Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Frank · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:59 pm Post subject: Chameleon dying, help please!

Hi! I am very worried since this morning my Jackson chameleon was opening and closing the mouth continuously, now I am checking him every hour and he is getting always weaker. it seems he is gonna die soon, now he cannot even hold the branches properly. I don't understand what could be the reason since he was fine until yesterday, lighting, humidity levels and temperature are fine..does anyone have a clue what could be wrong with my cham?

kroakykaren · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Frank i am no expert but it sounds like a respiratory infection, is his breathing noisy, does he have any eye problems as this can sometimes be associated with eye problems. If it is a respiratory infection you will need aggresive antibiotic treatment from the vets so i would make that your priority tomorrow if possible, in the mean time make sure he has excellent ventilation and optimum temps, I am sure Rick will be along soon to correct anything i have said and add more good luck pet hope yr guy improves please keep us updated.
Love Karen
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Rickeezee · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:20 pm Post subject:

Sounds like either overheating which it is not as temps are correct, cause you said they are.

Could well be a respiratory infection, chams are prone to this, vets is your best bet. A reptile vet will be able to make a better diagnosis by examining him. I hope he makes a full recovery. Sometimes stress can weaken their immune system and make them prone to RI's, or viral / bacterial infections. Or even some form of poisoning.
Does the cham sound gurgely and rasping when trying to breath?
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

Frank · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

I woke up early this morning to take him to the vet but unfortunately he was already dead. Yesterday he didnt' t make any strange noises while breeding, I really don't understand, temperatures never ecceeded 29-30 Celsius, humidity always over 70%. The only thing I can think about is that a few days ago I fed him with some flies that I found inside my house, probably some of these carried some type of infection...Anyway, thanks was your replies and hope this can be a useful lesson to understand how vulnerable captive bred animals are towards "wild" prey.

Frank · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 1:51 pm Post subject:

Sorry! I meant breathing, not breeding, my English!! lol

Rickeezee · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:02 pm Post subject:

So sorry to hear that.
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

kroakykaren · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:47 pm Post subject:

Sorry to here he didnt make it.
Love karen
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