Please help. Very sick veiled chameleon.

[jrevit]

I got my (approx.) 5 month old veiled about 3 weeks ago. His habitat is a 10 gal. tank with beads/rock bottom covered with a repti-mat (all for drainage of excess water). He also has fake leaves/vine in his cage and I also have a Repti-fogger humidifier set up with the cage. When I first picked him out at the pet store, he started acting a little funny by holding onto his back left leg with his right and would not let go. I decided to put him back in to choose a different chameleon since I thought this one's leg was broken. As They put him back in, he let go of the leg and started walking around normally, so I just chose him in the end. I took him home and about 2-3 days later I noticed he was closing one eye. After doing research I got him eye drops to maybe help him flush his eyes. He returned to full health and maintained eating habits and energy. I then went and got a 2nd chameleon from the same store and cage and put my new chameleon inside the same cage with my first chameleon only until I cleaned out another cage I had occupied and waiting for my new chameleon to move into it in 2 weeks. As time went on, my 1st chameleon's health started to plummet. He started becoming slower with his movement, staying on either the ground or the lowest leaves of the cage. His movements are lethargic and he acts like he doesn't know where to go. He currently has both eyes closed and has had them closed for a couple days now. As I tried to observe, he hasn't eaten anything to my knowledge. The newer chameleon's health has been perfectly fine all this time. I moved the first chameleon into the new habitat by himself today. The first six hours he has barely moved and still has his eyes closed. His leg (which I have asked about in a previous post) has cleared up some, but still shows signs of swelling and immovability. He also sits on this leg frequently. I have a vet appointment set up for him but until then I would just like some closure on what may be wrong with him and if his condition is treatable before I spend tons of money at the vet for something they may not be able to fix. I have attached a photo of his current well being.

 

[Nickl]

You need to take him to a vet it looks like mbd mine currently is recovering from it it's a big issue plus she's probably dehydrated for
The sounds of it sorry and good Luck with your Cham!

 

[Nickl]

And he will also need a screen cage if I use a reptarium because there cheap but it doesn't matter glass cages will lead to bacterial problems and they need open air glass tanks are still air

 

[Nickl]

Sorry didn't read last part no its not able to be cured he will always have his bones shaped like that but you can treat it and stop it from getting worse

 

[AngieL]

I'm so sorry you're having troubles That looks to be a bad case of metabolic bone disease. This is usually caused by a bad supplement schedule or not enough uvb.

What uvb light do you have on him and what is your supp schedule? also do you have any pictures of him when you first got him? It looks pretty bad and if you only got him 3 weeks ago chances are he was ill when you got him.

EDIT: I say 'he' but I don't see any spurs so I suspect you have a little girl there.

 

[Kate]

Sorry your little one is sick? As Angiel said it sounds as if he was sick before you got him. I know it's a pain but could you fill in the how to ask for help form so we con look at it to see how he has been kept since you got her. It.will save having to answer too many questions. From what I read I gather you have been keeping two chams together for two weeks and have separated them today. This in itself is very stressful as one Cham can be dominant and prevent the other from eating and drinking also not allowing the other a basking spot. They need to be at the right temp to digest there food. When is your vet appointment?

 

[mcleodschams]

I also wanted to add that.grabbing their legs and holding them is.also a sign of mbd it sounds like she had it when you bought her. I would keep your vet appointment. Your vet will likely give her a calcium injection. I have a Chameleon that I took in with mbd and he has recovered pretty well. She will never look normal but you can stop what is happening. In the mean time I would ensure she is getting lots of uvb even if you can take her outside for 10 minutes a day. I would also make sure she is getting proper suppliment. She needs plain calcium without d3 everyday lightly dusted on her feeders. As well a calcium with d3 twice a month. And a muti vitamin 2 times a month. You can help her by starting this already and getting her into a vet.

Also on another note. They will both need screen enclosures or an exo terra well ventilated. I wouldn't use the fogger in that small of an enclosure. . He.needs to be able to get within 6-8 inches of the uvb light.
I am going to attach the how to ask for help form. This will give us a better understanding of her care.
She is a female too by the way.

 

[mcleodschams]

Chameleon Info:

Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon.
How long has it been in your care? Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule? Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings.
Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps? Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas?
At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

Please fill out this form.

 

[Elizadolots]

Hi, I think you need to read up on chameleon care. You've purchased an animal that is already sick, in an inadequate enclosure without the proper equipment. That's not your fault, but you are definitely going to be playing catch up here.

Here's a link with good references you might want to check out:https://www.chameleonforums.com/basic-husbandry-38769/

 

[kinyonga]

Get visit definitely in order....but also...I would recommend that in the future you follow a quarantine regime when you get a new chameleon.