Rescue Meller's chameleon

[Carlton]

It angers me so much. That stupid kid insisted he was "hand tame." Tried to congratulate himself on being a good pet owner because his chameleon was too weak to hiss at him.

Hello Bryonier.

Jajeanpierre sent me a PM about this thread. This poor guy is in rough shape for sure. I have dealt with my fair share of imported melleri and I am going to tell you right off the bat that the only way you will have success is with hydration and tender care. I was reading some of the responses above, and I saw where @Carlton was explaining how important hydration is in melleri. Don't take that lightly.

I am going to be 100% honest with you....if he makes it, it will be miraculous. Melleri stress very easily. This on top of his health conditions just make for a terrible scenario. I am in no way saying to give up...because I wouldn't. I have seen recoveries that I don't even understand, so there is always a chance. My advice would be keep him in an area with no visual stressors. The post directly before this where Carlton was speaking about syringe use and mashed insects....I completely stand behind all of that advice. She has had Melleri and she knows the struggles of getting them back on track.

But, if "he" does keep on going and starts to improve, the joy watching him come back to life can't be described. I had a rescue female jax who was in this shape and she did survive. When I first brought her home from the pet store (not the typical clueless one, but a very worried one who tried to set her up correctly in spite of a warm dry store situation). The store gave her to me hoping she wouldn't suffer. She laid completely limp in the sink eyes shut, almost unaware. However, when I misted her with warm water she licked water droplets off the porcelain unable to raise her head. Every day I came home expecting to find her gone, but she hung in there. She fought me a little more each time I syringe fed her and eventually began biting down on the feeders I put in her mouth. Every chance I got I misted her head with warm water so she could drink. A year later she was a completely different animal, fat and opinionated. I took her back to the store and they took her picture. They were thrilled. Nice folks.

 

[kinyonga]

The bug juice recipe is in this thread...I think it's in Lovereps third post.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/our-vet-said-we-should-have-been-using-uva.133555/page-3

 

[Bryonier]

I feel that each of you deserve a personalized response from me for all of the help that you've given... but I have bad news. He didn't even make it a day. I got home and he seemed to be hanging on. I set him up on my bathtub ledge with a spare plant (for cover mostly, because his grip was so weak) and ran a hot shower to get a bit of steam (the water didn't touch him, but I needed it to be hot for the steam) and then I misted him as carefully as I could. His grip had been weak all day and I thought it was due to MBD but I see now how close to death he was.

He didn't seem to take in any water and looked zero percent better after the steam/misting. I put out a few small dubia roaches for him but he showed no interest. Thinking that maybe he was shy, I chose to leave him in the plant, in the tub, with the feeders in a bowl while I ran out to the store to get a good-size tree for him, some Pedialyte, and some silk/wax worms. When I got back, he was already dead (I'd been gone about an hour).

I'm torn up. This really, really f*cked me up. I have a bad habit of remaining optimistic and hopeful against all odds. I knew that death was a possibility, but I honestly thought he could last. I was willing to do whatever it took for him. I even took a grand out of my savings so I could just tell the vet to "save him, whatever the expense."

I wanted him so much. I was doodling "Pascal" on some spare paper while I waited in line. I am so, so, so heartbroken.

I'm gonna find that kid tomorrow and I hope there are people nearby because I want to f*cking kill him.

 

[jpowell86]

But, if "he" does keep on going and starts to improve, the joy watching him come back to life can't be described. I had a rescue female jax who was in this shape and she did survive. When I first brought her home from the pet store (not the typical clueless one, but a very worried one who tried to set her up correctly in spite of a warm dry store situation). The store gave her to me hoping she wouldn't suffer. She laid completely limp in the sink eyes shut, almost unaware. However, when I misted her with warm water she licked water droplets off the porcelain unable to raise her head. Every day I came home expecting to find her gone, but she hung in there. She fought me a little more each time I syringe fed her and eventually began biting down on the feeders I put in her mouth. Every chance I got I misted her head with warm water so she could drink. A year later she was a completely different animal, fat and opinionated. I took her back to the store and they took her picture. They were thrilled. Nice folks.

Completely agreed. That is why Macumba, one of my melleri, is so dear to me. I spent so much time getting his little body to respond to hydration and feeding. Just like you, perseverance paid off. He is in wonderful shape now and doing splendidly. That was over 4 years ago.

With that being said, I think every responsible chameleon keeper would have to admit that once an animal is past a certain point, the only humane course of action is euthanizing. I am NOT saying that's where this particular case is at the moment, but I have to put that out there.

I don't feel or think that this melleri is past the point of responding to medical intervention or home caregiving. My worry is based solely around stress. I really feel if the OP can provide a nice environment with no stressors, this particular melleri could rebound. But, this is usually more successful in cases where the keeper has had prior experience with the species. I in no way mean offense to OP in saying that. I mean that across the board. I too feel that the person I am today taking care of my melleri is completely different than the person that first started taking them in 5 years ago. You learn the tendencies of each species and how they respond to various stimuli.

I am rooting for this chameleon...as I know we all are!

 

[Bryonier]

Completely agreed. That is why Macumba, one of my melleri, is so dear to me. I spent so much time getting his little body to respond to hydration and feeding. Just like you, perseverance paid off. He is in wonderful shape now and doing splendidly. That was over 4 years ago.

With that being said, I think every responsible chameleon keeper would have to admit that once an animal is past a certain point, the only humane course of action is euthanizing. I am NOT saying that's where this particular case is at the moment, but I have to put that out there.

I don't feel or think that this melleri is past the point of responding to medical intervention or home caregiving. My worry is based solely around stress. I really feel if the OP can provide a nice environment with no stressors, this particular melleri could rebound. But, this is usually more successful in cases where the keeper has had prior experience with the species. I in no way mean offense to OP in saying that. I mean that across the board. I too feel that the person I am today taking care of my melleri is completely different than the person that first started taking them in 5 years ago. You learn the tendencies of each species and how they respond to various stimuli.

I am rooting for this chameleon...as I know we all are!

I think you were writing that while I posted mine. Please, you or anyone, please tell me if I contributed to Pascal's death. I think all of the changes he suffered today would have caused tremendous stress but if there is any way that I contributed, please tell me. I need to know.

 

[jpowell86]

I'm so sorry. I was in the middle of writing my response when you posted.

I also saw your PM. You did not waste my time at all. I hate that it ended up like this. Specialized species require specialized care...and obviously the previous owner was unaware of how to go about this. Which is why he should have never owned one to begin with.

Thank you for taking him in with the intentions of giving him a better life. I think you are awesome for that!

Listen, this poor chameleon was past the brink before you got him. That's why I stated the things I did in my first post. It was not your fault. Regardless of whether or not you got him, the chameleon was under immense stress and it's better that he was stressed in an environment where someone was trying to be proactive.

 

[Bryonier]

Thank you so much. Is there anything I could have done differently? I keep second guessing myself on the steam idea. I wanted just enough to raise the temp in the bathroom and to... I don't know. The vet had recommended it once for my tegu and I just thought the humidity would be good for him. I had a heat lamp on him while I was gone too, but maybe the illuminated white tub with the white tile was too stressful for him?

I guess I want criticism because I don't want his death to have been in vain. I only had him for a day but I miss him.

 

[carol5208]

This is such a sad story. It is too bad this poor guy did not know there was someone willing to take care of him, love him, and treat him the way any creature deserves. I hate seeing stuff like this. I don't blame you for wanting to kill the kid. I would too. Thanks for trying. I am sorry he passed away.

 

[Carlton]

I think you were writing that while I posted mine. Please, you or anyone, please tell me if I contributed to Pascal's death. I think all of the changes he suffered today would have caused tremendous stress but if there is any way that I contributed, please tell me. I need to know.

You did absolutely nothing to hurt him or hasten his passing. PLEASE don't beat yourself up over this! If anything, he had a peaceful place to start his last trip...instead of remaining in the hands of that student! Other than what we suggested I doubt there was anything else you could have done. Tweaking the temp, location, setup, light, wouldn't have made that much difference. So sorry to hear this!

 

[Bryonier]

This is such a sad story. It is too bad this poor guy did not know there was someone willing to take care of him, love him, and treat him the way any creature deserves. I hate seeing stuff like this. I don't blame you for wanting to kill the kid. I would too. Thanks for trying. I am sorry he passed away.

He got to spend his last day with his abuser, then in a bag, and then finally died in the shade of the only real plant he had probably ever seen.

 

[Carlton]

Thank you so much. Is there anything I could have done differently? I keep second guessing myself on the steam idea. I wanted just enough to raise the temp in the bathroom and to... I don't know. The vet had recommended it once for my tegu and I just thought the humidity would be good for him. I had a heat lamp on him while I was gone too, but maybe the illuminated white tub with the white tile was too stressful for him?

I guess I want criticism because I don't want his death to have been in vain. I only had him for a day but I miss him.

Sorry, can't criticize you, only sympathize with you and thank you for caring. He's no longer suffering, remember that. Now if you feel you need to do something, track down that kid and give him a piece of your mind.

 

[carol5208]

He got to spend his last day with his abuser, then in a bag, and then finally died in the shade of the only real plant he had probably ever seen.

This makes me cry.

 

[Bryonier]

You did absolutely nothing to hurt him or hasten his passing. PLEASE don't beat yourself up over this! If anything, he had a peaceful place to start his last trip...instead of remaining in the hands of that student! Other than what we suggested I doubt there was anything else you could have done. Tweaking the temp, location, setup, light, wouldn't have made that much difference. So sorry to hear this!

Thank you. He was so awesome. I just don't see how anyone could have mistreated him. I wish I could have done something. I kept wanting to hold him, to show him affection and pet him and love him... but I know that would have stressed him out.

 

[Bryonier]

Sorry, can't criticize you, only sympathize with you and thank you for caring. He's no longer suffering, remember that. Now if you feel you need to do something, track down that kid and give him a piece of your mind.

I intend to. I have pictures as evidence - including the pictures of the body. I'm going to pursue this legally if I can. If I can't... I'm gonna scare that kid sh*tless and make him think I can.

 

[Bryonier]

This makes me cry.

I can't stop crying.

 

[KLowery88]

I'm so sorry... I know how hard to is to want to turn a rescue around and then the worst happens. I'm in no way as experienced as the others that gave you advice, but that poor chameleon looked very bad. I really don't think you could have done any more for him. I know that doesn't really make it any easier.

 

[Carlton]

I feel that's one sad aspect to taking care of sick chams...when instinct tells you to comfort them (and frankly, yourself) you can't. They belong to such a different world. At least they don't dwell on their troubles like humans do. That would sure be a blessing sometimes.

 

[jpowell86]

Unfortunately, stories like this are not a rare occasion in the chameleon world. They are so enticing when wanting to purchase a reptilian pet and unfortunately information on proper care and husbandry is either limited or just flat out wrong.

I hate that you had to see him pass after such a short period of time with him. I understand your pain and I am completely sympathetic to your situation. They are truly magnificent creatures that deserve better than what most are willing to give them. I say again that you are awesome for wanting to help rehabilitate such a needing animal.

 

[Carlton]

I intend to. I have pictures as evidence - including the pictures of the body. I'm going to pursue this legally if I can. If I can't... I'm gonna scare that kid sh*tless and make him think I can.

You might also give him a couple of the forum's reactions to his condition as well as photos of a healthy captive melleri! And our responses to his "claims" about owning this "tame" animal. I'm sure we can compose some more graphic opinions if you need them.

 

[jajeanpierre]

He got to spend his last day with his abuser, then in a bag, and then finally died in the shade of the only real plant he had probably ever seen.

I'm really sorry, Bryonier, really really sorry.

I know you want some answers. You want to know if you had done something else, would there be a different outcome.

Did you hasten his death? To be honest, probably, but by how much? An hour? A day? Was that a bad thing? Absolutely not. He was likely doomed before you ever saw him, but at least you tried. The pictures suggested to me he was hours from death. He might have been in the process of dying when you picked him up. Did he suffer? Probably not. If he was extremely dehydrated he might not have suffered at all.. Studies have shown that (humans) feel a lot less pain and are a lot more comfortable before death when they are dehydrated, which is why a lot of dying patients are not given IV fluids.

If I were going to try to save that animal, I would have have driven him directly to an emergency clinic as soon as I took possession of him to get subcutaneous fluids. Would that have made any difference? To be honest, probably not.

He looked to be severely dehydrated and without any muscle mass. He might have been at the end stage of kidney failure. If it was kidney failure, it might have started when he was captured from the wild a couple of years ago and finally caught up with him and killed him now. He might have suffered chronic dehydration leading to kidney failure from the care while in captivity. It might be his previous owner's fault, it might not have been. That the kid didn't take him to the vet when the animal was in such obvious poor condition is inexcusable, but there might not have been anything any vet could have done to save him regardless of when he was treated. They don't put chameleons on dialysis and they don't do kidney transplants.

That's a guess of what his problem was, only a guess, but it is a leading cause of death of chameleons and Melleri are a little more challenging to keep them hydrated because they drink for so long and so much.

Again, I'm really sorry. I'm sorry that you are feeling as if you contributed to his suffering. You didn't do a bad thing. Be kind to yourself.