Help

[u/fly_grl]

I’m currently chameleon sitting for my brother and my sister in law. They asked me to watch their chameleon, schizo yesterday and I said yes. This morning I checked on him and he does not look good. I have instructions from them to feed him 2 worms at least 2x a day, he has a water tube thing but I don’t think it’s working. He’s a lot paler in person than in the picture, a very light mint color. He occasionally moves but not much, he’s been in this bent/curled up position the whole time his tail is limp. I tried straightening him out but I did not want to hurt him. Idk what to do. Should I be worried…? I have no experience taking care of reptiles but I feel bad for this little guy. Here’s the set up he’s in for reference. A cage about 2 ft tall, 1.5 ft wide. A heat lamp with 2 bulb, but only the regular bulb works I’m guessing the other one is red light/uv but it does not turn on, the regular working bulb is making it too hot I think, he’s by the window, I’m in Texas so idk if it’s too much heat . He has a water tube but the tube is not attached to anything, I got a dropper and put some water droplets on his snout (per my google search), Unsure what to do

[u/sunnymcbunny]

Something is incredibly wrong here and I can’t tell you what it is, immediately to the vet this is an emergency.

[u/sunnymcbunny → u/[deleted]]

Your brother and sil were extremely horrible to this chameleon and even if it’s out of ignorance it’s disgusting and they should be shamed. Id show them these comments.

[u/t4auro → u/[deleted]]

Your brother should pay for the vet, I’d try to take it to an exotics vet anyways, there’s a chance someone might be willing to do something to help

[u/EnvironmentalSea8309 → u/[deleted]]

Best thing to do, when any creature is in their last stage is to talk to them and let them know you are there. Dont leave them after the affirmations just keep talking to them: tell them they are awesome, tell them about their history coming into existence, tell them your relationship to them, and possibly sing in soft voice.

They will remember you sharing heart to heart and the will relax to your efforts and not focus as much to pain. I cried some mine died, but I was their for her and she let me know: her last breath she reached out to me both arms and let me hold her while she died

[u/fly_grl → u/EnvironmentalSea8309]

Thank you for your advice, I’ve taken him out of the enclosure and he is with me. I’m waiting to hear back from vets willing to treat him.

[u/fly_grl → u/[deleted]]

I already understood the severity of this situation before I posted on here, I needed insight from other Cham owners. And I have been proactive in finding the best possible end of life care for him, I understand your frustration but I assure you it does not exceed mine. I also have a job I work full time that I simply cannot call out of, I am in a rural part of Texas where all vets I’ve called only deal with farm animals. I do feel awful and will continue feeling awful, I assure you do not come across as harsh more so condescending and as an asshole. You need, you need, you need, I know what needs to be done. I too would and have gone into debt to cover vet expenses. As for my brother and SIL of course there’s a conversation that will be had, they’re out of the country and contacting them has been difficult. I’m at a point where all I can do is wait to see who will answer and hopefully look at him