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Calcium

ChameleonV123 Jan 27, 2006 06:19 PM

My Vet gave me some calcium gulconate on the 12th and I used it for 3 days, then stopped for the problem being OVER supplementing. After not noticing a change, I want to give him some more calcium supplementation. I have been hand feeding since. I was wondering, is the calcium gulconate bad now? He said "when it gets cloudy", but I am not sure. I dont want to take any chances. He suggested for TUMS (with calcium) to give to my cham for extra supplementation. Should I do that, or sould I give him somthing else? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Replies (1)

lele Jan 27, 2006 06:41 PM

Glad you are keeping us up to date

I know you are feeling anxious to see changes, but chams can really take their time (Ok, it's not intentional on their part) about showing positive changes just as it takes long time for negative/symptoms to show as well. I would still stay away from any calcium supplements for a while longer. When you think that you were supplementing him daily for a long time his body needs to get rid of any excess to find a balance.

I know some may disagree with me here and I am open to other opinions but I think that a blood test for Calcium level would be in order to determine if his Ca level is within normal range. The reason I say some might disagree is due to the stress of the vet visit.

As for the NCg going bad - so long as it is clear you should be fine - it keeps a long time. It does not need to be refrigerated, room temp (out of direct light) is fine.

Now you say you are not noticing any change - is he eating on his own? Is he able to use his tongue at all? Another thing to try that I don't think any of us suggested previously is to get some flying insects (moths, houseflies) which will often get them excited and will excercise his tongue. Luna would sometimes just get lazy from cup feeding so I would sometimes set it up so she HAD to shoot her food. That said, be careful what you collect. Most moths are safe (I think you said you live in FL? - if yes, you should have easy access to them at lights) and as for houseflies you can order them online (would have to look up links or maybe someone else can suggest. Or even put his cup farther away so again, he has to shoot some distance. If you collect any insects feel free to post or email me pics for i.d and safety. Never offer any insect that has the typical warning colors of red/black/orange (sometimes in combo with yellow, too). These are known "warning" colors in the invert world: monarch butteflies, ladybugs, lightning bugs. Some are more toxic than others but never take the chance. A single firely can kill a lizard.

I know you wanted a more dfinitive answer but this is the best advice I feel I can give you right now - give him time

lele
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