Veiled sleeping with head up

[Alina]

Just noticed my year-old male veiled sleeping in his usual spot, but weird position: head up, and cask pressed towards the back (picture below) - should I be worried about respiratory infection?

He ate actively this morning. I remember him sitting quite vertically in the afternoon, not clear whether he was trying to keep the head up or just following the branches.

Anyone seen them sleeping in this position?

 

[kinyonga]

Imdont think it's anything to worry about because it looks like he's just resting it there. Just keep an eye on him and if it continues let us know.

 

[soundwave28]

Hi. My Panther Chameleon was doing that 2 nights ago. He went all the way up to the top of the cage, holding head up high and gasping. I took him in to the vet today and they told me he had some sort of ulcer on his tongue(which the vet pointed out) that was impairing my lil' guy from breathing properly. Keep an eye on yours. Make sure he eats.

 

[Alina]

Imdont think it's anything to worry about because it looks like he's just resting it there. Just keep an eye on him and if it continues let us know.

Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, he's been behaving as usual today, and is now adjusting for the night's sleep with head flat against the branch. Phew!

 

[Alina]

Hi. My Panther Chameleon was doing that 2 nights ago. He went all the way up to the top of the cage, holding head up high and gasping. I took him in to the vet today and they told me he had some sort of ulcer on his tongue(which the vet pointed out) that was impairing my lil' guy from breathing properly. Keep an eye on yours. Make sure he eats.

Hey, thanks a lot for this info! Mine wasn't gaping today and is sleeping as usual now, but I'll keep these symptoms in mind for future reference. Best wishes to you lil' one!

 

[kinyonga]

It's different to have its head up because the chin/nose is resting on something and the mouth is closed than it is sitting with its head up when it's not resting on anything and gasping or gaping. One is just resting and the other is sick.

 

[Carlton]

Yes. Sitting with head tipped up is just one of several important signs of a respiratory infection. On its own it probably means nothing...but if he IS sick he won't be eating, drinking, or moving around. He'll most likely be sitting dark and quiet for a lot longer in his basking area during the day, ignoring food or activity around the cage. And, showing blocked nostrils, gulping and gaping over and over, showing a build up of sticky opaque saliva in his mouth.

Just remember that one single behavior on its own may not automatically mean trouble....usually its the combination of signs that suggest a problem.