Chameleon suddenly died

[shuttrbg222]

I still can't believe this happened. My son had saved up a very long time and finally got a panther chameleon. We did a ton of research and his enclosure was ideal. He was perfectly healthy and acting normal and yesterday my son comes home to find him pale and eyes sunken/closed. We took him to the vet right away and they presented us with a quote for $500 to "try stuff", he was barely breathing at this point and I could tell he wasn't going to make it. He was gone within 10 minutes of getting our quote for whatever.

When my son found him he was still upright and on a branch, could not have fallen. Does anybody have any idea what could cause such a rapid death? My poor son is devastated and I'm pretty upset myself. RIP Fresco...

 

[narnythegreat]

Dehydration? How often did yall mist the cage?

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Beman]

I am so sorry for your loss. We could perhaps pin point potential causes linked to husbandry if you are wanting to try to figure out what may have happened.

If you would like feedback on this then fill out the help form below being as detailed as possible. If you have images of the cage lighting down and the supplements that helps as well. Otherwise I do hope your family is able to heal from this experience. I know how hard it is.



Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[Chameleon Mike]

Sorry for your loss. Please fill out this form for members to give you the best possible advice.

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:
The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.Photos can be very helpful.

 

[JacksJill]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
I can tell you that like birds chameleons try to hide their vulnerabilities. It is possible that he was hiding something he had developing. Infection, impaction and other things can affect them. A necropsy might reveal the problem but they are not always conclusive.
My heart goes out to your son.

 

[shuttrbg222]

I will fill out all the info when I have a little time. I can tell you I don't suspect dehydration as his mister was automatic and we watched him drink from his leaves regularly.

 

[Beman]

I will fill out all the info when I have a little time. I can tell you I don't suspect dehydration as his mister was automatic and we watched him drink from his leaves regularly.

It could be a number of things. Right now it is all guessing. Once you have the form filled out with detail. We can give you a better idea if it was husbandry related. Again I am very sorry for your loss.