Need help asap upper respiratory infection

[Nevertheless]

Hi I have a Jackson Chameleon with an upper respiratory infection his name is Avicii I'm really worried about him I don't have enough money to take him to the vet.. does anyone know any ways at home to get him back to feeling better ? Private Message me thanks

 

[misshissingroaches]

Heres my copy and paste(s):

Upper respiratory infection is a relatively common problem in chameleons and is usually a direct result of improper caging or husbandry techniques.
It is normally brought on by temperatures being too low, or humid and stagnant air in the enclosure, but it can also be caused by dirty conditions where the bottom of the cage becomes littered with feces and feeder insects.

Respiratory infection is caused by a bacteria that manifests itself in the respiratory tract or sinuses (upper respiratory infection), and in severe cases can enter the lungs (lower respiratory infection) causing pneumonia.

If left untreated, respiratory infection will rapidly progress and immediate, aggressive treatment will be needed for a full recovery.

Signs of respiratory infection can include

•Gaping of the mouth (this can be normal if the animal is close to a heat source)
•Excess stringy mucus inside the mouth (although a very small amount is normal)
•You may hear a very quiet popping noise when the animal is held close to your ear
•Forced raspy exhalations
•Wheezing
•Small raised areas of inflammation around the nostrils
•A slight opening of the mouth and gular extension (not to be confused with threat posture)
•In very advanced stages - bubbling at the mouth and nostrils

In the early stages of respiratory infection symptoms can be quite subtle, but they are easily detected with a keen eye. The first thing you may notice is your animal extending the gular pouch (the area around the throat) and opening its mouth slightly, you may also hear a short, sharp hiss that accompanies this.This behavior will probably be seen along with gaping, even in the cooler areas of the enclosure. After these initial signs, if treatment isn’t started the infection will then progress to the more severe symptoms described above.

The first thing you need to do when any chameleon has respiratory issues is raise the temperature to the maximum acceptable levels for that particular species. For panther chameleons it is a good idea to elevate the top of the enclosure to around 900-950F. Also try and keep the night time temperature around 700-750F.

With the correct treatment and environmental changes it is possible to clear up respiratory infection in 4-10 days as long as the animal is otherwise healthy and does not have any other underlying issues. If you suspect your chameleon is showing any of the symptoms above you must seek the advice of a qualified reptile veterinarian to give the best chance of a full recovery.

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.

Be aware that Baytril is a strong antibiotic and might prove to be too harsh for your chameleon's body. To avoid kidney and organ failure, I recommend to watch out for your chameleon's hydration status.

Meanwhile, the enclosures should be corrected (if this is the case). The temperature should be kept to an optimum range for your sick chameleon. Maintaining the POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone) will rev up your chameleon's metabolism allowing him to fight the infection more effectively. Furthermore, humidity should also be reduced or added depending on the case.
GENERALLY (not always the case), adding humidity would be a proper choice as the extra humidity will allow the excess phlegm to move loosely.

 

[misshissingroaches]

I think that without a vet you cham's chances are slim. I would find the extra money by fundraising in someway possible, or cutting something out that I don't NEED, or selling some of my items, But thats just what i would do.

 

[carol5208]

Get him to a vet. Borrow the money or call your vet and explain the situation and ask if you can make payments.

 

[deathdealer91]

Heres my copy and paste(s):

Upper respiratory infection is a relatively common problem in chameleons and is usually a direct result of improper caging or husbandry techniques.
It is normally brought on by temperatures being too low, or humid and stagnant air in the enclosure, but it can also be caused by dirty conditions where the bottom of the cage becomes littered with feces and feeder insects.

Respiratory infection is caused by a bacteria that manifests itself in the respiratory tract or sinuses (upper respiratory infection), and in severe cases can enter the lungs (lower respiratory infection) causing pneumonia.

If left untreated, respiratory infection will rapidly progress and immediate, aggressive treatment will be needed for a full recovery.

Signs of respiratory infection can include

•Gaping of the mouth (this can be normal if the animal is close to a heat source)
•Excess stringy mucus inside the mouth (although a very small amount is normal)
•You may hear a very quiet popping noise when the animal is held close to your ear
•Forced raspy exhalations
•Wheezing
•Small raised areas of inflammation around the nostrils
•A slight opening of the mouth and gular extension (not to be confused with threat posture)
•In very advanced stages - bubbling at the mouth and nostrils

In the early stages of respiratory infection symptoms can be quite subtle, but they are easily detected with a keen eye. The first thing you may notice is your animal extending the gular pouch (the area around the throat) and opening its mouth slightly, you may also hear a short, sharp hiss that accompanies this.This behavior will probably be seen along with gaping, even in the cooler areas of the enclosure. After these initial signs, if treatment isn’t started the infection will then progress to the more severe symptoms described above.

The first thing you need to do when any chameleon has respiratory issues is raise the temperature to the maximum acceptable levels for that particular species. For panther chameleons it is a good idea to elevate the top of the enclosure to around 900-950F. Also try and keep the night time temperature around 700-750F.

With the correct treatment and environmental changes it is possible to clear up respiratory infection in 4-10 days as long as the animal is otherwise healthy and does not have any other underlying issues. If you suspect your chameleon is showing any of the symptoms above you must seek the advice of a qualified reptile veterinarian to give the best chance of a full recovery.

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.

Be aware that Baytril is a strong antibiotic and might prove to be too harsh for your chameleon's body. To avoid kidney and organ failure, I recommend to watch out for your chameleon's hydration status.

Meanwhile, the enclosures should be corrected (if this is the case). The temperature should be kept to an optimum range for your sick chameleon. Maintaining the POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone) will rev up your chameleon's metabolism allowing him to fight the infection more effectively. Furthermore, humidity should also be reduced or added depending on the case.
GENERALLY (not always the case), adding humidity would be a proper choice as the extra humidity will allow the excess phlegm to move loosely.

Thanks. i didn't know this.

 

[Psychobunny]

Welcome to the forum.

If your jax really does have RI, there is little you can do at home.

You will need to go to a vet.

If you can not afford one, most will work out a payment plan for you.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums! You might find these older threads about RI helpful.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/theres-no-such-thing-uri-14277/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/back-vet-medication-questions-39302/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/concerns-my-female-panther-47322/