Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Gang: My cham hasn't been doing well. I've already told you of his change in eating attitude in the last 2 weeks. In addition his eye started to look strange to me. Left one was wrinkly and he cleaned and closed it more often. Then a few days ago, I saw him sleeping and still in the middle of the day. I took him to see the vet. She examined him for Intestinal Parasites, Fecal, Giardia Antigfeces. Results will be in Thursday afternoon. She administered Fluids Sub Q and Vitamines as well. He looked of good weight to her, but a bit dehydrated. Here are my Questions:

1. He's still not eating(last time he ate was day before last and it was only 2 supers), and I now think he's drinking less water too. His skin is still dehydrated looking. I purchased Reptaid. Please advise on the way to administer it-how to open his mouth. (he's a 8 month old panther)

2. I started putting him into the shower for 15 minutes a day. I will increase the time when I see him relax a little more. Are there any other ways to rehydrate him?

3. Please add any other comments/questions.

Thanks-Maggie

I've never used Reptaid before but here is what I've done in the past to open their mouth.

The aggressive chams usually open their mouth up if you hold them. Here is what I do:

Grasp the chameleon from above firmly. The neck should be between your thumb and index finger, and the head should be exposed to you. Use your remaing fingers to support the body. Try to get its tail to wrap around one of your fingers(pinky). They tend to swing and bite, and you don't want him biting his own tail. Don't apply too much pressure when holding him, just make sure his movement is restricted.

If they are not the aggressive type try this:

I usually hold the chameleons nose and wait for him/her to open its mouth for air. They'll open their mouth real quick so watch closely.

I have found that showers can stress out a sick chameleon. Instead, I gently spray the mouth with a water bottle right around the lips. This is very time consuming since you'll have to wait until you see him drink. But his body will remain warm.

Once he is stronger, you could use the shower, but make sure the water is lukewarm and the water is not pounding him.

Not sure about the eating problem. Besides supers, are you feeding him anything else? If he ate 2 days ago, i wouldnt say he's on a hunger strike just yet. But 2 supers does not seem like enough food. Have you tried offering variety? Try hornworms or silkworms (http://www.californiasilkworms.com).

The only other suggestion I have is that you start a feeding log on him and weigh him out periodically. Make sure he is not losing weight. Double check your husbandry. Make sure his basking area is warm enough (90's), and increase the amount of water you are offering him.

Good Luck.

Vincent

Hi: Thanks for the reply.

>>Not sure about the eating problem. Besides supers, are you feeding him anything else?

Yes, I am feeding him crickets, butterworms, silkies until I ran out a month ago. He would eat the crickets before but not anymore. I will order some of the other tasty foods to tempt him.

>>If he ate 2 days ago, i wouldnt say he's on a hunger strike just yet. But 2 supers does not seem like enough food.

Thats what I mean. His feeding attitude has changed. He's eating so much less then before.

Thanks, I'll check the husbandry again.

Maggie

...no parasites, no Giardia. Guess he's only dehydrated. Thats good and bad. Good because he's Ok, but bad because I'm doing something wrong. Any suggestions on altering my husbandry so this doesn't happen again? Thanks-Maggie