Chameleon sounds like he's gasping for air.

[rpesner200]

My baby veiled chameleon (about a month and a half old) , Comma, has been making these noises when he breaths through his mouth...almost like he is gasping, the last cham I had did this to the day I got him so I returned him but now my new one is doing it also, i have checked the cage temps/humidity/poop and all seems to be normal, he is active and eating/drinking well...not sure whats wrong...any ideas?

 

[Sticktongue]

Do you see an exsess of mucous? I could be an RI.

 

[rpesner200]

he has has some white crystal like stuff on the outside of his nostrils but i read that that can be caused by to much calcium

 

[Thompson]

Yes, the white stuff around the nostrils is usually due to using too much calcium. Can you fill out this form so we can get a better understanding of how your cham is being cared for? https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/. There may be problems you're not aware of. Nonetheless, it's always good for them to eating/drinking and pooping normally!

 

[Forestdellic]

I have just passed through this. That is an URI, at the early stages of it. It's one of the little signs they give when it starts. Observe your chameleon when he's sleeping. Does he sleep in a stiff straight position? Is he sleeping as if he's howling at the moon? Chameleons with respiratory problems sleep in these positions in order to expand their lungs. This in itself is another sign of URI

It's common in chameleons and it is very infectious. It is very possible that your chameleon got infected by other chameleons or reptiles within the shop.

You can either return it and try somewhere else or if you are feeling dedicated take it to a vet for some antibiotics.

It is very good that your chameleon is eating and drinking. Administering the medicine won't be much of a problem and it can be dealt with quickly.

 

[kinyonga]

The white around a chameleon's nostrils is NOT CALCIUM.....its excess salts of other minerals.....but it has never been shown to be calcium.

See this thread....
https://www.chameleonforums.com/nasal-salt-glands-cause-white-crusts-nose-75998/

 

[rpesner200]

i have made an appointment to take little Comma to the vet in the morning, i will update on how is is when I return.

 

[zsazsa85]

Good luck with him!
It is very difficult to say anything without knowing more, but it sounds like RI to me as well.
Let us know how it went at the vet.

 

[rpesner200]

UPDATE: took him to the vet this morning...sure enough has an RI ...the exotic specialist wasn't in so we are going back in the morning. i was told to amp up his humidity and temp until tomorrow to help him overnight. hopefully they can give him meds tomorrow to make him better!

 

[rpesner200]

good news....he is doing MUCH better....his colors have brightened, he is eating more, and has gotten bigger (doesnt look so skinny) and is now sleeping normally and not gasping for air as much!

 

[dlegare]

Awesome news. It really sucks when your cham gets sick. Sounds like your little guy is on the way to recovery.

Keep us informed.