Loki's first vet check up

[Frigga]

I took Loki to the vet for the first time, I wasn't able to get a fecal sample done because I did my routine poop clean up the day before, forgetting I needed to save it, and he didn't leave any presents before leaving in the morning. My bearded dragon also went to the vet and his fecal test came back positive for pin worms and coccidia. So the vet decided I should treat them both, since they live in the same house/room. It makes me nervous treating him without knowing he actually has anything, but I'm trusting my vet and will be bringing a fresh sample from Loki for them to test as soon as I'm able.
Other then that Loki had a clean bill of health. I just wanted to share since my friends and family are probably sick of hearing me go on and on about my lizards lol
Loki is such a funny little chameleon, he constantly wants to be held (which was super surprising to me based on what I had read about their behavior lol).

 

[jajeanpierre]

@Frigga how does he behave to show you that he wants to be held? Can you describe exactly what "held" is to you and Loki?

What drugs did the vet give you to treat with? Albon is quite a dangerous drug for chameleons (don't know about beardies) and Ponazuril is the preferred drug for coccidia. Panacur is a very safe drug for pinworms. It is unlikely you will ever be able to eradicate coccidia from your beardie. The current philosophy in parasite treatment is to only treat if the animal is showing signs of ill health and to allow the immune system to do its job to keep parasites under control.

Be careful with your biosecurity when servicing the two cages.

Make sure your animals are hydrated before, during and after treating. I always add a little water to the medication and stuff a bit of food like a couple of silk worms into their mouths after medicating. Be aware that there is a "dead space" in the syringe that will have medication in it after you have depressed the plunger. My syringes have .04mls of medication left in the dead space. That isn't a problem unless I also draw up water into the syringe which will take up that medication so it is easy to end up accidentally giving a huge overdose without being aware you are. You can avoid that risk by using two separate syringes, one for water and one for medication.

 

[Frigga]

Like I said, I am going to trust my vet on this. I questioned him thoroughly about treating Loki, since he was a petsmart chameleon it's a likely chance he has the same parasites as my beardie. They are both taking panacur and ponazuril.. I am constantly making sure Loki is hydrated. He also gets a wax worms treat after he gets his dose. Also I am extremely diligent over the "biosecurity" of the two cages.

As far as his behavior, he comes to me. He reaches out for me when I walk up to his cage, and grabs for me as I'm cleaning his cage. As a rule, I usually don't hold a new reptile for a minimum of 2 weeks after bringing them home, if not more, I want them to get acclimated to their new environment before adding the stress of me to the scenario. Loki was different, 2 days after bringing him home, I had his cage door open as I was attaching a new thermometer in there when he climbed down to the door and climbed onto my arm. I let him climb on me for a few minutes before I put him back. The picture I posted is him reaching out to me. I never grab him, and try to keep it to just a few minutes at a time, usually he climbs up my arm to my shoulder. I am working on getting him a little free range area to play (ie a ficus tree) in a different part of my house (ie away from any other reptiles) in case it's not me and he just wants to explore outside of his cage.

You honestly make me feel like you're judging me over this, I didn't come here to be critiqued or judged. As I said I just wanted to share my experience. I was happy with our vet visit, I've only had him for a couple weeks now and wanted to get him in for a checkup to make sure he's healthy. Wasn't asking for anything. I'm sure every chameleon is different, and apparently mine enjoys my company, or at least that's how I'm choosing to see for now. I know this might not last as he reaches maturity, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to put my hand out for him when hes reaching for me

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums! I keep veileds and they are totally awesome chameleons. I hope both your guys will be ok. Loki sure is a little cutie!

 

[Fiona's Mom]

Loki is absolutely adorable!

 

[jajeanpierre]

Like I said, I am going to trust my vet on this. I questioned him thoroughly about treating Loki, since he was a petsmart chameleon it's a likely chance he has the same parasites as my beardie. They are both taking panacur and ponazuril.. I am constantly making sure Loki is hydrated. He also gets a wax worms treat after he gets his dose. Also I am extremely diligent over the "biosecurity" of the two cages.

As far as his behavior, he comes to me. He reaches out for me when I walk up to his cage, and grabs for me as I'm cleaning his cage. As a rule, I usually don't hold a new reptile for a minimum of 2 weeks after bringing them home, if not more, I want them to get acclimated to their new environment before adding the stress of me to the scenario. Loki was different, 2 days after bringing him home, I had his cage door open as I was attaching a new thermometer in there when he climbed down to the door and climbed onto my arm. I let him climb on me for a few minutes before I put him back. The picture I posted is him reaching out to me. I never grab him, and try to keep it to just a few minutes at a time, usually he climbs up my arm to my shoulder. I am working on getting him a little free range area to play (ie a ficus tree) in a different part of my house (ie away from any other reptiles) in case it's not me and he just wants to explore outside of his cage.

You honestly make me feel like you're judging me over this, I didn't come here to be critiqued or judged. As I said I just wanted to share my experience. I was happy with our vet visit, I've only had him for a couple weeks now and wanted to get him in for a checkup to make sure he's healthy. Wasn't asking for anything. I'm sure every chameleon is different, and apparently mine enjoys my company, or at least that's how I'm choosing to see for now. I know this might not last as he reaches maturity, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to put my hand out for him when hes reaching for me

If you never want to learn anything or fine tune your husbandry, especially since it seems you are dealing with your very first chameleon from PetSmart no less, please put as a first sentence in any post: "I am not interested in any information that anyone else might have to offer." Then we'll know not to offer you unsolicited information or advice.

Your statement was: "he constantly wants to be held." You cannot possibly know his inner most desires or thoughts since you can't read a chameleon's mind. No one can. Since you made the statement that he desired being held, I asked what that looked like. That's the kind of question that needs to be asked if one is going to do any behavior analysis. I would suggest you are mixing up a desire to escape his cage with your desire he wants to be with you. Just my two cents. Oh, you are not interested in learning. Sorry. My bad, I won't do that again.

One other thing, putting blind faith in a vet often kills chameleons. They don't mean to kill them but they do make mistakes just like human doctors do. Albon is a common coccidia medication that even reptile vets prescribe that tends to kill chameleons. I just wanted to give you a heads up. But, again, sorry for not respecting your desire not to learn. I still felt it needed to be said so someone else on this forum doesn't let their vet give their chameleon Albon.

Good luck.

 

[Frigga]

If you never want to learn anything or fine tune your husbandry, especially since it seems you are dealing with your very first chameleon from PetSmart no less, please put as a first sentence in any post: "I am not interested in any information that anyone else might have to offer." Then we'll know not to offer you unsolicited information or advice.

Your statement was: "he constantly wants to be held." You cannot possibly know his inner most desires or thoughts since you can't read a chameleon's mind. No one can. Since you made the statement that he desired being held, I asked what that looked like. That's the kind of question that needs to be asked if one is going to do any behavior analysis. I would suggest you are mixing up a desire to escape his cage with your desire he wants to be with you. Just my two cents. Oh, you are not interested in learning. Sorry. My bad, I won't do that again.

One other thing, putting blind faith in a vet often kills chameleons. They don't mean to kill them but they do make mistakes just like human doctors do. Albon is a common coccidia medication that even reptile vets prescribe that tends to kill chameleons. I just wanted to give you a heads up. But, again, sorry for not respecting your desire not to learn. I still felt it needed to be said so someone else on this forum doesn't let their vet give their chameleon Albon.

Good luck.

You seem to be putting words in my mouth, I never said I'm not interested in any unsolicited advice, but I have decided going to trust my vet in this instance, until I can a fecal test done on him, that doesn't mean I'm putting a blind trust on him. Also I did my own research on the medication before giving him or my beardie any. It wasn't the fact that you pointed out a medicine that could potentially be deadly isn't what made you come off wrong, I do appreciate that type of information. The information about the medication and keeping hydrated is absolutely good information to have, I won't deny that.
My point was you seemed a little off putting on your reply, it seemed to me you were extremely judgmental. I am absolutely open to constructive criticism. And there was a chance I misread the tone of your first reply, but based on this response I can see now I did not.

Obviously I can't read my chameleons mind, just like I can't read my kids mind either, but body language is a lot. I'm not delusional, I understand stand it could have nothing to do with me at all and has everything to do with the fact he just wants out of his cage. But he is friendly, he remains calm when I'm holding him, and he approaches me, and I think that is something special in my eyes, even if its truly nothing.

If I didn't want to learn anything new I wouldn't be here on this forum reading everything I possible can to learn about chameleons. But when I read a high and mighty response it kind of puts me off to the forum all together. Again maybe I misread you're tone, but I just wanted to point out, thats how it made me feel.

 

[PJK]

If you never want to learn anything or fine tune your husbandry, especially since it seems you are dealing with your very first chameleon from PetSmart no less, please put as a first sentence in any post: "I am not interested in any information that anyone else might have to offer." Then we'll know not to offer you unsolicited information or advice.

Your statement was: "he constantly wants to be held." You cannot possibly know his inner most desires or thoughts since you can't read a chameleon's mind. No one can. Since you made the statement that he desired being held, I asked what that looked like. That's the kind of question that needs to be asked if one is going to do any behavior analysis. I would suggest you are mixing up a desire to escape his cage with your desire he wants to be with you. Just my two cents. Oh, you are not interested in learning. Sorry. My bad, I won't do that again.

One other thing, putting blind faith in a vet often kills chameleons. They don't mean to kill them but they do make mistakes just like human doctors do. Albon is a common coccidia medication that even reptile vets prescribe that tends to kill chameleons. I just wanted to give you a heads up. But, again, sorry for not respecting your desire not to learn. I still felt it needed to be said so someone else on this forum doesn't let their vet give their chameleon Albon.

Good luck.

BUUUUUURRRRRNNNNNN (Insert Fire Emoji)

 

[Frigga]

And I am sorry if I came off not open to suggestions and input, maybe I should have had my morning coffee before reading your response and I was reading it all wrong. I am very open to learning everything I can. I have spent hours upon hours reading about how to properly care for my Loki, and I know I will continue to learn. So again, I apologize if I came off rude as well.

 

[Frigga]

BUUUUUURRRRRNNNNNN (Insert Fire Emoji)

Wow, really?

So I'm willing to admit when I come off on the wrong foot, but this obviously isn't the type of community I want to be apart of, so I guess I'm done here. Thanks.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Wow, really?

So I'm willing to admit when I come off on the wrong foot, but this obviously isn't the type of community I want to be apart of, so I guess I'm done here. Thanks.

Don't be silly. Your chameleon needs this forum because there are a lot of experienced people here that freely offer advice and help.

 

[JaxyGirl]

I just want to applaud @Friga for taking her new Cham and beardie for a wellness checkup at the vet and treating for parasites. Many people don't bother taking their chams to the vet ever. It shows that she cares about her reptiles. There are a lot of good vets out there with good information who know what they are doing regarding reptiles.

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

Hi just wanted to add something. Every Cham is different. For example, I have a 7 month old veiled who is always wanting to be out of his cage and me holding him. When ever I open his cage he always stands up on his 2 back legs and reaches out for me hand or arm. I used to dance with this girl and her mom had a chameleon. The chameleon liked to hang out on the counter and interact with humans. I also knew a chameleon that everytime I went near him, he would hiss at me. I agree with JaxyGirl that u took the time to take ur chameleon to the vet and get him checked out. He seems like a happy Cham to me!!

 

[Frigga]

Thanks you everyone for the positive comments.
I did a lot of research before bringing my chameleon home, I even researched my vet before bringing any of my reptiles to him. He's one of the best and most recommended in my area.
The reason I got Loki, beside the fact I wanted a cham and of course they're awesome, was because he looked so sad in petsmart when I'd see him every time I'd go there, and I wanted to give him a happy-healthy life. I'm in petsmart multiple times a week, getting crickets or meal worms, and grew attached and I didn't want him to be adopted by someone who wouldn't give the right care. So even though he's my first chameleon, from petsmart no less, I am going to do everything I can to provide the very best for him. I'm not an expert, and I'm still learning a lot along the way. And I'm happy he's the type of chameleon who likes to come out to see me.

Also on a positive note, he started his first shed tonight since coming home! Which I'm very excited about He has a bit a shed constriction on the tip of his tail, he's had since coming home. I had the vet check on it while we were there, he said it's possible he might loose that little tip. So I'm keeping a close eye on him to make sure everything goes well.

 

[brownie64]

Welcome to the forums I personally would be happy to try and answer any questions you might have. Please don't leave angry I'm sure it will get better. There are plenty on here willing to help.

 

[brownie64]

The vet didn't think he could remove it? I think it could be saved as long as it don't turn black. Just my opinion.

 

[Frigga]

No the vet didn't say anything about removing it, just that it wasn't too concerning, it is a possibility it could fall off in the future, and to keep an eye out for any further shedding issues. It doesn't appear to have any dead skin left in the impression anymore but the damage was done.


And I decided not to leave, I was reacting emotionally this morning, but I'm over it

 

[JaxyGirl]

No the vet didn't say anything about removing it, just that it wasn't too concerning, it is a possibility it could fall off in the future, and to keep an eye out for any further shedding issues. It doesn't appear to have any dead skin left in the impression anymore but the damage was done.


And I decided not to leave, I was reacting emotionally this morning, but I'm over it

Glad you decided to stay your little guy looks great even though he has the grumpy shedding face going on..Lol!