New chameleon, defecated with blood

[elocineiram19]

I've owned a female Jackson's Chameleon for five days now and i have noticed some things that concern me. She has only eaten two or three times. I've sprayed her with water three or four times each day. Her humidity level is 70 and her cage temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. What worries me the most is that today it defecated with blood. What should i do? should i take her to the vet? I read online and it said it might be dehydration or parasites. Every time i spray water on her she closes her eyes for five minutes. Today i noticed that below her right eye her skin is red. She has also lost some weight. Please someone tell me what to do because i am new with this.

 

[jcarlsen]

I've owned a female Jackson's Chameleon for five days now and i have noticed some things that concern me. She has only eaten two or three times. I've sprayed her with water three or four times each day. Her humidity level is 70 and her cage temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. What worries me the most is that today it defecated with blood. What should i do? should i take her to the vet? I read online and it said it might be dehydration or parasites. Every time i spray water on her she closes her eyes for five minutes. Today i noticed that below her right eye her skin is red. She has also lost some weight. Please someone tell me what to do because i am new with this.

I think a vet visit is in order, for sure. One thing I might recommend is not misting the chameleon directly, but rather the leaves close by. I've read that they don't like being sprayed, especially since the water may be a bit chilly. For drinking, might be best to set up a dripper or something.

 

[elocineiram19]

Thanks, do you think i should keep his defecation and take it to the vet?

 

[shrum]

if you have a sample it always helps to bring it in for the vet but I think it may have to be a fresh sample....Someone correct me if I am wrong....Also with the temp of 85 is that through out the whole tank? Is there any cooler parts of the enclosure for the cham to cool down? This probably has nothing to do with the blood but it was something I noticed when reading your post. Also like the other comment here you should never spray the cham directly but only the leaves of the plants so the cham can drink from it. Chameleons do not take water in from their skin like say a frog would they actually drink to stay hydrated. All that said Yes a vet visit is in order asap

 

[Lathis]

Yes, if something is wrong with her droppings, a vet check is in order, especially since she is so new to you. Take fresh droppings with you if you can. Parasites are a possibility, but usually are easily treated.

Jacksons do like a lot of water and generally need to be misted for longer sessions to stimulate drinking. My Jax is very moody about when he wants to be misted and when he doesn't, but he definitely prefers a warm shower over a cold one. I put hot water in my sprayer (it's cools to just warm by the time it hits him), and I start by spraying near him, then slowly working up from the tail. He will usually freak out for a second before deciding if he likes it or not. If he's not in the mood, I spray around him. Sometimes, he absolutely loves it and will go through the whole gallon sprayer before he's done.

Keep us posted about your girl. I'm curious to hear what the vet says about her droppings.