HELP - Hershel is very sick :(
- Thread starter Txherp
- Start date
Txherp
New Member
It's a possibility!If you think it wont be too stressful on him. The temps are good today and it looks pretty sunny. Once it warms up a little bit I shall take him outside.
I'm not sure on stress. will have to be your call. will he let you carry him without stressing too much? Make sure he's safe and temps are good. Just keep close eye on him. and see if it seems to help or stress. I have seen a few peoples chams respond well when they were feeling bad though. You'll know him best so trust your instinct.
Txherp
New Member
He will let me carry him, as I do take him outside occasionally when the weather is good. It has been so hot this summer that I haven't had him outside lately, but we are finally getting some fall temps. I'll take him out and see what happens.
Txherp
New Member
Im going to continue to use the meds because he is definitely not getting better on his own. Thanks for the warning.
Alexl
Avid Member
Is it correct there were no blood tests done 'til now? I really think this chameleon has not only one single problem... If the temporal gland infection is still going on (was it proved it is? I don't think you would use antibiotics "just to see what happens" 
), your vet should really do a swab and a resistance test. Might be your antibiotics can't fight this infection, then continuing would only lengthen the sickness without help. If there were other problems, too, e.g. kidney issues or an eye infection or if the gland infection had spread, you'd need to treat those problems additionally. Might be we just don't have all background information here on the forums, but it sounds like there weren't a lot of further examinations done yet. Hope the best for your chameleon.
That's a dangerous advice imho. Antibiotics need to reach certain blood levels before they can work. There are lots of them who needs to be given certain days or weeks before they fight anything successfully. Stopping treatment just due to "feeling" can result in serious problem for the chameleon, cause the infection may not be eliminated yet, but the bacteria had time to build resistances and strengthen towards next treatment, meanwhile the "good" bacteria can't prevent pathocenic bacteria overgrowth anymore. Nevertheless there are antibiotics which can become e.g. nephrotoxic (Amikacin is one of them) and should be given with proper infusions therefore.
), your vet should really do a swab and a resistance test. Might be your antibiotics can't fight this infection, then continuing would only lengthen the sickness without help. If there were other problems, too, e.g. kidney issues or an eye infection or if the gland infection had spread, you'd need to treat those problems additionally. Might be we just don't have all background information here on the forums, but it sounds like there weren't a lot of further examinations done yet. Hope the best for your chameleon.wendyeeeo said:
That's a dangerous advice imho. Antibiotics need to reach certain blood levels before they can work. There are lots of them who needs to be given certain days or weeks before they fight anything successfully. Stopping treatment just due to "feeling" can result in serious problem for the chameleon, cause the infection may not be eliminated yet, but the bacteria had time to build resistances and strengthen towards next treatment, meanwhile the "good" bacteria can't prevent pathocenic bacteria overgrowth anymore. Nevertheless there are antibiotics which can become e.g. nephrotoxic (Amikacin is one of them) and should be given with proper infusions therefore.
Txherp
New Member
Is it correct there were no blood tests done 'til now? I really think this chameleon has not only one single problem... If the temporal gland infection is still going on (was it proved it is? I don't think you would use antibiotics "just to see what happens"
That's a dangerous advice imho. Antibiotics need to reach certain blood levels before they can work. There are lots of them who needs to be given certain days or weeks before they fight anything successfully. Stopping treatment just due to "feeling" can result in serious problem for the chameleon, cause the infection may not be eliminated yet, but the bacteria had time to build resistances and strengthen towards next treatment, meanwhile the "good" bacteria can't prevent pathocenic bacteria overgrowth anymore.
No blood tests have been done. He didn't mention doing a culture, I know that he probably should have done one but he didn't. I'm not sure that I can afford the tests at this point anyway.
Txherp
New Member
I cant do anything this weekend but if he is still hanging on on Monday I will call the vet and see what I can do. How invasive would doing a culture be?
Alexl
Avid Member
Depends on your vet, his skills, your chameleon and the stage of his infected gland. You can do a swab and take a blood sample in some minutes, but there are always individuals which need a bit longer, which struggle more against the helping hands or just don't allow you to take blood. You can shorten the procedure by transporting your chameleon in a dark, well temperatured box and only taking him outside some minutes for the necessary tests (after having discussed everything with your vet).
ChameleonMom
New Member
Glad to hear that Hershel is hanging on. Hope Monday comes quick for your guy. Again, good luck and keep your chin up.
Kate
Avid Member
Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. Hershel has lost the fight. RIP sweet baby.
So sorry for your loss.
lovepicasso
New Member
This is why I don't read some of the treads here....so very sorry for your loss, my heart is hurting for you and Hershel.
rsepiphyte
Established Member
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must hurt to have tried to help and feel so helpless at the same time. Take care and i wish you the best. Ruth
