How does a chameleon take care of its eyes?
In the case of eye health, our greatest husbandry issue is not allowing the chameleon to clean out its eyes. When it rains, chameleons are able to naturally wash out debris and built up “gunk” in their eyes. You may notice your chameleon during a long misting session drawing its eye in and rotating it about in its socket.
When to take a chameleon to the vet?
Eye swelling can be sudden and dramatic! This male Panther Chameleon was rushed to the vet and an antibiotic treatment cured even this situation! When a chameleon with an eye issue comes to Dr. Coke he will first examine the chameleon to try and determine the problem.
Why does a chameleon get a skin infection?
Skin infections in chameleons usually result from too much humidity in an overly wet environment. So making sure your humidity levels are appropriate for the species of chameleon you have will go a long way to preventing them. Allowing the cage to dry out between mistings also prevents this.
Can a veiled chameleon look in two directions?
A Veiled Chameleon ( Chamaeleo calyptratus) surveying his domain with eyes that can look in two directions at once. As we humans well know, it is having two eyes looking at the same object that gives us our depth perception. And when it is time to shoot that long tongue out to get their next meal,…
What does it mean when a chameleon closes its eyes?
A chameleon will close their eyes when they are dealing with a painful internal medical condition. Whether it be the advanced stages of a respiratory infection or an overwhelming intestinal parasite load, there is enough pain and distress. that the chameleon is shutting down. This is a sign that you need to get to the vet as soon as possible.
What should I do if my chameleon has an injury?
Minor injuries can be treated with soapy water and antiseptic ointment. Keep an eye on an injury to make sure it heals and for signs of infection. Major injuries like a broken limb or tail will usually require treatment from a veterinarian.
What happens if a chameleon has a respiratory infection?
A chameleon’s mouth is susceptible to infection which can cause loss of appetite, inability to feed, swelling, scabs, and cheesy pus. Supplying additional vitamin C as well as normal supplements may help the problem but a veterinarian may be necessary. A respiratory infection can cause lethargy, appetite loss, gaping, and trouble breathing.
What happens when a Chameleon loses its tongue?
Sometimes a chameleon will injure its tongue and won’t be able to retract the tongue into its mouth. If this occurs, you will need to make sure the tongue remains moist and does not dry out while it heals and that your pet remains warm. A tongue can also get an infection. Signs include loss of appetite and very little or no use of the tongue.
