Mouth is opened???

[cigdoll]

This will be my second post on this matter because I'm getting really worried on what this could be

The situation is I see him often with his mouth opened, but not widely opened..just a little bit. When I get closer to him and try to take a picture, he will close his mouth.

What can be causing my chameleon Kiddo to be doing this??

Kiddo is a 2 month old male Veiled Chameleon.

 

[Darwin760]

How hot is it in his cage? Mine does this when he starts to get hot. A good misting or a fan in the room (not directly on him) should help him out right away if the heat is up

 

[cigdoll]

I have an automated misting system along with a dripping system. The temperature has a high of 80f and the low of 75f.

Here are some pictures that might not be too clear because I had to take it through the screen. If you look closely, you can see his mouth.

 

[Darwin760]

If those are temps I don't see heat being the problem. The only other thing I can think of is RI. I would try ordering some reptaid while it is minor or a vet visit if financially possible. I got some reptaid in case my problem was an RI and I don't regret using it even if he didn't have one. He became a lot more active, physical and appetite. I am a beginner at this but just sharing some of my experience I've had so far. Best of luck

 

[chamluvr]

Hate to be stupid, but what is RI?

 

[Darwin760]

Respiratory infection

 

[cigdoll]

What can cause a respiratory infection?

I have the following for hydration and temperature:

In a 16x16x30 screen cage..
automated misting system
a water dripper
light fixture with a Reptisun 5.0

 

[Darwin760]

Here is a little info I pulled off another site about RI

The best way, as usual, is by prevention. This is where your thermometer and hygrometer play important roles to keep your chameleon happy. Here are some prevention methods that you can take:
Avoid having too low temperature in your chameleons cage. Play around with different wattages bulbs to see which work better to maintain the recommended temperature for your chameleon (please see the veiled and panther chameleon care 101A).
Avoid creating a constantly wet cage condition with no air ventilation. Allow a complete drying time in between misting. Too much stagnant humidity, as well as not enough humidity, can lead to the case of RI (refer to care 101C).
Avoid using enclosure that promotes poor ventilation such as an aquarium. In order for a cage to have proper ventilation, it needs to have at least 2 screen sides. An all screen cages is a very good enclosure for your chameleon.
Practice good hygiene habits when caring for anything that related to you and your chameleon. A dirty stagnant water source and insect cultures can increase the risk of RI.
Symptoms to watch out for:
The presence of increased mucus in the chameleons mouth.
Weird noise accompanied with breathing (popping, crackling, purring, or cat-like sounds). Try to keep your ear closed to your chameleon and listen carefully for these sounds.
Labored breathing by gasping and opening its mouth even in the low temperature range. In the morning, chameleon does yawn like human. Such activity is normal.
Lungs often overly inflated.
Some swellings the forehead (between eyes) and even eyes (looked puffy) can occur.
Snoring during sleeping.

TREATMENT:
Early detection plays an important factor. Since the cure process requires aggressive antibiotic treatments (such as Baytril or Fortaz), DIY treatment should be HIGHLY discouraged. An exotic vet’s expertise is definitely needed in this case. The vet will be able to pint point the cause (fungal, bacterial, secondary to nutritional or environment). Treatment can last to a month and need to be followed by an after care for another month to prevent the disease from coming back.

 

[cigdoll]

Thanks Darwin, I was looking down the list of possible symptoms and I'm not coming across any of those symptoms with Kiddo.

I'm still so confused

 

[Darwin760]

I am not sure, hopefully somebody else comes along with an answer for you. Best of luck

 

[christinecollins87]

http://webhome.idirect.com/~chameleon/owners/chapter5-sub4.html check this out they say when they keep the mouth open for a little bit it could be the signs of mouth rot but this is what i came across when i was doing research and I am also new to this good luck

 

[cigdoll]

http://webhome.idirect.com/~chameleon/owners/chapter5-sub4.html check this out they say when they keep the mouth open for a little bit it could be the signs of mouth rot but this is what i came across when i was doing research and I am also new to this good luck

As for the link you provided, it has instructions of turning up the heat to clear possible respiratory infection. Kiddo is only 9 weeks old, turning up the heat won't be too hot?

Thank you christinecollins87 for your post, the information you provided was helpful. I have not yet reached the conclusion, but I will continue to do my research and I have made a vet appointment for Kiddo.