Please help! Chameleon mouth gaped open!

[cigdoll]

This is my second thread on this topic and this time with an "ask for help" form because I have yet to find a solution.

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Kiddo, a 9 weeks old male Veiled Chameleon and has been under my care for 1 week.
Handling - I handle Kiddo 2-3 times a week to either clean something in the cage or bring him outside for some sun.
Feeding - I'm currently feeding Kiddo small-medium crickets gut-loaded with diced apples, celery, lettuce and carrots. I feed him an estimate of 7-10 crickets at noon and at evening.
Supplements - I'm using Rep-Cal Calcium 0% D3 for every day, Rep-Cal Herptivite and ReptoCal with D3 once every two weeks.
Watering - I have a MistKing setup for 3 hours after lights on which is 12:00 then 3:00 and finally 6:00, they are on for 3 minutes each session. I also have a water dripper and I've seen him drink from the dripper once or twice when I happen to look.
Fecal Description - I clean up his droppings twice a day and the color is white with a tiny bit of light yellowish orange at the very tip. I purchased Kiddo at a local reptile shop called Amazon Reptile Center which is rated Top 5 in my region and Kiddo has never been tested for parasites since he's been under my care.
History - Kiddo has been under my care for once week now since I brought him home from the shop. I did bring him home to a fully equipped screen enclosure.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Exo-Terra Flexarrium(screen) and it's 16x16x30.
Lighting - Zilla Slimline with 18" Reptisun 5.0 and currently not using a basking lamp due to his age. The light is automated for 12 hours starting at 9:00am and ending at 9:00pm.
Temperature - From cage floor is at 71f-72f and highest spot of the cage is at 80f-81f. I don't know the overnight temperature and I'm using an Exo-Terra Analog Thermometer gauge.
Humidity - Humidity levels averaging between 45%-55% +/-. I'm currently using my automated misting system to try to maintain these levels with fake silk plants and a fair sized umbrella plant along with a Zilla liner for the substrate. I'm using an Exo Terra Analog Hygrometer gauge.
Plants - I have a Schefflera Arboricola(Umbrella Plant)
Placement - The cage is located in the guest room with no direct air vents or fans and has low traffic. It's just about 5 feet from the floor to the top of the cage.
Location - Southern California

Current Problem - Today is officially 1 week since I brought him home. Since day 2.. I've been seeing his mouth gaped open a little, but not very wide. He does this not only under the light, but where ever he is in his cage.

 

[camimom]

Sounds lke he may have a respiratory infection.

iF they leave their mouth open for extended periods of time... thats normally what this means, which then means you need a vet visit to get tested and antibiotics to treat it.

 

[cigdoll]

How did he end up getting a respiratory infection?

 

[camimom]

too mcuh moisture, not enough, temps not warm enough,it just happens.

Not always something you can avoid.

 

[cigdoll]

Thanks for your imput camimom, but how is an ambiance temperature between 79f-81f not warm enough for a 9 weeks old Veiled Chameleon? I was told from my other threads that they are a good temperature range for Kiddo.

 

[camimom]

Normally yes, but some chams like cooler/warmer temps.

 

[cigdoll]

Are there any other budget solution to treat a respiratory infection besides the vet visit?

 

[AngieL]

Are there any other budget solution to treat a respiratory infection besides the vet visit?

You will need the vet I'm afraid. If it is an infection he will need antibiotics. It shouldn't be too expensive, my visit cost £18 and the two weeks worth of antibiotics cost £6. Any amount is worth a healthy baby

 

[cigdoll]

So they will run a diagnostic on Kiddo and if no respiratory infection is found then I just have to pay for the visit and no need for the antibiotics?

Thank you camimom and AngieL!!

 

[AngieL]

Well yes and no! But going on his gaping symptoms I would think the vet will prescribe antibiotics. They may test to see what kind or how bad the infection is but it's kind of hard to detect as such. from what I understand it's usually diagnosed on the behavioural symptoms of the chameleon.

 

[AngieL]

Does he have any excess mucus in the mouth or nose?

 

[cigdoll]

Kiddo only opens his mouth when he's in his cage. When I take him out, he hasn't once opened his mouth even when I leave him standing outside the cage.

 

[lysinlight87]

They often open their mouths if they are too hot. You say he only does this when basking? Might pay to reduce the temp a few degrees.

but if he's doing this for a prolonged time, you can hear noises when he breathes or there's excess mucus, a vet visit would be wise.

Good luck

 

[cigdoll]

They often open their mouths if they are too hot. You say he only does this when basking? Might pay to reduce the temp a few degrees.

but if he's doing this for a prolonged time, you can hear noises when he breathes or there's excess mucus, a vet visit would be wise.

Good luck

Thanks for your imput lysinlight87. In my "ask for help" form I've stated that I'm currently not using a basking lamp due to Kiddo's age. Also there is no excess mucus from him, but I have not tried to listen to any noises/wheezing while he has his mouth open to breath.

Update: I've scheduled a vet appointment for Kiddo.

 

[lysinlight87]

Thanks for your imput lysinlight87. In my "ask for help" form I've stated that I'm currently not using a basking lamp due to Kiddo's age. Also there is no excess mucus from him, but I have not tried to listen to any noises/wheezing while he has his mouth open to breath.

Update: I've scheduled a vet appointment for Kiddo.

I'm v sorry, I misread your post & thought you had a basking bulb for some reason. Good luck at the vets, you obviously really care about your cham