Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 3 month old Veiled Chameleon that has a rectal prolapse. Whenever he trys to use the bathroom about half inch of his colon comes out. Usually it goes back in but today it stayed out and it's about the size of a grape. When I got home from work and noticed it was stil out I put him in a rubbermaid container with about an inch of warm water. It has since gone back in but not all the way. There is still about 1/4 inch sticking out like a little pink ball. I have had him about a month. I had one other Veiled a few years ago and never encountered this. One thing I noticed is that he seems to drink a lot. He is always going down to the water bowl and drinking. I have a drip system set up for him as well. He's in a 20 gallon tank with 2 UV bulbs and a 75 watt spot lamp at one end. He eats dusted crickets daily (but only eats sparingly, unlike most Veileds). Anyone else ever encounter this? Maybe constipation? I purchased him from the Havre De Grace, MD show in Jan. Any help is appreciated.

Dave

you dont keep chams ,especially veileds, in aquariums. mine was 2 months old when i got him and i put him right it his 65 gallon cage. he may be stressed and pushing to hard (read it somewhere)cause of seeing his reflection

Yes, I realize mesh or screened enclosures are preferred, however, it is very common to keep young ones in glass tanks temporarly. Many people keep Juvies in glass tanks with screened tops with no ill effects. Actually many people prefer to keep juveniles in these setups as it makes it a bit easier for them to locate food items. I do have a screened enclosure that I had planned on moving him into in another few weeks. Thanks for the advice. I'm just not sure if his reflection would cause him to have a prolapse. But hey, ya never know.

Thanks

A prolapse requires immediate vet care!!!!!!!!! Nuff said?
And FWIW, most of vthe people selling veileds (especially at Havre de Grace) are cleless about their proper care! I was just there today. It's a terrible show, especially for chams.

I dont think that the prolapse and keeping the cham in a tank are related at all. Chams should be kept in screen cages but can perfectly be raised (just raised) in tanks.

With regard to the important issue (prolapse), there are 2 things for you to consider. Whether what you describe as a grape is the intestine, in which case your chams is in trouble. In such case, surgery is usually needed (intestine be brought back from the inside). Or whether it is his hemipennis or even his cloaca, in which case it is generally more easily corrected (manually reduced).

Whichever the case scenario, I would urge you to visit a vet specialized in reps. because only a professional (having seen the actual cham) will be able to determine what the problem is.

It is important to keep it moist.

good luck.

Thanks, I'll try to get him to a vet tomorrow. I will continue soaking him until them to keep the area moist. Hopefully it'll be resolved. I just wish I knew what the root of the problem is.

Thanks again

I used a moist Q-Tip and ever so gently worked in back into place. Only problem is this hasn't really fixed the real reason for the prolapse. What would cause this? It almost seems like constipation and it forces the colon to come out inside out. Could it be a type of hernia?

I dont know. It could be somethng in the digestive tract that does not allow him to digest things properly. It could be his intestine not working properly (parasites?). Weak ligaments in the cloaca....not properly hydrated....

I really dont know, whatever I say is mere speculation. However, something must be causing this problem.

Vet can help.

good luck.

I guess it could be a variety of things. I do know he drinks a lot so I'd probably rule out the dehydration. I have a vet appt for my dogs in the morning. I might be able to sneak my chameleon in too.

A couple of suggestions (in addition to the herp vet that you definitely need right now): your cham may need more small insect prey rather than fewer larger sized ones. They are easier to digest and actually better nutritionally. Also you may need to feed more soft bodied insects such as silkworms, houseflies, waxworms, moths, Zoophobas rather than crix. What is your cage humidity? Constipation is often a result of low level chronic dehydration. If this is an adult animal you should not be dusting every day...calcium overload can lead to organ and intestinal impactions and calcifications. But, the key is to get him to a vet asap. The original problem may have never healed properly and will be a chronic thing which will eventually kill him.

Thanks for the advice. He is approx 3 months old and feeding mainly on 1/2 crx. He drinks at least twice daily, even going down to the bowl with the standing water and drinking from it. I'll try feeding him smaller, softer bodied food items. He has been having solid bowel movements but maybe he got hold of a crx too big and is blocked up. I'm gonna try to find a vet. None of the ones in my area have herp exp. For now, I'm withholding food and keeping him hydrated. I'll offer some wax worms friday and see how it goes. Thanks again. Oh, my ambient humidity in the house is about 50% but I mist him daily.

Dave

Get a good humidity gauge for his cage. You may surprised at how dry it gets between mistings. Don't rely on the little stick on ones from the local pet shop. They are not very accurate or reliable. 50% is borderline too low for a young cham.

Thanks! I put a humidifier in the room last night. He hasn't had a B/M since I tucked the prolapse back in. I'm gonna pick up some wax worms tonight. I may soak him in warm water again too. Maybe it'll help things move along.

>>Thanks! I put a humidifier in the room last night. He hasn't had a B/M since I tucked the prolapse back in. I'm gonna pick up some wax worms tonight. I may soak him in warm water again too. Maybe it'll help things move along.
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