There is something wrong with Napoleon

[Powers]

I've had Napoleon about 8 months now, he's always displaying stress colors. The only time he is a nice relaxed green is when he is sleeping or basking. Recently I've been finding him with one of his eyes closed during the day. Here is his info, and suggestions would be appreciated.

- Cage Type: 48" tall x 24"x24" screen enclosure.

- Lighting: 100 watt basking bulb, 24" ReptiSun 10.0 UVB/UVA bulb. Lighting is on a 12 hour on/off cycle.

- Temperature: Basking area is in the upper 80's-low 90's, ambient around 75, night time low 70's. I use a Flukers digital thermo/hygrometer.

- Humidity: Humidity is around 50-55%, I use a Flukers digital thermo/hygrometer.

- Plants: 1 Hibiscus and 1 Arboricola, and 2 Pothos.

- Placement: His cage is in my bedroom, very low traffic. The top of his cage is over 6 feet from the floor.

- Location: Pennsylvania


- Your Chameleon: Male Veiled Chameleon, about a year old, I've had him about 9 months.

- Handling: Never, he doesn't allow it.

- Feeding: Dubias, Superworms, and Hornworms. I mix it up, but I usually put a mixture of 3-4 bugs in his feeding bowl, in about 2 days all the bugs are gone and I put a few more in. Dubias and Superworms are always gutloaded with "cricket gut load" as well as fruits and veggies.

- Supplements: Every Superworm gets dusted with ReptoCal with vitamin D3. On average he receives one dusted Superworm daily.

- Watering: I use the Mist King with the digital timer. I do see my Cham drink.

- Fecal Description: Normal looking fecal color and consistency. Never tested for parasites.

- History: Can't think of anything relevant.

- Current Problem: He closes his eyes during the day, and he always displays stree colors.

 

[codiwatkins]

100 watt basking bulb, 24" ReptiSun 10.0 UVB/UVA bulb. Lighting is on a 12 hour on/off cycle

This seem like way to much heat. I use a 45 watt basking bulb and a 5.0 uvb/uva and I have the same size cage as you. Maybe the lights are hurting his eyes.

Also I dont think it is neccisary to give him d3 on a daily basis either. I have heard you should only do it once or twice a month. Even if it takes him 2 days to eat his food he i still getting d3 every other day.

 

[elianto]

hi.
10% uv is known to have caused eye problems in chameleons.switch it to a 5% neon.

 

[beeze]

I agree too much lighting and too much D3. You should be dusting with plain calcium at everyother feeding, d3 twice a month and a multi vitimain. once a month. I would not keep feeders in with him all the time. Try feeding him everyother day.

 

[Powers]

I agree too much lighting and too much D3. You should be dusting with plain calcium at everyother feeding, d3 twice a month and a multi vitimain. once a month. I would not keep feeders in with him all the time. Try feeding him everyother day.

Whats a good calcium supplement to get?

How about a good multi vitamin?

 

[Miss Lily]

Where do you live? Uk or US?

 

[jannb]

I use the 1st, 3rd and 5th. http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/vitamins-medicines-and-cage-cleaners/

 

[Powers]

Where do you live? Uk or US?

I live in the US

 

[jannb]

For his eye try some extra long very warm mistings or a nice long shower. If that doesn't help I would make an appt at the vet on Monday.

 

[Powers]

I'll adjust his lighting and see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Powers]

Out of curiosity, what are the side effects of too much D3?

 

[kinyonga]

"Excess Vitamin D actually causes ABSORPTION of bone. It actually mimics hyperparathyroidism. 3. Vitamin D causes calcification of bone. Excess Vitamin D causes inappropriate mineralization of organs such as the kidney or soft tissue. Excess Vit D3 and Calcium has been implicated in mineralization of large blood vessels, causing cardiac disease. 4. If we fry the kidneys with excess Vitamin D we cannot get the active form, 1,25 Dihydroxycholecalciferol."
http://web.archive.org/web/20060421.../index.php?show=6.Vitamin.D3.and.Calcium.html

 

[Chameleon Company]

Likely culprits

Vitamin A deficiency certainly has to be considered. PM sent.

 

[Powers]

Well, I don't know if it was the adjustments to his lighting, or the changes in his supplements, but Napoleon is doing much better. He is a nice bright green, he is basking much more, and no more eye issues! Thanks for the help

 

[codiwatkins]

HOORAY!!!!I love to hear when they get better!!
you know most of the time its something bad..........

 

[Chameleon Company]

Wins are good ! Glad things are better.

 

[jannb]

Great news! I am so glad to hear that he's better.