Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a couple questions before I head to the Vets tomorrow. (for reference to the cham im talking about, there is a post about 10 below this)
I was curious about a couple things.
I really am not sure what i need to be asking the vet to do for her. He is experienced with iguanas and such, but the only chameleon he has really seen was my other female. He is the only one in the area I can get her too while im home for break. I want to get her broken leg checked first and foremost, but Lele was saying a calcium shot since she seems to be pretty weak, which I agree. Is there a special type I should ask for or is it all the same? Sorry for sounding so airheaded about these things, but (knock on wood) ive never had any problems that required me taking my guys to the vet before, and I want to make sure I dont forget anything... Any other pre-vet advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!
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1:0 Veiled (Gene)
1:0 Sambava Panther (Knoxville)
1:1 Albino Clawed Frogs (Phedre and Jos)
?? Fire belly toad (Harold)
Various cats and dogs

Calcium he uses for iguanas would work for a cham. The only difference would be the dose, which should be by weight. Describe your setup in detail with humidity etc. How long you've had her, any specific symptoms you know are not normal based on your other cham, and any info from her former owners about how kept, what was done wrong or right, and for how long. If you are not convinced she needs a treatment the vet suggests, ask the reason for it. There are some things vets often do automatically (such as Baytril just in case there is an infection...but they don't test for bacterial sensitivity first) that you should not just take on faith. Don't assume the cham has any particular problem unless there is a definite symptom to suggest it...URI without respiratory symptoms, MBD without symptoms such as weak grip, uncoordination, limpness, the fracture (but this can also be from trauma not MBD). I'd rather have him check a diagnosis or treatment with a colleague and THEN treat it, not just shotgun just to be safe.

Setup is a 20 gal (since shes only 3 inches long and pretty bad shape) with pothos vines an paper towels so shes not sliding around. (cant climb well) Ive sprayed down the plants and sides, so the humidity is good. There is a uvb light as well.

Ive only had her 3 days since she's a rescue case. She is very weak and undernoursihed. She is about 3 inches snout to vent, and about 12 grams. Not sure how old honestly. She has a hard time standing up, or just doesnt most of the time. She tends to crawl her way around and seems to be uncoordinated with her front arms when excited, so im guessing MBD. I have been giving her Reptiaid and lots of water. She has also eaten 3 crickets and I noticed one bowel movement so far, which looked ok, if a littler watery(reptiaid after affects?)She seems to be in and the leg breakage. otherwise good health except for the whole weakness thing. She wanders around her cage but doesnt climb so much.
She used to be kept in a 2x2x1 screen cage with a dripper (that drips straight into a bowl, not on any leaves) and uv light, fake plants and about 3-4 other baby veileds. The guy at the petstore blamed her condition on having a UVA bulb in instead of a UVB for awhile *cough*. I talked with them yesterday and re worked their setup for them, so they are set now. Their other babies look pretty good, just this one from the previous batch is the worst. So we shall see tomorrow. I would have liked to take her to the other herp vet I went to before. But he isnt in till saturday, :-/ not sure if I should wait that long or not.
Thanks for the info on the shot though.

Erin

Hi Eric,

Glad you are taking her in. Was wondering about your school situation, apparently you are still there. If your folks are caring for this cham when you go back they will most likely need to pay extra attention to her as well as feeind her the repta-aid (if still on it), making sure she gets plenty of water, etc. How long are you home for?

Be sure to bring a fecal with you. This is imperative. Even if you get one today put it in a plastic bag and keep in fridge until you go. Don't forget it ;-/

He should do a blood test to determine her white cell count, calcium/blood level, etc. But as I found with Luna, getting blood is really tough and may be next to impossible with your little girl. Considering her bad setup at the pet store MBD is probably a good bet. He might be able to determine this visually and give her the calcium injection without waiting for test results.

As for him seeing only iguanas, snakes etc. it should not be much of an issue. I like my vet a lot, and trust him, and other than Luna he does not see a lot of chams.

Since you are unsure about expiration date of the NCg you have on hand I would get some from him and be sure to get a small enough syringe to administer. If she is only 12g her dose will be quite small and may be difficult to get it into her. I sometime mixed the dose with a small amount of water and/or with the repta-aid. Luna doesn't mind the unflavored straight, but the last batch was apple flavored and she hates it! So if you have a choice go with the unflavored. lol!

hope this helps!
lele
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha