chambabysitter1
New Member
I am babysitting a chameleon for my next door neighbor, as they are out of town for the week. I became interested in chameleons so I started researching information about them. I read about the various health issues that chameleons may have and I think she may be suffering from MBD pretty badly. This chameleon is not mine, but I want to inform my neighbors, who have obviously been neglecting her out of pet shop ignorance, about her well-being. Perhaps chameleons are not the right pet for them. I've included two photos, any idea on her prognosis?
I don't have a lot of money right now and she isn't my pet, but I would love rehabilitate her if possible.
Cage Info:
* Cage Type - Describe your cage construction Glass-screen combo. 12x12x18 roughly.
* Lighting - I know for a fact it is not the correct UVB lighting. This is what worries me the most. It looks like a regular reptile heat bulb.
* Temperature - During the day I'd say the cage averages 86-90F. At night about 75-80F. The thermometer they are using it a plastic strip monitor... not very accurate.
* Humidity - No idea, no meter. This also worries me. She is misted plenty throughout the day with warm water.
* Plants - No live plants. There is topsoil on the bottom of the cage. This also worries me.
* Location - Low traffic, quiet area while at my house. I am not sure where they keep her in their house.
Chameleon Info:
* Your Chameleon - I believe she is a female veiled (no spurs), roughly 6 months? I have had her for 5 days.
* Handling - I have only handled her once, as I know they do not like that. However, I believe they handle her quite often and did not understand that when she changes colors, she is upset.
* Feeding - They just feed her crickets from the petstore, not gut loaded, not dusted. She eats at least 6-7 a day.
* Supplements - No supplements.
* Watering - They mist her 3 times a day with plenty of warm water.
* Fecal Description - Brown, runny, yellow. Not good.
* History - The owners got her at a pet store. They were totally misinformed. Not much else is known.
* Current Problem - I am concerned that she has MBD, diarrhea, and probably an infection. She moves very sluggishly and her back legs often miss the branch. If her legs run into any leaves, they are easily resisted and she struggles to move them. Her ankles are also quite bent. She keeps her mouth slightly open and occasionally her left eye will bulge.
I know the outlook is not good, but is there anything that can be done to help her? Would it be more humane at this point to put her down? I have informed her owners about her condition and they seem relieved to let go of her. I am interested in getting a chameleon of my own, which is why I did some research on her, however I don't know if I am prepared (financially) to take on the responsibilities of such a sick chameleon.
I don't have a lot of money right now and she isn't my pet, but I would love rehabilitate her if possible.
Cage Info:
* Cage Type - Describe your cage construction Glass-screen combo. 12x12x18 roughly.
* Lighting - I know for a fact it is not the correct UVB lighting. This is what worries me the most. It looks like a regular reptile heat bulb.
* Temperature - During the day I'd say the cage averages 86-90F. At night about 75-80F. The thermometer they are using it a plastic strip monitor... not very accurate.
* Humidity - No idea, no meter. This also worries me. She is misted plenty throughout the day with warm water.
* Plants - No live plants. There is topsoil on the bottom of the cage. This also worries me.
* Location - Low traffic, quiet area while at my house. I am not sure where they keep her in their house.
Chameleon Info:
* Your Chameleon - I believe she is a female veiled (no spurs), roughly 6 months? I have had her for 5 days.
* Handling - I have only handled her once, as I know they do not like that. However, I believe they handle her quite often and did not understand that when she changes colors, she is upset.
* Feeding - They just feed her crickets from the petstore, not gut loaded, not dusted. She eats at least 6-7 a day.
* Supplements - No supplements.
* Watering - They mist her 3 times a day with plenty of warm water.
* Fecal Description - Brown, runny, yellow. Not good.
* History - The owners got her at a pet store. They were totally misinformed. Not much else is known.
* Current Problem - I am concerned that she has MBD, diarrhea, and probably an infection. She moves very sluggishly and her back legs often miss the branch. If her legs run into any leaves, they are easily resisted and she struggles to move them. Her ankles are also quite bent. She keeps her mouth slightly open and occasionally her left eye will bulge.
I know the outlook is not good, but is there anything that can be done to help her? Would it be more humane at this point to put her down? I have informed her owners about her condition and they seem relieved to let go of her. I am interested in getting a chameleon of my own, which is why I did some research on her, however I don't know if I am prepared (financially) to take on the responsibilities of such a sick chameleon.
