Chameleons are magnificent small reptiles that have a variety of color patterns. They all have eyes that can rotate 360 degrees. All four feet have two toes bound together that face forward and two toes bound together that face backward.
Like most reptiles, chameleons have specific requirements for ultraviolet (UVB) lighting and calcium supplementation. There are several diseases that chameleon owners should be aware of so that these conditions can be addressed before they become life-threatening.
When a female chameleon appears to have a swollen belly, it is most likely that she is producing eggs. If her calcium is not adequate, her oviduct will not be able to contract to expel the eggs.
If the cage temperature and humidity settings are not set properly or if there is no nesting place, she may not be able to lay her eggs.
Egg retention, no matter the initiating cause, is called ovostasis. In some cases, the chameleon is an adult and still very active, but just has a swollen abdomen with eggs retained in her reproductive tract. A more critical situation occurs in juvenile veiled chameleons where they are weak, thin, and full of eggs. Some species of chameleons, like veiled chameleons, may produce 20–70 eggs at one time.
It cannot be emphasized enough that “phosphorus-free” calcium supplements must be used when dusting insects before feeding. Phosphorus can damage tissues of the kidneys. If the kidneys become damaged or diseased, they are unable to excrete uric acid properly. When the kidneys cannot excrete uric acid, it builds up in the bloodstream and can be deposited in joints (articular gout) or around internal organs (visceral gout).
When gout crystals become deposited in joints, the chameleon will have pain, a difficult time moving around, and the affected joint(s) will be swollen. When gout crystals are deposited in or around internal organs, the chameleon appears lethargic, weak, and thin. If the uric acid crystals become deposited in the kidneys, the kidneys begin to fail and the chameleon has a moderate to high probability of passing away from kidney failure.
Chameleon eye infections can be serious if left untreated. As chameleons rely heavily on their vision for feeding and defense, eye problems can quickly lead to deterioration of their health. Luckily eye infections in chameleons can often be effectively treated if caught early. This article will provide an overview of chameleon eye infections – their causes, symptoms prevention, and treatment.
What Causes Eye Infections in Chameleons?
There are several potential causes of chameleon eye infections
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Poor ventilation – Stale, dirty air in the habitat can lead to eye infections. Proper airflow is essential.
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Foreign bodies – Objects, dirt, or shed skin in the eye can cause scratches and infection.
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Vitamin A deficiency – Lack of vitamin A causes eyes to swell shut, leaving chameleons unable to see or feed properly
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Dehydration – Sunken, unresponsive eyes signal extreme dehydration.
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Stress – Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making infections more likely.
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Bacteria – Bacterial infections originating in the mouth can spread to the eyes via the lacrimal ducts.
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Parasites – Heavy parasite loads cause organ stress and a compromised immune system.
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Fungal/viral infections – Though less common, fungi and viruses can sometimes infect chameleon eyes.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Catching eye infections early is key. Here are the most common symptoms:
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Swelling, fluid discharge, or pus around one or both eyes
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Constant eye rubbing on cage decor
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Eyes remaining shut during daylight hours
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Sunken, unresponsive eyes
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Refusing food due to poor vision
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Squinting or keeping one eye closed
Any eye symptoms lasting more than a day warrant veterinary examination. Don’t delay – eye infections can permanently damage vision if left untreated.
Preventing Eye Infections
While eye issues can arise unexpectedly, good husbandry and nutrition help avoid them. Useful prevention tips include:
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Proper ventilation – Ensuring ample air circulation reduces risk.
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Hygiene – Daily cleaning prevents buildup of bacteria.
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Balanced diet – Appropriate calcium, vitamins, UVB prevent deficiencies.
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Supplements – Multivitamins with vitamin A help maintain eye health.
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Hydration – Regular misting and fresh drinking water prevent dehydration.
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Reduce stress – Give chameleons proper hides and privacy.
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Safe decor – Use smooth, soft cage furnishings to avoid eye scratches.
Seeking Veterinary Care
If symptoms arise, promptly contact an exotics vet. Bring along any notes about symptoms, husbandry, supplements used, etc. The vet will likely:
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Examine the eye(s) for discharge, swelling, foreign material
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Flush the eye(s) with saline
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Check for mouth infections
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Run tests to identify bacteria or parasites
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Prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye medications
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Give emergency vitamin A if deficiency is found
Follow all medication directions precisely. Schedule a recheck appointment to ensure the infection is fully resolved.
At-home Treatment
While awaiting your vet appointment:
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Record symptoms – Note when they began and how they progress.
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Photograph eyes – Documents the infection’s appearance for the vet.
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Keep warm – Maintain optimal temperatures to support immune function.
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Hydrate – Provide fresh drinking water and extra mistings.
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Assist feeding – Hand feed if poor vision prevents normal eating.
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Stress reduction – Limit handling to reduce anxiety.
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Clean environment – Remove waste and old food from habitat.
Though supportive care helps, antibiotics and other medications are essential to cure eye infections. Don’t delay visiting the vet.
Outlook for Chameleons with Eye Infections
With prompt veterinary treatment, most chameleon eye infections can be cured, especially if caught early. Typically, the prognosis is good unless the infection is unusually severe, or vision loss occurs before treatment begins.
In rare cases, eye infections may permanently damage vision or even require surgical removal of the eye. But your vet will do everything possible to save your chameleon’s eyesight if an infection develops.
Monitor your chameleon closely after treatment to ensure the infection has fully resolved. Schedule follow-ups as recommended by your exotics vet. Though stressful, most chameleons make a full recovery from eye infections when given proper medical care.
Metabolic Bone Disease
UVB lighting and calcium supplementation are both critical for chameleons to maintain proper bone growth and bone stability. When calcium is not supplied at the proper levels or cannot be absorbed because UVB light is not available, the bones become rubbery or may break.
If the jaw becomes rubbery or broken, then your chameleon will be unable to eat and will starve. When legs become rubbery or broken, your chameleon will have difficulty holding on to perches and catching insects with its tongue. Broken legs will be noticeable, as there will be extra curves or too many angles on the affected leg(s).
These breaks are called “pathologic fractures” as the bones may break even without trauma.
Swelling of Tissues Around the Eye
The soft tissue that covers the main surface of the eye is called the “turret”. Several conditions can affect the turret.
- There may be a solid bulge at the front of the turret, which usually results from an abscess on the inside of the turret. It may be a bacterial abscess, initiated by a vitamin A deficiency.
- A separate condition occurs where the entire turret becomes swollen and distended. This condition occurs when infection, a foreign substance, or pus blocks the tear duct (naso-lacrimal duct), and fluid or pus fills the space around the eye, causing the turret to appear “blown up” with air.
What to do if your chameleon is holding its eyes closed – Vet Treats Chameleon Eye
FAQ
How to treat an eye infection in a chameleon?
Find some terramycin eye ointment, local reptile shops usually have some or find somewhere online that can ship overnight. Flush the eyes out. Don’t use a q-tip, that just adds to the irritation and infection. Drop the rinse in and do your best to gently flush it out, but don’t rub.
How do you treat a reptile eye infection?
Topical treatment using a suitable antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin usually cures any infection. Uveitis is rarely diagnosed in reptiles although it occurs associated with systemic infectious disease, post hibernation disease (hyphema and hypopyon), trauma and neoplasia.