Chameleon Health

It is very important to know the signs to look for in your chameleon that could indicate good health or illness. Signs of illness in chameleons often don't show themselves until conditions are serious, so it is crucial to watch for symptoms and not delay seeking help from a qualified veterinarian when your pet's health is in decline. The ability to detect signs of illness in your chameleon, and taking the proper steps to deal with them, can greatly improve the long-term health and longevity of your pet.

Signs of a healthy chameleon:

• A healthy chameleon should be active in its environment and be standing up rather than laying on its perch.
• The chameleon should be able to move about the cage with good balance without falling or stumbling.
• The eyes should be fully open at all times and actively looking around to monitor its surroundings.
• The arm and leg bones should all be straight, toes should all be intact and the chameleon should have a strong grip.
• Skin should have nice vibrant coloration all over the body and all the spines on the back should be present.
• Patches of shedding skin are normal if present. The skin is shed periodically depending on age and growth rate.
• The tail should be able to grasp branches and curl up smoothly.

Chameleon Forums is not an alternative to veterinary care!

This resource was designed to help members recognize potential problems, not to definitively diagnose or treat them. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who directly examines your chameleon can offer a true diagnosis of its health. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person on these forums can only guess at what the problem may be and could do more harm to your pet through improper advice.