of that plug and his tail section seems more rigid on that side, then the side from which I pulled the long plug.

Concerned about the stress of a vet trip, not know whether the the vet could do about this or whether it will right itself without intervention. . . .I'm coming to the forum to get advice from others who've had similar experience or maybe done some recent research on the issue. I'm about to leave for work and don't have time to research right now. Would appreciate any experience/advice. Will check back throughout the day.
Thanks,
Rebecca
(& Cham-Ra.....the, most likely, very uncomfortable Veiled Cham)

I think there was a vet article on this on one of these sites. www.adcham.com, www.chameleonjournals.com or www.chameleonnews.com. Check them out just in case. Sorry, I haven't seen this myself. Also, on the adcham site there is a forum member list. You could email some of the more experienced members who may be able to help too. Check for Ed Pollak, Dave Johnson, and Susan James.

Hi Rebecca,

It sounds like you did the best thing you could - soak him and gently remove the sperm plug.

We have seen this happen with a few chams, and we do the same as you did. If the other side seems a bit rigid... you might soak him every other day for a few more times. When they defecate, usually they clean the hemipenes (both), and the other sperm plug should clear itself with time.

Just keep an eye on him and if the situation doesn't right itself within a week or so, you may consider the vet trip, but unless he is dragging his bottom a lot - there is little to indicate discomfort.

You may want to increase his water intake and humidity too. It sure couldn't hurt.

Hope this helps,
-----