Veiled wth Pneumonia need ADVICE PLEASE

[veiledjedi]

Hi everyone
My veiled, Matcha, has ben diagnosed with pneumonia by an exotic reptiles vet. I took her in about 2 weeks ago and we tried doxycyclone. when that ddnt work, I returned 2 days later and started a Fortaz treatment where she is injected every 3 days. It has been about a week of this now and she isn't getting any better. Its really hard to keep her hydrated since she wont eat or drink. I have been warm misting and trying to get some pedialyte in her mouth when she opens it up out of what I can only assume is pain. I am devastated and trying everything I can to heal her. The problem is she is very young still, probably around 3 months and starving. Her eyes are sunken and she is extremely lethargic. We believe she contracted the illness from nighttime temperatures being too low, we were gone and they reached high sixties at night. Since her dianosis, we bought a ceramic heat lamp and temperatures are around 85 in her cage. She has proper UVB lights, the cage is mesh 2x3.5 feet I would guess with lots of vines and leaves. Can anyone help me suggest ways to make her more comfortable? Or at least give me hope or reassurance that I am doing the right thing for her. I am scared I am allowing her to suffer but the vet has recommended I keep treating her. Please help

 

[jpowell86]

I hate to hear that.

What was the temp dropping to at night?

Can you post a pic of her enclosure?

Unfortunately, when this they are this young, it can be hard to win a battle with something this progressed. I would PM @ferretinmyshoes. She is a vet and could probably give you the best advice, as far as medication is concerned, on the Forums.

Have you gone to another Vet about this? What is the name of the Vet you are currently using?

 

[tim's owner]

High 60's is fine for a night temp. I know this doesn't help now but I think you should rule out that as a cause.
What is your humidity running?
Also she may need a lower ambient temperature as 85 is rather hot.
I don't have a whole lot of exp with pneumonia as my cham has never had it.

 

[tim's owner]

@jpowell86 you beat me to it.

 

[veiledjedi]

Thank you for the responses!! The vet, Dr. Antin of Westlake Village CA came super well reccommended. He said to keep it rather hot in there as chameleons like to "burn" the sickness out of themselves. I have a humidifier next to the cage so it stays about 70-80% humid. I just was hoping someone who has experience with very sich chameleons may have some advice on how to make her comfortable or what my next steps should be. Thank You!!

 

[tim's owner]

70-80% imo is to much 35-45% would be better.
Was the humidity like this before you noticed the pneumonia?
If not what was it running?

 

[veiledjedi]

Everyone I have spoken to says to keep the humidity rather high since they are tropical creatures but yes, the humidity has remained around there the entire time i've had her, about 2 months.

 

[tim's owner]

Copied from the caresheets on this website.
Humidity:
Humidity is an important aspect of chameleon husbandry. Veiled chameleons require levels around 40-70%, which can be achieved by several misting sessions a day over all areas of the cage. Live plants help increase and maintain humidity. Sometimes a cool mist humidifier or timer-controlled misting system is needed. See Water & Humidity for more information.

It does say 40-70% BUT that's on the top end rather than the middle.

 

[veiledjedi]

This is her currently I had to put the towel there just to give her something to rest on since shes struggling with the vines....its breaking my heart

 

[tim's owner]

Is that ceramic heater on?
If so she can possible burn her self by not realizing the heat as it is not visible in light form.

 

[tim's owner]

However I would like to have a member with more experience with veiled's to chime in.

 

[veiledjedi]

You think I should turn it off? Im scared of her being cold because without it, the temps are more around 75.

 

[tim's owner]

What temp is it with it on ?

 

[veiledjedi]

85 with it on. I stuck my hand in and where she is isn't burning hot since its like 6 inches from the actual lamp

 

[tim's owner]

That's not too bad. however i'm not sure what else to do.
I would pm @ferretinmyshoes as she is a vet and I am not .

 

[veiledjedi]

Thanks for your help! I sent her a message

 

[tim's owner]

OK I'm sorry I have given all the info I can.

 

[veiledjedi]

OK I'm sorry I have given all the info I can.

Thank you

 

[KLowery88]

Poor girl... I hope she pulls through. In regards to the humidity, the reason Veileds like it a bit drier is because they're from the southwest part of the Arabian peninsula. Not desert, but still drier forests than, say, a Panther chameleon would be used to.

 

[jajeanpierre]

70-80% imo is to much 35-45% would be better.
Was the humidity like this before you noticed the pneumonia?
If not what was it running?

Tim's Owner, 35 to 45% humidity is pretty close to a desert. Keeping her on the high range of normal and more humid is appropriate.

To the OP, the temperature drop at night would not cause pneumonia. Sixties are fine at night.

If she is dehydrated, she needs to be hydrated and if you can't get her hydrated, the vet needs to give her subcutaneous fluids. A lot of these meds are really hard on them and stop them from eating and drinking. I just looked at your picture, and I would have her at the vet's for some fluids. Good luck.