Some months after I got my first chameleon, it became very ill. At first, I tried giving it a more proper care, but its condition only worsened and I had to take it quickly to the vet. This event spurred me to carry out some extensive research on the common chameleon diseases so that I could prevent a recurrence of that gruesome episode. Here is what I found.
So what are all the common chameleon diseases you need to know? There are about 9 disease conditions which are common to domesticated chameleons. These diseases include Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), Thermal Burns, Egg Retention, Stomatitis, Respiratory infections, Edema, Dehydration, Kidney Failure, Gout, and Parasitic Infestations.
Everybody wants to have a healthy chameleon and keep it for as long as possible. However, although a chameleon is a unique and intriguing pet, it is not in any way a pet which can be left to fend for itself. There are many things that can make a chameleon fall sick. For this reason, more attention must be given to the type of food it eats, the water it drinks, the enclosure it lives in, and the temperature of its home. Most diseases can be prevented if the above areas are well monitored.
Would you like to know how to prevent, identify, and treat common chameleon diseases? What are you waiting for! You can become your chameleon’s mini-vet once you finish reading this post. Hang on doc, we are about to get this started already.
（Sambava Panther Chameleon）
Table of Contents
Common Chameleon Diseases
What illness should you look out for? Below are some important descriptions of common chameleon diseases, their cause, signs, proper treatment, and proven prevention methods. First off, let’s consider dehydration.
1. Dehydration
Description
Although dehydration is not a disease in itself, it can lead to very serious diseases such as gout, kidney failure, and ultimately, death. Dehydration is the most common condition that plague chameleons and is in fact, the most common cause of death in pet chameleons.
Causes
Dehydration is caused by inadequate water supply. It occurs when there is insufficient drinking water, or when the enclosure is not humid enough. However, if your water supply, misting system, and humidity level are just perfect, you may need to contact a certified vet as there may be some underlying disease condition.
Signs
Common signs to look out for are sunken eyes, folding skin, dry feces, yellow/orange urate, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These signs suggest the immediate need for a better misting system or water supply.
Prevention
Prevention is by the use of good misting systems and adequate supply of water to the chameleon. Also, the level of humidity must be adequate and well maintained. See more: Can Chameleons Drink Tap Water? (Drinking System)
Treatment
If you notice the signs of dehydration early enough, you can solve the problem by prolonging the misting periods. It is also beneficial if you allow the leaves in its enclosure collect water. Another alternative is to provide your chameleon its drinking water via a dropper. This way, you can be sure your chameleon drinks adequate water. The more intense the dehydration, the more water is needed for rehydration.
2. Metabolic Bone Disease
Description
Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD for short is the second most common chameleon disease. MBD is more accurately a general term which describes a collection of medical disorders that affect the bones. For example, they could stem from Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP, which is the most common), Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (RSHP), Hypertrophic Osteopathy (HO) and Osteoporosis.
Causes
This disease usually occurs when a chameleon is not adequately exposed to sufficient UVB. It can also be caused by a lack of dietary calcium and an imbalanced nutrition in general.
Signs
This condition is usually a slow process and as such, constant examination is important. Common signs of this disease are bowed legs, rubbery jaws, and clumsiness. (See video below)
With time, your chameleon may have some trouble with climbing, a loss of appetite, and difficulty in projecting the tongue to feed. If your chameleon fails to use its tongue at all, it is very important to quickly see a vet. Tongue problems not caused by physical damage are usually a sign of nutritional deficiency.
Prevention and Treatment
To avoid having to deal with MBD, make sure you gut load your insects with adequate vitamins and calcium. In addition, ensure that you provide sufficient water in the drip system and adequate UVB light. If you properly keep your chameleon, it should never have MBD.
“Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)” (CC BY 2.0)
3. Thermal burns
Description
Domesticated chameleons are usually at a risk of getting thermal burns from the source of heat provided for them. This condition could be very serious and life threatening.
Causes
This condition occurs when the heat lamp is kept inside the enclosure or too close to the top of the cage. These locations give a chameleon direct access to the heat source and they tend to get real close. However, unlike humans, chameleons don’t have suitable skin sensation to enable them to get away quickly from extreme heat. Because of this insensitivity, chameleons are susceptible to thermal burns.
Signs
Common signs to look out for are gray/black blisters and/or necrotic tissue on the skin, infection, lethargy, closing one or both eyes.
Prevention
Minimize the chance of your chameleon getting too close to the heat source by not keeping it too close to the enclosure. Also, do not allow the heat bulb to touch the mesh on the topside. You should also avoid the use of high wattage bulbs when not necessary. Maintain a correct ambient and basking temperature.
Treatment
If burns have already occurred, it is best to consult the vet on what treatment options are available or on what care you have to give. It may take a long period of time before the burn scars finally erase, so you need to be patient with the healing process.
Topical ointments such as Silvadene cream and sterile dressing can be applied. Also, put in mind that you should allow the scab to fall off on its own. Resist every temptation to try to peel it off!
Photo Credit: Taiwan Chameleon
4. Egg retention
Description
Egg retention (also known as egg binding) is a very common condition in female chameleons. It is used to describe the event in which a female chameleon cannot produce mature eggs during reproduction.
Causes
Common causes of egg retention include anatomical defects, dehydration, large malformed eggs, improper temperature, poor condition of the mother, and lack of a good nesting site.
Signs
If your chameleon is pregnant but depressed, inactive and lethargic, it could be suffering from this disease condition. If it also raises its hind limbs and strain without producing any eggs for a long period, it is confirmatory of this disease. This condition is life-threatening and may lead to death in as little as a few days.
Prevention
Prevention is outrightly the best option in this condition. This can be done by making sure your female chameleon receives adequate supplements such as calcium which can help prevent this condition. In addition, it is important to provide her with a good substrate so that she can prepare a good place to lay her eggs. A combination of these approaches is the best way to prevent this condition. See more: Complete Guide for Chameleon Pregnancy Care
Treatment
The intervention of a vet is necessary as your chameleon will have to be given a shot of oxytocin along with some calcium to induce contractions. This will aid in the laying of the eggs.
5. Stomatitis
Description
Stomatitis, commonly known as chameleon mouth disease, is a disease which affects the oral cavity, tongue, palate or esophagus of a chameleon. It occurs when an untreated infection spreads and affects the jaw bone.
Causes
Stomatitis may be caused by poor animal husbandry, poor nutrition, and bacterial infection. It could also be caused by improper phosphorus and calcium levels, deficiency in Vitamin C, poor temperature regulation, and overcrowding. Physical causes include a trauma in the mouth due to a scratch or wound.
Signs
Early signs of this disease include a gum line stained with a brownish yellow matter which surrounds the periphery of the gums and teeth. Your chameleon may also have an occasional dehydrated film-like matter situated on the periphery of the mouth, and a slight swelling of the lower jaw. Loss of appetite may also ensue If the infection is not treated on time.
Prevention
Prevention practices include adequate monitoring of your chameleon for changes in gait, appetite, and level of activity. Also, keep the temperature at an optimum level as preferred by the species.
Your chameleon’s cage should also be adequately ventilated with a relative humidity level of about 50 to 75 percent. Feed your chameleon with a variety of insects, and ensure you dust the insects with calcium and vitamin powders. As earlier stated, prevention all boils down to a better husbandry and prevention of bacterial infections.
Treatment
The major treatment course involves the use of antibiotics injections. The vet may also prescribe the application of an antibacterial solution on the affected area for a determined period of time. The temperature and other factors need to be adequately monitored during treatment.
Your chameleon may not be able to adequately feed on its own, so you may need to feed it with your hands. If the condition is severe or there is little response to treatment, your chameleon will have to undergo a surgical removal of the infected bone or teeth.
Photo Credit: Chameleon forums
6. Respiratory infections
Description
A respiratory infection is a common health problem associated with chameleons. It characterizes an infection to the respiratory tract of a chameleon. It could be an upper or lower respiratory infection depending on the area the infection occurs. If it affects the lungs and causes pneumonia, it is called a lower respiratory tract infection. On the flip side, if it affects the nasal sinuses and mouth, it is an upper respiratory tract infection.
Causes
This condition is caused by a temperature that is too low in the environment or enclosure of the chameleon. It can also ensue when the cage is too wet or dry. It could also be caused by some other underlying problem. Upper respiratory infections are the most common among pet chameleons and are usually caused by environmental factors. The type of cage used can determine how humid or dry the air will be.
Signs
Signs of this disease include gaping, loss of appetite, labored breathing and lethargy. Other signs include popping or wheezing sounds, inflammation, bubbling around the nose and mouth, and excessive mucus. If your chameleon snores while sleeping, it may be a sign of this disease.
Photo Credit: Taiwan Chameleon
Prevention
Prevention of this disease is by ensuring the quality of the air in the enclosure remains uncompromised. This can be achieved by making sure to remove dirt and litter regularly from the enclosure, or other materials such as left over food which can breed infectious agents.
Of greater importance is the temperature of the enclosure. Ensure that the temperature does not fall below 77 degrees at daytime, and 65 degrees at night time.
Treatment
Respiratory infections (whether upper or lower) could be fatal. This is why it should be detected very early and treated aggressively. Antibiotic agents used for treatment include Baytril or Fortaz. As soon as you suspect that your chameleon may have contacted this disease, take it to a vet. The more you delay, the greater the probability that your chameleon will die.
Attempting to treat this condition at home, and all by yourself is highly discouraged. After the etiology of the disease is established, treatment may take up to one month and a month of special care too. During this period, your chameleon should be placed in an enclosure with an optimum temperature in order to help it fight the infection more effectively.
7. Edema
Description
Edema is an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in the cavities and intercellular spaces of the body (in the subcutaneous layer of the skin). This excess fluid lead to visible swelling of the body in certain areas.
Causes
Edema is a disease condition which could be caused by lymphatic blockage and renal disease. A more common cause, however, is by the excess vitamins to your chameleon from crickets or other foods dusted with them. Also, too much humidity can be a major cause of edema.
Signs
Signs of this disease are usually easy to detect. Excessive swelling which closely resembles a goiter can occur in many visible areas including the chest, throat, and neck.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent this condition, do not be tempted to feed your pet on food which is gut loaded with too many vitamins. When vitamins are too much, it does not always translate to better health.
Also, foods very high on proteins should not be fed on a regular basis as it can lead to edema. Therefore, the key to the prevention of edema is a moderation in the supplements you feed it with. Another way to prevent this is to ensure that the home of your chameleon is not too humid.
Photo Credit: Chameleon forums
8. Parasitic Infections
Description
Parasitic infections are not uncommon in chameleons. These infectious agents could be bacteria, worms, flagellates, mites. Specific examples of the most commonly occurring parasites include cryptosporidium, nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa.
Causes
There are two major causes of parasitic infections in chameleons. One is when they are constantly fed wild insects and the other is a general lack of hygienic conditions. Wild insects are prone to various infections and these could be transferred to your chameleon when they eat them.
Signs
The signs of intestinal worm infections include a swollen belly, general weakness, and emaciation. Signs of infection with bacteria or protozoans include diarrhea, slimy feces, loss of weight, dehydration, loss of appetite, and feces with bad smell.
Prevention
Since the eradication of some protozoans could prove to be very difficult, it is best to prevent parasitic infections. This can be done by giving them insects which are healthy and not caught from the wild.
In addition, there should be adherence to strict enclosure hygiene. Extra preventive measures that can be put in place include checking the fresh feces of your chameleon periodically. This will be done by a vet who will help you prepare a sample and view it under the microscope. This can help you detect parasites or infections very early. Also, examine the body of your chameleon to remove “black dots” which may be mites and disinfect the cage periodically.
See more: How Often Should I Clean a Chameleon Cage? (Clean Guide)
Treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are usually left for the vet. However, if your chameleon is being infested with mites, you can treat it by sterilizing the entire enclosure of your chameleon.
Hot water, steam or ammonium solution can be used to sterilize the enclosure. If there are mites on the body of your chameleon, you can remove it with a moist Q-tip. After a month, examine the enclosure to ensure that all the mites are gone. If they still persist, carry out the sterilization process all over again.
“Don’t look now.” (CC BY-ND 2.0)
9. Gout
Description
Gout is a very serious medical condition and there are two types of gout: primary, and secondary.
Primary gout occurs when a chameleon is fed with too much protein, while a secondary gout is caused by another medical condition. Kidney failure is a major cause of gout in chameleon (secondary gout).
Kidney failure is a common cause of death in pet chameleons and in the long run, can lead to other debilitating conditions such as gout which is usually characterized by a painful swelling of the leg joints. Gout is a very complicated condition with a variety of signs and needs to be handled by a vet.
Causes
Kidney failure usually occurs when a chameleon is subjected to long-term dehydration or long-term use of certain veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics. Gout ensues when excess amounts of uric acid are produced in the blood. These uric acids usually flow in the bloodstream and get stuck at some capillaries and thereby cause swelling and pain.
Signs
Common signs include reduced mobility, swellings at joints, excessive drinking, loss of appetite, and extreme aggression especially when the joints are touched. Your chameleon may also show signs of pain when walking, climbing, and may be seen stand on three legs instead of four (will usually not stand on one of its hind legs).
Photo credit: Chameleon forums
Prevention
Kidney stones and gout are usually caused by low-level dehydration which may not be easily detected. To prevent this, maintain appropriate humidity in the enclosure (between 50-70%) and make sure the drip system is functioning well so as to ensure adequate humidity levels.
Also, since the chameleon is a low protein animal, avoid feeding it with lots of protein. Feed it instead with lots of fruits and vegetables and ensure it drinks sufficient water always.
Treatment
The vet should be in charge of treating this condition. Treatment options include the prescription of medicines which will dissolve the uric acid crystals or an actual operation on the chameleon to remove the uric acid crystals. You may have to force your chameleon to drink more water if it refuses to drink.
Conclusion
Phew! So far so good, as you can see, being a vet is not in anyway easy.
There are different conditions which have similar signs and it may take lots of experience to differentiate and know the underlying cause of a disease. Now that you know the very common diseases your chameleon could have, it becomes your duty to carefully watch and examine it so as to quickly notice the early signs and correct them or visit a veterinary doctor.
Save your chameleon the stress and pain, save yourself the worry and most importantly, save your chameleon’s life! Your chameleon is counting on you.
Hope you enjoy this post. If you find anything wrong or outdated, please leave your comment below. I’ll update it as soon as possible.
Thanks for reading.
（Ambanja Panther Chameleon on sale)
