how to tell if chameleon is healthy

[chams rule]

I went to get a chameleon today at a local pet store and i found a chameleon but it didnt look like it was in the best shape. i was hoping that someone could tell me how to identify problems on a chameleon.

 

[carol5208]

Well, what would you determine to be as you put it to "not look in the best shape". Some things to look for are sunken eyes, which is a sign of dehydration, if their eyes are closed, ribs showing, lethargic. Those are some of the things I would be concerned about.

 

[Olimpia]

Let's see what I can get together for you -

Bubbles/thick slimy spit - https://www.chameleonforums.com/dehydrated-just-stupid-49948/#post467941 Scroll down a bit for photos of what that might look like.

Possible eye infection: https://www.chameleonforums.com/eye-problem-help-needed-29219/

Sunken eyes/dehydration: http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/01/health-section-dehydration.html (slightly sunken eyes are not a horrible sign, with lots of water they will recover quickly. This is severe, however.)

Metabolic bone disease: https://www.chameleonforums.com/what-mbd-looks-like-38000/

That's all I can think of. There are other things that could look "off" but you should be able to recognize when they don't look Ok or right. You're better off buying from a reputable breeder online/at a show than from a store if you see any of these signs. Good luck!

 

[carol5208]

ah, Olimpia, thanks for covering me here...how could I forget MBD!

 

[kinyonga]

One comment...sometimes sunken eyes are not strictly from dehydration but can mean the chameleon is sick.

You can check out the feces in the cage to see it they look right.

Check for any swellings in the mouth/lip area or the legs....or anywhere else for that matter.

 

[morpheon]

Your question is very large, and you will most likely never find a perfect answer for it. However, a few other signs can help determine if your chameleon is sick or not:

-A strong grip from each feet (but you need to be able to compare to similar chameleons)
-Being alert
-A chameleon keeping his normal routine (ie: anything that he usually do every day, if they stop doing it, you should ask yourself if there is anything wrong).
-A chameleon eating normally (not too much nor not enough)
-A chameleon drinking normally (same)

I'm sure i could think of other variables, but i'm too lazy and tired! Sorry!

 

[kinyonga]

This might help too...
Healthy.....
https://www.chameleonforums.com/healthy-chameleon-picture-thread-4080/index2.html

Unhealthy...
http://web.archive.org/web/20060603184120/www.adcham.com/html/veterinary/mbd-fractures-kramer.html

Scan down to signs of sickness...from a few years ago by Allison Banks...
http://webspinners.com/coloherp/careshts/lizards/Chameleons.php

You'll have to scan down on this one too...until you find..."When choosing the chameleon, you will be looking for a few signs of good health"...
http://www.bluebeastreptile.com/panthercaresheet.htm

 

[ataraxia]

generally a healthy cham will be alert, good grip, depending on species NORMALLY will be defensive or shy (will puff up, hiss, stand on rear legs *kung fu stance* or run from you), straight limbs, has some weight to it (ribs should show if he or she bends but shouldnt be real noticeable while pirching.

 

[ataraxia]

generally a healthy cham will be alert w/healthy turrets, good grip, depending on species NORMALLY will be defensive or shy (will puff up, hiss, stand on rear legs *kung fu stance* or run from you), straight limbs, has some weight to it (ribs will probably show if he or she bends but shouldnt be real noticeable while pirching.

 

[chams rule]

For carol, what i meant was that she had sunken eyes, very skinny, had a small lump on the side of her head, and looked like she had a small part of her tail bit off by the other bigger chameleon in the tank. also, for kinyonga, there was no feces in the tank so she could have been constipated.

 

[reptoman]

For carol, what i meant was that she had sunken eyes, very skinny, had a small lump on the side of her head, and looked like she had a small part of her tail bit off by the other bigger chameleon in the tank. also, for kinyonga, there was no feces in the tank so she could have been constipated.

The fact that she was housed with another bigger cham would be enough to keep me from buying that one. Another thing to look for that may present a problem is deflated fat pads on the head. If the fat pads are not at least bulging slightly could indicate that the cham is not eating well or is sick. Was this a juvenile or an adult?

 

[Gensen]

Hate to say this but.....

If you are looking to obtain a healthy Cham and the best possible one to start with, ideally a "Petstore" is not the place to look.

Find a reputable breeder there are many here that are sponsors of the Forum and get a Cham of your choice from them. This will ensure that you are getting a healthy Cham from persons who are knowledgable and can help you and answer questions should you have them. It will also ensure that your Cham has been cared for properly and has gotten off to a good healthy start in life which will be the best for not only the Cham but also your pockets as getting a Cham not cared for properly or not in the best health can quickly lead to big Vet bills.... and a not so good first experience.

Good luck with your search.....

 

[kinyonga]

Maybe when this thread is done we should make up a sticky that will tell people what to look for in a healthy chameleon!

 

[Syn]

Depends on how many times they bounce....

In all seriousness there is great information on this thread. Don't skim!

 

[lisa h]

Maybe when this thread is done we should make up a sticky that will tell people what to look for in a healthy chameleon!

Excellent idea! I would love to have this on hand.

 

[chams rule]

for reptoman, she was a juvinile with an adult in the cage. everyone else, thank you for your help.