My chameleon's tongue is swollen, red, and won't go back in.

Thanks for reaching out about Rango and including photos. He looks very thin. Kidney disease is very common in middle-aged and older chameleons. Calcium and vitamin A deficiencies are often associated with tongue problems. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Continue to try to provide lots of fluids, orally or misting to stimulate drinking. Good lukc.

Check the temperature of the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes daily to treat or prevent minor dehydration. Make sure prey is appropriately sized, no bigger than the space between her eyes. If the behavior persists, have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat illness or injury. Review the information at the link below for care of veiled chameleons. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Veiled-Chameleon/

Confirm proper temps and humidity in the enclosure. Low temps can cause stress in reptiles which may lead to illness or lethargy. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 10-15 minutes. You can use plain, sterile saline to rinse his eyes in case there is dust or debris in them. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. This may be a good idea anyway since Kenny is "new" to you. An exam will confirm good health or may diagnose any pre-existing conditions which can then be treated. In the meantime, review Veiled Chameleon care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Veiled-Chameleon/

He may be stressed, angry or the temperature and/or humidity may need to be adjusted in his enclosure. Check environmental parameters and search the area around his cage for any negative stimuli. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or any discharge from the nose or mouth. "Gaping" can be a symptom of developing respiratory infection which needs immediate veterinary attention.

Thanks for reaching out about June and including a photo. By the photo, the mandible is dropped and am having concerns she is having difficulty using the jaw or tongue, resulting in inability to swallow saliva. Calcium or vitamin A deficiencies, or a trauma could be the cause. A visit to the veterinarian is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Check environmental temperature and UVB exposure, as UVB bulbs need to be changed every 6 months. Good luck.

If it is a mass or tumor on his tongue, he will need to be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. The area in question can be aspirated with a needle to collect samples for pathology, if indicated, to identify it. You can offer soaked pellets or soft foods to make eating easier for now. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor.

This may be an indication of infection (namely mouth rot) or a symptom of trauma. Mojo should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to make the diagnosis. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. In the meantime, keep him warm, hydrated and as stress free as possible. Make sure he continues to eat regularly. Have him seen as soon as you can get an appointment.