Bulging eye on Sam

[Michael_Morgu]

Hi everybody! I'm very worried about Sam. Last night I noticed that while he was sleeping his eye was all bulged out. This morning I took a closer look and noticed it ideas even bigger. Here are some images. On the forums so are saying it could be a sign of cleaning their eyes, but i just wanted to check with the forums. On top of this he hasn't been eating the past few days. Normally from what i have read that could be a sign of an injury in their mouths. Is this something that can heal?

 

[Lathis]

That looks bad. It looks like there might be something in his eye. Have you tried giving him a long warm shower to help him clean his eye out? That would be what I would do first.

 

[Michael_Morgu]

That looks bad. It looks like there might be something in his eye. Have you tried giving him a long warm shower to help him clean his eye out? That would be what I would do first.

So you suggest putting him in the shower on a plant, and let the warm water hit him? Will do!

 

[FlChamMom]

It also looks like he could have an infection there- that is a lot of swelling. I'd definitely give him a shower and also think about a vet visit. Clearing out debris from an eye turret is tricky.

 

[alphakenc]

If an eye stay swollen all the time,that could be a sign needs chameleon specialist vets visit,other then that I agree with the above posters idea to give Sam a long 30min shower n more,hopefully he will be feeling better soon.

 

[Michael_Morgu]

If an eye stay swollen all the time,that could be a sign needs chameleon specialist vets visit,other then that I agree with the above posters idea to give Sam a long 30min shower n more,hopefully he will be feeling better soon.

Should i let the water him him from the shower head? Or should i just let the water trickle off of the side?

 

[alphakenc]

Should i let the water him him from the shower head? Or should i just let the water trickle off of the side?

Usually splash off the shower wall then onto him,it depending on how he likes it,some veiled cham doesnt like water at all u might have to hand mist him with lukewarm water if he wont sit still in the shower,observe his behavior n do it accordingly.

 

[carol5208]

Let it like bounce of the wall onto him.

 

[jajeanpierre]

They will sometimes push their eye out like that for a brief moment if they are trying to clean it but only for a moment. Since it is staying like that longer than a few seconds, it is time to see a vet, and for more reasons than just the eye.

 

[Michael_Morgu]

Im so worried about him he has not eaten in the past 5 days! I offered him various worms, and crickets and he didnt take any of them up! He did have a small piece of kale and carrot a few days ago. He has been on an antibiotic called Septra to deal with an open wound. Im very sad about his condition. His other eye is closed half of the time as well.

 

[alphakenc]

Septra contains a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria.
Have u talk to ur vet and let him or her know the situation of Sam?
Maybe there are an alternative medication that wont be as potent that might cause him not to have any appetite for 5days.

 

[Michael_Morgu]

I have made an appointment for the vet tomorrow. His coloring is almost fully black. I emailed my vet yesterday and he said that he may have to remove the eye! Is this something practical that can be done to help him? I dont want him to suffer.

 

[alphakenc]

That aint pretty at all,thats like asking a man to remove one of his testicle in his scrotum due for some odd reason
Did u ask your vet why is so necessary to remove a swollen eye completely? That poor veiled cham is going to see one side of the darkness for the rest of his life,not jus saying that his feeling will get hurts ...
If I were u I will email or call ur vet right away,and ask what is the real reason to remove the eye completely???

 

[Michael_Morgu]

UPDATE: The vet and myself made a decision to put my little Sam down today. It was clear that he was suffering with his eye problem and was not going to get better. He is in a better place and state, he will be remembered always. <3

 

[alphakenc]

Im sorry for ur lost,it must be something really worst then just a swollen eye,RIP little one.

 

[Lathis]

I'm sorry to hear that. Poor little Sam. My sympathies.

 

[Chachi]

But ,I have to say, that is admirable of you to be able to be unselfish and do what is best for the animal. Good job, dude.

 

[KapitalJ]

Hard decision for sure. Sorry to hear of your loss..

 

[Fiona's Mom]

So very sorry for your loss.

 

[Michael_Morgu]

thanks everyone for your condolences <3 Sam is missed greatly, he was my everything. If in the future I do plan getting another chameleon how should i go about cleaning all of the previous items in the cage? (leaves, plants, vines) Also, could a new chameleon get sick from living in the same enclosure as Sam was in? Thanks again <3