Chameleon

Chameleon (scientific name: Chamaeleonidae) is commonly known as chameleon. It belongs to the suborder of lizards (Sauria) and family of chameleons (Chamaeleontidae) in reptiles. It is distributed in the Eastern Hemisphere and mainly arboreal. Its characteristic is the ability to change body color. The toes are combined into two groups, with two to three toes in each group, and they have adhesive pads. Chameleons have teeth on the edge of their jaws and have long, retractable tongues. Anoles from the family Iguanidae in the Western Hemisphere are also known as false chameleons. There are two genera of true chameleons, including the Brookesia genus (19 species) and the Chamaeleo genus (70 species). About half of these species are only found in Madagascar, while the majority are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. Two species are found in western Asia, one species in southern India and Sri Lanka, and another species (common chameleon) is distributed from the Near East to the southern part of Spain across North Africa. The chameleons in the tropical rainforest of Hara Island in northeastern Madagascar have a total length of 29 millimeters from nose to tail, with the trunk of adult chameleons being only the size of a fingernail, possibly making them the smallest chameleons in the world.

Chameleons are often found in rainforests and tropical grasslands, and some are found in mountainous areas. They are rarely seen in cold grasslands, and they typically reside in trees. The exception is the Chameleochameleon (common chameleon), which is usually found on the ground. During the mating season, males and females seeking to lay eggs may come down to the ground.

Chameleon has bright colors and is loved by people. It is recommended for pet lovers to keep them.

1. Dehydration

Symptoms: Sunken eyes, abnormal uric acid excretion (uric acid salts appear orange), weight loss

Dehydration is one of the common diseases in chameleons. The general symptom is sunken eyes, but it may also be a sign of other potential health issues. Other symptoms of dehydration include abnormal uric acid salt color, weight loss, and sunken forehead. Increasing misting time, moisturizing, and increasing water dripping frequency can help chameleons to take in water. Showers can be used in small amounts, being cautious to simulate outdoor rainfall. Chronic dehydration can lead to very serious health issues, such as kidney failure. When the situation does not improve after using the above methods, it is necessary to consult a professional reptile veterinarian immediately.

2. General weakness, falling phenomenon

This is a very serious health problem, and it may need veterinary examination and prompt treatment to correct the problem before it becomes critical. There are many causes for this symptom, among which the most likely diseases are dehydration, metabolic disorders, or painful behaviors reflected by other serious health issues.

3. Sleepiness, sleeping during the day

This is also one of the common health problems in chameleons. A healthy chameleon should not sleep at any time during the day. Sleeping itself is not a disease, but a sign, a signal that there must be something wrong with chameleons that makes them feel uncomfortable, causing them to want to sleep. There are many factors that can cause this symptom, but the most likely culprit is inappropriate husbandry, resulting in symptoms and diseases.

4. Bone metabolic diseases

Symptoms: Bone fractures, weakness in hind limbs, poor development, grabbing their own legs

MBD (metabolic bone disease) should be the easiest disease to avoid and unfortunately is also the most common disease in chameleons domestically. The causes of MBD are mostly due to the lack of calcium in the diet, nutritional imbalance, or the use of inappropriate artificial lighting. In order to compensate for the insufficient absorption of calcium in the body, the chameleon's body will directly extract calcium from the bones to ensure daily functions, such as muscle movement and metabolism. The direct consequence of this is that the chameleon's bones become very fragile and brittle. Symptoms of MBD include poor growth and development, bent legs, bone fractures, hindlimb or knee problems, grabbing their legs or head, decreased use of the tongue, a soft chin, and the mouth being unable to align or close properly. This is a very, very painful disease that, if left untreated, will eventually cause chameleons to die in pain.

1. Two or more chameleons should not be kept in the same enclosure, and different species of animals should not be kept together. Even if there are no initial problems, it will eventually lead to oppression or mutual attacks, especially during the breeding season.

2. If you have other pets such as cats or dogs, the enclosure must be kept closed and preferably placed where other pets cannot reach.

3. The enclosure should not be placed in areas with high human traffic, such as living rooms or dining rooms, as it can cause significant stress to them.

4. The distance of the spotlight should not be less than 30cm, otherwise it may burn the chameleon.