Blind Panther

[TjStratton]

Bought a Panther and then found out it was blind. He looks healthy to me and even his eyes look ok except they do not dilate. My question is what can be done to bring back a Chameleon's eye sight if anything? He might be able to see light and dark in general but not much else. I have to hand feed and water.

Also do Chams go blind alot? This one had all UVB lights and no basking light. It only ate non gut fed feeder crickets. There was no consideration to humidity and I think his light might have been always on.

I now have him with a dual basking/UVB light and humidifer and a timer on his lights 12hr/12hr. I also and am dusting crickets and getting roaches for him.

I know he looks like he is looking at the camera but trust me he is blind and now I've had him a few days its easy to tell.

 

[jannb]

He’s a very handsome boy! Allot of the time you have to handfeed chameleons. I’ve took in allot of chameleons with illnesses and problems and had to hand feed for years so be happy that he’s eating. Where do you live? I might be able to recommend a good chameleon vet to help him. It’s possiable it could be a tongue problem instead of an eye problem.

 

[TjStratton]

I'm not sure about his tongue but he definitely is blind. I have two chameleons and this panther's pupils never dilate, his eyes rarely move and he is grasping for things that are not there. His eyes only respond to vibration or when I touch him never to external movement. For the past couple days I also find him in the bottom of the cage. I put a towel there to absorb the fall. When I try to fed him he will shake his head back and fourth. I'm not sure if it is meant to be a kill move or that he doesn't want it because he will also open his mouth and I can get a cricket in there sometimes.

 

[jannb]

It sure sounds like he needs a vet visit. I will be glad to help you out with a good vet if you share your location.

 

[TjStratton]

It sure sounds like he needs a vet visit. I will be glad to help you out with a good vet if you share your location.

My location is 20min south of Fresno CA

 

[jannb]

My location is 20min south of Fresno CA

I wish you were more to the south. I personally know some excellent chameleon vets in the LA and San Diego area. Here’ a list of CA reptiles vets. Maybe one of these will be in driving distance.
http://thereptilereport.com/california-reptile-veterinary-directory/

 

[TjStratton]

Thanks there was a Dr. in my area. I called her. Thanks

 

[TjStratton]

So the Vet confirmed he is blind. He has been disoriented recently and falls off the branches and spins around and around like a croc doing a death spin. Not sure how much longer he will last I have to feed him by hand and water. He seems to do a lock jaw closed and not want either. Its been so hard recently to feed him. I don't want to hurt his jaw opening it. Then when I put a cricket or roach in there he doesn't swallow and it sits in his mouth for quite awhile.

 

[Angie's Leon]

So the Vet confirmed he is blind. He has been disoriented recently and falls off the branches and spins around and around like a croc doing a death spin. Not sure how much longer he will last I have to feed him by hand and water. He seems to do a lock jaw closed and not want either. Its been so hard recently to feed him. I don't want to hurt his jaw opening it. Then when I put a cricket or roach in there he doesn't swallow and it sits in his mouth for quite awhile.

 

[Angie's Leon]

how did he do?

 

[kinyonga]

I doubt you'll get an answer @Angie's Leon ...this is an old thread and the OP hasn't posted since.
It's best to start your own thread.