Vet Visit

[sammcarr03]

This is my first post. I need to take my veiled chameleon, Cameron, to the vet for a well visit. Cameron is very spunky and does NOT like being handled at all! He puffs himself up big and opens his mouth. Any tips on how to get him into a carrier for the vet as stress free as possible thank you so much! A picture of him is attached below, he is about a year old and I have had him since he was a baby!

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

it almost looks like a female...does it have spurs on the back feet?

Hand feeding is the best way to gain trust but this could take weeks and possibly months. It's not something that happens overnight.

 

[ERKleRose]

Agree with the female assessment for that age looking like that. Is he going to the vet for a specific reason (he is asleep with the lights on in the pic)? Use a branch to get him out of his enclosure and a shoebox with a secure branch in it for transport. It is easy and not very stressful, as with the lid on it, it'll be dark.

 

[sammcarr03]

Agree with the female assessment for that age looking like that. Is he going to the vet for a specific reason (he is asleep with the lights on in the pic)? Use a branch to get him out of his enclosure and a shoebox with a secure branch in it for transport. It is easy and not very stressful, as with the lid on it, it'll be dark.

Looking at pictures i think she’s a girl too embarrassing! The pet store I got her from said that she was a male. But thank you!

 

[ERKleRose]

Since he is a she, you'll need a proper lay bin ASAP to put in her enclsoure. I've attached a chart for it below. Also, I do notice fake plants, which is a no-no for veileds. If you want us to check to make sure your husbandry is at 100%, fill out this form in as much detail as possible, including more pics of your cham, her entire cage, and her lights:

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[MissSkittles]

When I need to take one of my chams out, I approach slowly from beneath them with one hand, while my other hand is slowly approaching them from behind. It kind of corrals them where you want them to go, which is your lower hand.
Everytime I take one of my chams (or other reptiles) to the vet, I do use the help form and write down all my husbandry for the vet. It saves time and provides the vet with quick and complete answers.

 

[Arpretty]

I hear ya, my current chameleon does NOT like coming out unless it's on his terms! Agree with the corral method; also, offering a stick that gently encourages them to step onto it, like very slowly easing it under the feet, could work. Another method would be leaving the cage door open with a plant placed outside of it that he could climb onto...however, that's a gamble. My advice would be to try to dedicate some time to this part - I've had to cancel a vet visit because I cut it too close and couldn't get my chameleon out, lol.

@MissSkittles advised me to print out my completed husbandry review form when I took my baby to the vet for the first time. Best decision I made! The vet even filed it with his records. Good luck!

 

[sammcarr03]

I hear ya, my current chameleon does NOT like coming out unless it's on his terms! Agree with the corral method; also, offering a stick that gently encourages them to step onto it, like very slowly easing it under the feet, could work. Another method would be leaving the cage door open with a plant placed outside of it that he could climb onto...however, that's a gamble. My advice would be to try to dedicate some time to this part - I've had to cancel a vet visit because I cut it too close and couldn't get my chameleon out, lol.

@MissSkittles advised me to print out my completed husbandry review form when I took my baby to the vet for the first time. Best decision I made! The vet even filed it with his records. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your advice!!! Where can I find the husbandry form?

 

[ERKleRose]

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[The Wild One]

I would use the sick and bait method, favorite food and a reeeaaaalllly long stick depending on how much she hates you lol

 

[kinyonga]

@sammcarr03 welcome to the forum!
Can you please post a couple more photos of your chameleon so I can see it all from the side?