Chameleon Health: Medical Conditions (M-Z)

Deeply defined bone structures in limbs, head, cheeks, and casque are a sign of malnutrition. This is often accompanied with sunken eyes, dry/dull skin, and dehydration. Additional food items and hydration methods will be necessary, (be sure feeders are properly gut-loaded and supplemented). A severely malnourished chameleon will also become weak and lethargic and will require immediate veterinary care. 

MBD is a result of lack of calcium in bone masses due to a deficiency in vitamin D3. Advanced MBD will cause bent arms, legs, spine and can cause difficulty eating or holding in their tongue. Bones will be so fragile that multiple breaks in all extremities can occur. With proper medical care, and optimal husbandry, breaks may heal, but the bones will remain fragile. Proper UVB and supplementation will stop/prevent further damage. 

This infection of the chameleons mouth is usually the result of an abrasion, caused by a feeder insect, and overrun by bacteria that the immune system could not manage. Advanced cases may have pus discharge and even mouth deformities. Medical treatment and antibiotics will be necessary. 

An overweight chameleon will be susceptible to conditions such as gout, egg-binding, and organ failure. All of which will be painful and require medical treatment. Over feeding your chameleon is easily remedied by dietary adjustments. However, long term effects of overeating can have long-lasting, and sometimes fatal effects. See Feeding Schedules for dietary recommendations.

A parasitic load may become an issue if the chameleons immune system is unable to keep it at a tolerable level. A chameleon overrun with parasites may become malnourished, dehydrated, or impacted. A fecal exam will allow your vet to check for parasites and prescribe the appropriate medication. Parasites can multiply if chameleons have the opportunity to eat a feeder that has come in contact with feces, therefore free range feeding poses a greater risk. Keep enclosure clean and check for excrement daily. 

A prolapse is an organ protruding from the chameleons vent (cloaca) and may be caused by impaction, egg-binding, or injury. Immediate medical attention is required. Keeping the organ moist is essential until it can be reinserted. Experienced chameleon owners may use cool sugar water to shrink the tissue and a q-tip with KY jelly to reinsert the organ, although it is best preformed by a medical professional. 

Chameleons with compromised immune systems and insufficient husbandry may develop a respiratory infection. Putting their nose in the air is the first symptom and a vet visit should be scheduled. Signs of dehydration or shutting their eyes is an immediate concern and a emergency medical treatment is necessary. Supplemental hydration methods should begin immediately. Antibiotics and husbandry correction will be critical to a chameleons chance of survival.

Chameleons will periodically shed their skin as they grow. Keeping the chameleon naturally hydrated will be beneficial, however keeping their skin moist is ill advised and may cause shedding problems. Watch for skin bands that may cut off circulation to extremities. Bands may be gently removed with a moist q-tip if necessary.

These are normally excreted without issue. When they harden and become lodged your chameleon may need assistance passing the plugs. This procedure can be done at home with a lukewarm water soak, gentle pressure, and tweezers (see Petr Necas hemipeneal plug removal videos). This procedure is best performed by an experienced owner or trained vet to avoid organ damage. If the plug is not completely removed, or blood is present, seek professional medical treatment.

This infection of the cheek/corner of the mouth is, like most infections, due to insufficient husbandry and compromised immune systems. The presence of swelling is cause for concern and requires medical treatment. Antibiotics and husbandry correction will be necessary. 

A chameleons tongue can be damaged by the late release of a feeder insect (feeding with tongs), sticking to hard surfaces or attempts at catching bugs through glass which can cause tears or breaks in the tissue, cartilage, or bones. A bite on their tongues may turn into infection and sometimes loss of part/or all of the appendage. Antibiotics will be required for infections. If severe damage occurs your chameleon may need long term care and assistance with eating via syringe. Petr Necas has a YouTube video on how to force-feed your chameleon and Bill Strand has a couple YouTube videos on how to handle your chameleon.

A deficiency in vitamin-A can cause vision, eating, and climbing problems. Chameleons depend heavily on their eyesight and will have difficulty judging distance without full use of their eyes. There is continuing research being done on the optimal administration of vitamin-A in chameleons. Beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin-A) is water-soluble and excess amounts can safely exit the body, Vitamin-A is fat-soluble and can collect in the body causing edema. Beta-carotene, thought to be safest, has been up for debate as to whether the chameleons body is able to utilize it as vitamin-A. The current recommendation is to ensure your multivitamin supplement has both preformed vitamin-A and provitamin vitamin-A (full spectrum carotenoids or beta-carotene). See Supplement Chart