I own an adult male Jackson's Chameleon. I've owned him for approximately two years and seven months, and when I purchased him, he was approximately 6 months old. Therefore, he stands at roughly three years of age. Many sites will give you different estimates on a Jackson's lifespan (some 7-10 years, some as low as 5), but none close to three, so therefore I don't think age really factors into the equation. I would love some helpful input with my current situation!
Monday (yesterday) I noticed the gaping/hissing, dehydration, and low appetite (he only ate 3 or 4 superworms). The good news is he is now hydrated. The bad news is he still occasionally gapes and hisses for air. When he does so, my reaction is to spray him with warm water, which calms him down until next time. He doesn't seem to have much bubble or mucus build up from what I can see (and none from the nose), but maybe the bubble build up is just deep enough in his throat where I can't see. Today I gave him the shower method which made him fine throughout the day, but then tonight he started gaping again (more violently), and almost looked like he was throwing up (which may be a good thing), but I didn't see much come up. I cleaned his cage, put towels on 3/4 sides of the screen for humidity, and have all of my drippers and misters rigged with warm water. The shower seemed to help. I gave him some reptaboost today because of his lack of appetite, however he only lapped some of it up. In conclusion, I don't think there is very much I can do. It is odd. It seems like a LRI to me, however I don't see much, if any, liquid when he gapes.
I do know the probable cause. This past week it's been insanely hot here, especially the room he is in. Because I'm an idiot, I set the AC installed in the room to 64* (quite low) which probably sapped the humidity right out of the room. All other conditions (lighting, diet, etc) are fine as far as my resources go, and I've been working on raising the humidity. Feel free to ask me any specifics regarding husbandry.
At this point I realize I most likely need to take him to a vet, however I am simply asking if there is anything I can or should do before I go ahead and put him under the stressful trip. Thank you for your time, and any help at all is appreciated.
Monday (yesterday) I noticed the gaping/hissing, dehydration, and low appetite (he only ate 3 or 4 superworms). The good news is he is now hydrated. The bad news is he still occasionally gapes and hisses for air. When he does so, my reaction is to spray him with warm water, which calms him down until next time. He doesn't seem to have much bubble or mucus build up from what I can see (and none from the nose), but maybe the bubble build up is just deep enough in his throat where I can't see. Today I gave him the shower method which made him fine throughout the day, but then tonight he started gaping again (more violently), and almost looked like he was throwing up (which may be a good thing), but I didn't see much come up. I cleaned his cage, put towels on 3/4 sides of the screen for humidity, and have all of my drippers and misters rigged with warm water. The shower seemed to help. I gave him some reptaboost today because of his lack of appetite, however he only lapped some of it up. In conclusion, I don't think there is very much I can do. It is odd. It seems like a LRI to me, however I don't see much, if any, liquid when he gapes.
I do know the probable cause. This past week it's been insanely hot here, especially the room he is in. Because I'm an idiot, I set the AC installed in the room to 64* (quite low) which probably sapped the humidity right out of the room. All other conditions (lighting, diet, etc) are fine as far as my resources go, and I've been working on raising the humidity. Feel free to ask me any specifics regarding husbandry.
At this point I realize I most likely need to take him to a vet, however I am simply asking if there is anything I can or should do before I go ahead and put him under the stressful trip. Thank you for your time, and any help at all is appreciated.
