Pygmy seems down

[polkaspot]

I've had my pygmy chameleon for about 2 weeks and he hasnt been eating much and just hides under the moss. We were affected my hurricane Sandy so he spent the last 2 days with no light and only heat from a hand warmer wrapped in a sock. When I went to look at him this morning he was very very dark brown, almost black and he isnt moving much. Could he just be stressed? I cant get to the exotic vet because highways are closed and theres no traffic lights working. What can I do for him? I threw a cricket in there in hopes that he might eat.

 

[laurie]

Just warm him up slowly and make sure he had a drink. When his world is back to normal he will be back also but it may take his a while.

 

[Sohumvet]

If he is wild caught he most likely has parasites. These will contaminate his vivaium and over time he will develop an overwhelming worm burden that could easily kill him. Make sure you get a stool sample to your veterinarian.
The dewormer will need to be diluted down for his small size. It's extremely easy to overdose so make sure you go to a knowelagabe exotic veterinarian.

I did a fecal exam on my wc pair and found pinworms. ( I'm a veterinarian)
After I dewormed them twice they started to thrive and are doing great.

As the previous poster said, its important to slowly warm him and then rehydrate him by misting. Best wishes.

 

[polkaspot]

Thanks for the help but he did end up passing away this afternoon. I emailed the guy I bought him from to see if we can work anything out. Poor little guy I feel horrible.

 

[Sohumvet]

I'm sorry for your loss. If you get another have him checked immediately for parasites. The stress of capture and shipping combined with parasites can be deadly.

 

[Psychobunny]

I'm sorry for your loss. If you get another have him checked immediately for parasites. The stress of capture and shipping combined with parasites can be deadly.

I have been told that pygmy's are generaly more prone to stress then panthers and veileds.
Is that true.

I am soooo sorry you lost your little guy.
I know how sad you must be.

If U can get another one soon, it will help relieve your sadness

 

[Sohumvet]

I have been told that pygmy's are generaly more prone to stress then panthers and veileds.
Is that true.

I am soooo sorry you lost your little guy.
I know how sad you must be.

If U can get another one soon, it will help relieve your sadness

I would say that's true about the stress issue. Also, being small they can dehydrate very easily and especially during shipping. Combine that with intestinal parasites and it's a recipe for disaster.

 

[kinyonga]

Before you dispose of it make sure it's really dead. These chameleons can play dead very convincingly.
You didn't mentioned temperature you haven't the cage either....if it's too cool it may be (have been) brumating.