How do you know if your chameleon has gout?

If your chameleon has swollen joints, is lethargic, anorexic, or not walking well, see your veterinarian immediately. They might do X-rays or take a fine needle aspirate of one of the masses, which they can look at under the microscope to see uric acid crystals.

What is chameleon gout?

What is Gout? Gout is a disease in which the metabolism of uric acid is defective. Uric acid is a breakdown product of nitrogen, formed when protein is metabolized in the body. Uric acid is the form in which reptiles excrete their nitrogen wastes. Uric acid is eliminated from the circulating blood by the kidneys.

Where does gout affect?

Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

Do animals get gout?

Gout is rare in most other animals due to their ability to produce uricase, which breaks down uric acid. Humans and other great apes do not have this ability; thus, gout is common. Other animals with uricase include fish, amphibians and most non-primate mammals.

What are the symptoms of gout in a chameleon?

The symptoms of gout. These are the symptoms of gout in chameleons: Not standing on one leg (usually one of the hind legs) Swelling of the joints. Bumps on the joints. Pain when moving. Extra agression when touching the chameleons joints. Not willing to eat.

Why do chameleons have elevated uric acid levels?

There are two possible reasons why uric acid levels are elevated in the blood of a chameleon: one is caused by too much protein in the diet of your chameleon (primary gout) and the other one is kidney failure (secondary gout). Both types of gout have the same symptoms and effects.

Why does my chameleon have thick wrists and ankles?

An unhealthy veiled chameleon. Next to the color and the abnormal skull size you can also notice the thickening of the wrists which could be a sign of gout. X-ray of a chameleon with gout. Primary gout develops when a chameleon is fed with a high protein diet.

What should I do if my Chameleon won’t drink water?

The vet can prescribe medicine to dissolve the uric acid crystals. Some vets will also operate on a chameleon to remove the uric acid crystals. Make sure your chameleon has plenty of drinking water and actually drinks it. Forcing it to drink water with a pipette might be a solution if it is dehydrated and refuses to drink.

The symptoms of gout. These are the symptoms of gout in chameleons: Not standing on one leg (usually one of the hind legs) Swelling of the joints. Bumps on the joints. Pain when moving. Extra agression when touching the chameleons joints. Not willing to eat.

There are two possible reasons why uric acid levels are elevated in the blood of a chameleon: one is caused by too much protein in the diet of your chameleon (primary gout) and the other one is kidney failure (secondary gout). Both types of gout have the same symptoms and effects.

How long does it take for gout symptoms to go away?

With treatment, gout symptoms should start to improve in about three days. Without treatment, it may take up to 14 days. Maintaining a healthy diet may help reduce your risk for gout flare-ups.

An unhealthy veiled chameleon. Next to the color and the abnormal skull size you can also notice the thickening of the wrists which could be a sign of gout. X-ray of a chameleon with gout. Primary gout develops when a chameleon is fed with a high protein diet.