Virgin Panther Chameleon. Egg Bound with multiple trips to the vet

[sienadesteno]

My young panther chameleon is experiencing extreme fatigue and egg binding. Im unfortunately sure that she is near her end, but I come here to look for any advice.

I started this process almost 8 months ago, when I first noticed she was gravid. I haven taken her to the vet countless times, for routine checkups while gravid, and for multiple rounds of oxytocin, Vitamin A, and calcium injections.

I assure everyone that I have done everything I can for her. Knowing that surgery would be taxing for her, I am trying to keep her comfortable while still encouraging egg laying if I can. Currently she eats once or twice a week, and receives oral NeoCal. She drinks water almost every day. And seems relatively fatigues throughout the day, with some activity around her large cage, but not too much. I have a large laying bin set up inside her enclosure, but she has never shown any interest to it.

Are there any suggestions anyone can give me?

I am hoping for her health and comfort. I will attach some pictures of her, as well as her XRay.

 

[sienadesteno]

Xrays from late July, and recent photos

 

[Ruthless]

Poor girl you said you have a lay bin in the cage. But dose she have her privacy so that she will feel safe from everything? Also have you tried other methods for lay bins such as the trash can idea use a regular size garbage can with her soil. What are you using for her soil? I would try these 2 things. Give her privacy and if you have done that try the garage can method with 1 part play sand a 3 parts organic soil moistened but not wet. Add a live plant and leave her alone. Best of luck I hope she makes it.

 

[salty dog]

All you had to do is leave her alone until she laid her eggs.... that is what I do with mine, they have no problem

 

[Lennoncham]

I’m surprised she hasn’t laid them if you have had multiple shots of oxytocin. I’m also surprised she is still alive with them inside her for 8 months.

@kinyonga any advice for the op?

 

[kinyonga]

Oxytocin will usually only work within a certain time during the time the chameleon is gravid.

If she has been holding the eggs for 8 months she is not going to be able to lay the eggs because they have likely grown too big for her to expel. Why hasn't she been spayed? The longer you wait the more likely it is that she won't make it through the surgery because her health will have declined too far for her to make it through the surgery.

 

[salty dog]

What state do you live in?

 

[Ruthless]

Why did the vet not recommend surgery in the best interest of the poor girl?

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

She unfortunately is unable to lay her eggs and nothing (medical or husbandry) will change that at this point. She needs surgery, and soon if she’s going to survive this. Welcome to the forums and good luck!

 

[salty dog]

A while back there was a lady new to chams in sac. ca. Asking me for a female cham.... I said no due to lacque of experience, and proper equipment.... I always quiz a keeper before a sale

 

[sienadesteno]

A while back there was a lady new to chams in sac. ca. Asking me for a female cham.... I said no due to lacque of experience, and proper equipment.... I always quiz a keeper before a sale

Thank you. I know it is easy to assume the worst and believe that I was an ill informed owner. She developed infertile eggs shortly after I got her, I monitored them and researched and went to the vet numerous times. I did everything in her best interest.

 

[kinyonga]

And the vet never mentioned egg binding or spaying? Did the vet treat chameleons at all?
Ferritinmyshoes is a vet who knows chameleons very well and you should listen to what she is telling you!