Pump sprayer WARNING! Toxic grease released from piston!!

[Bane]

The last few days I have noticed a change in my Cham. I have had him for about a month or so.....ate well and all ( he is a major rescue case - see my avatar pic, which was from the kijiji ad they place for him). I have a nice Florida room set up (tiny bit of direct sunlight in the morning), nice humidity level and good temp drops at night, privacy, etc. He WAS thriving here with me. Got his colour back, gained weight, shed, re-hydrated....

Well, the last 5 days or so he has been eating less and less. He had been eating a lot so I thought maybe just over full. This morning I had to bring him up to his basking spot, he was cold and he had a "tucked', fetal position appearance as he clung onto a low vine in his sleeping area.

After staying up late reading every night as to what could be the problem, I continued my investigation work today. As I was cleaning out his pump up mister, there was a strong smell of chemical in it and small white bits floating around in it. My husband said it smelled like machine oil or like grinding stone oil.????

When we bought this mister there was no smell and we washed it out good. Something up in the piston must have come loose, not sure but I am now trying to save him, already gave him a shower of clean water and will do repeated clean water mistings.

He is up basking on his own now. But just a warning to all of you, a reptile specialist in my area recommended this pump sprayer to me and I will never use one again. It was sold at dollarama in Canada for $3. I feel amazingly stupid, as how could I trust something with working parts, to be safe, so please no blame game. He is my first Cham and just trusted advice of someone who has been keeping them for 40 years!!!!!

 

[Psychobunny]

First, welcome to the forum.
Now, just what kind of pump are you talking about?
Can you show us what one looks like, or provide more details?

 

[Lazy Boy]

Glad you found the problem. I would give him a nice shower soak to help him get that stuff off him and a good cleaning in the cage. Hope he feels better soon.

 

[Bane]

Hello and Thank you! I joined a little while back, with hopes my first post would be positive....perhaps a story of my rescued cham and his progress. But instead, this!

Here is the pump sprayer. These are also recommended on other cham forums, as a cheap alternative to buying the ones at the pet store. Found this one for $3 at dollar store. I want to burn it.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I have one of the hand mister pumps and have noticed that there is grease inside the plunger chamber. As long as there is no damage or flaw, this chamber is supposed to be water tight, so the grease should not be able to come in contact with the water. They are a good option as long as they are working correctly. It sounds like yours must have developed a leak that allowed the grease to come in contact with the water.

I am happy that you found the problem and that it sounds like your guy may be on the mend. I would recommend getting a misting system for him. Not only is there no concern about grease, but it saves you time and assures proper hydration.

I hope he continues to improve!

 

[Bane]

Thank you all for the support without judgement - beating myself up enough!

Now trying to move forward, fix this and share my experience! I will be showing the guy who recommended this thing to me the problem, to save any other chams this unfortunate accident.

 

[Trace]

I don’t see your avatar pic. You say you haven’t had your chameleon very long and you got him from another owner off Kijiji. Perhaps he wasn’t super healthy to begin with and you seeing the effects of that now. Perhaps it’s not the pump sprayer and another underlying health condition. You don't mention the species but wild caught chameleons are generally sickly and not recommended for new keepers. If you would like fill out the How To Ask for Help questionnaire and we can let you know if there is anything you need to tweak with your new fellow.

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.
Pictures are helpful

 

[Bane]

Hello - I guess because I am new my avatar does not show up- I have attached the photos from the actual kijiji ad that was placed for him (2 pics) and then pics after being home with me for a few weeks (2 pics).

If you smelt this lubricant that got into his water you would know without a doubt that this stuff would make a dog sick, never mind a cham. It smells like a solvent.

Thank you for your suggestion I will do the form if I see no improvement in the next day or so. But up until this point he has made major improvements.