Update on my baby chameleon

[Lovemycham]

Ok so I first posted on here a few days ago about my baby chameleon, The Professor, who I thought was dying. We finally got him into the vet this morning. We had an appointment for tomorrow but one opened up earlier today so we took it. Basically he is very dehydrated. The good news is that seems to be the only problem the bad news is he is too young for the vet to inject. They said it doesn't look good but they were also surprised that the little guy was still so active and alert. Now, at home he is usually lethargic but at the vet he was active. They said that even though he was only active because he was freaked out, it was still a good sign. So we were sent home with some vitamins, nutrients, and a syringe to force it into him. We are also giving him baths every couple of hours so he might soak some up that way. We bought a little kilogram scale so we can monitor his weight. We remain hopeful but realistic. We can only do so much but we will do all that we can. The vet was also shocked that we had such a tiny baby. They could not determine whether he was male or female because he was still so young. They said he should not have been shipped so young!! We bought him from one of the sponsors from this site! I won't say which but they were highly recommended!! Anyway thanks to everyone who tried to help. I'll update again for those who are following.

 

[zlew]

Instead of giving him baths (I believe it is a myth that they soak up water) give him a shower. Put a plant in there and put the water on a little warmer than lukewarm, and turn the spray so it bounces off the wall and then onto him. It could take a while, but he should start drinking.

 

[LilBlue]

I just read your other thread, glad you could get to the vet earlier. I agree with zlew, don't bathe your cham in a tub of water. From my readings it is thought only turtles can take in water through their cloaca(although I have bathed bearded dragons and snakes, and have witnessed air bubbles come from their back ends, still going with they don't take in water that way). Just go with the shower method as described for the least amount of stress.

It's pointless to feed a dehydrated animal. They won't process the food and nutrients properly. Help cut back on the lil guys stress and just don't feed for a few days until he becomes more hydrated. Also if he is less active, don't want to take the risk of feeders chewing on him when he's sleeping.

Good sign that he is still active. I have hope for your lil guy. Keep him on a constant lighting schedule and mist, mist, and mist some more

 

[ChamDE86]

I've been monitoring your old thread. I'm really pulling for the little guy!