Chameleons have their own set of problems and when you adopt one, you must be careful about their all over health. Like other ailments mouth rot is seen among reptiles which is sometimes painful and if not treated with proper care, can be severe.
This is a potentially life-threatening disease which starts with small and simple indications.
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How to detect mouth rot in chameleon?
This is also known to many as infectious stomatitis, which is actually an ulcer in the mouth of a chameleon. It is seen in the gum or mouth portion of the chameleon. Also, the oral cavity is another cause of mouth rot.
There are certain symptoms which show that the chameleon is suffering from the oral cavity. The lips of the chameleon will be red and swollen.
Dark plaque can be seen on its teeth which will show that the chameleon is suffering from this mouth disease.
Also, you can see sticky mucus discharging from the mouth of the chameleon. This is a long term indication that will show that your chameleon is suffering from mouth rot.
Top Ointment For Mouth Rot In Chameleons
But be cautious of the condition of your Chameleons and do not apply them before at least consulting the vet, to keep the things on the safe side. So here is the suggested list of the ointments to keep the chameleon away from mouth rot.
1. Betadine 32 oz Solution
Betadine is one of the basic solutions which helps in curing mouth rot and many other cuts and scars. You can use this lotion when you see the first sign of mouth rot in your chameleon. This is a light solution and you need to mix it with a cup of water. Then use a cotton ball to clean the mouth of the chameleon with this solution.
This is a much useful solution to mouth rot of your chameleon. You need to use this solution once a day if it is a severe problem. In case if you have just found this issue of cut or scar into the mouth of the chameleon then you can use it in alternative days.
The bottle size is nice and it will be of much help as chameleons often suffer from mouth scars. Try to use the lotion in less quantity for the first time to see how the chameleon is reacting. This solution does not contain any smell or taste so it should not irritate the chameleon. If you see that the chameleon is not reacting negatively to the betadine solution then you can apply it in proper quantity.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Cures fast
Cons:
- Taste or smell may be repelling
2. Prevention Mouth Sore Mouth Rinse
This is a solution which helps in curing any kind of oral issue as it contains hydrogen peroxide and menthol. Both these compounds are beneficial to curing any kind mouth ulcer or soreness in the gum or inner area. The lotion works to clear the mouth from the bad bacteria and also other kinds of fungal growth. This rinse can also manage to keep the pain away and soreness can be relieved by using this lotion.
You need to wash the gum or affected area of the chameleon’s mouth with this lotion. They will not be able to use this mouth rinse by the regular procedure so you can add this potion to a bowl of water and dab a cotton ball in it. Then take the cotton ball, squeeze the excess water and clean the inner area of the chameleon’s mouth with this.
There is no trace of fluoride, alcohol or dye in this lotion thus there is no chance of getting affected by toxicity for the chameleon. The ingredients used in this medicine are all-natural and thus this leaves no side effect. The mint flavour of this medicine leaves a refreshing flavour to the affected mouth of the chameleon. No bacteria can attack if you use this item daily to wash the mouth of your chameleon.
Pros:
- Natural ingredient
- No toxicity
- Prevents infection
Cons:
- Should not be consumed
3. Vetericyn Plus Reptile Wound and Skincare
This is a medicine for all over the wellness of the chameleon. Not only for the mouth rot, but you can also spray this medicine to cure any other cut or scar on its other body parts. This medicine does not provide any burning sensation or stinging so the chameleon will not react when you clean its mouth with this medicine. This is a mild lotion and you can apply this on the rot of the chameleon for 2 to 3 times a day.
This one is prescribed by most of the vets as this is a safe solution for the cuts and scratches. You can keep the medicine handy at home when you adopt a chameleon as you never know when this will be needed.
Along with being safe, this is also one of the most recommended and effective solutions to all the cuts and soreness. If you detect the rot or scratch in the mouth of your chameleon, apply this lotion twice a day and it will be cured within a week.
Pros:
- No side effect
- No burning or stinging
- Applicable to all kinds of scars
Cons:
- Not available always
4. Gly-Oxide Alcohol-free Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse
This is a small packet of antiseptic lotion which comes handy when you need immediate effect on the mouth rot of your chameleon. The manufacturer claims that it offers three benefits. Not only it kill the harmful bacteria and germs, but also it soothes the painful soreness of the cuts and mouth rots as well as cleans the gum and inner side of the mouth. The bacterial growth will be prevented if you use this solution daily to clean the mouth of your pet chameleon.
This also will effectively whiten the teeth as the yellow plaque will not be gathered if you use this lotion daily. Even if the mouth rot is in bad condition and the chameleon is feeling pain, then also this lotion will be helpful as it will not cause the stinging sensation in the affected area.
This is a mouth rinse but since no chameleon will be able to use it that way, it is the duty of the owner to clean the inner part of their mouth with a piece of clean and soft cloth or cotton ball. Wet the cotton ball with water and then you can dab the ball into this lotion. Next, you can clean the teeth, gum and tongue with this cotton piece.
Pros:
- Useful product
- Cleans the mouth
- Prevents bacterial growth
Cons:
- Small bottle so less quantity in one pack
5. Nature Zone SNZ59331 Rot Guard Enhance Immune System for Reptiles
This is a pocket-friendly option for the chameleon owners who wish to get their pets cured of mouth rot. This solution offers speedy recovery from the mouth ulcer and mouth rot and such similar problems. This is a safe option for the pets as it will be able to cure the problems without much hassle.
The solution is tested for safety so there will be no chance of getting affected by toxicity while using this medicine. The package contains a little Q-tip which can be effectively used to clean the inner part of mouth like gum, teeth and tongue of a chameleon. Not only it cures the soreness of the mouth of a chameleon and other reptiles, but also with regular use, your chameleon will be keeping away all the harmful bacteria as it will also boost its immunity.
You need to use this lotion daily once and then you will see improvement in the overall health of your chameleon. It will not only keep the chameleon safe from mouth ulcers and sores but also other various kinds of diseases will be prevented this way. The rot part of the chameleon will be cured within a week of using this medicine.
Pros:
- Works fast
- Cures all kind of sores
- Boosts immunity
Cons:
- May harm if consumed by the chameleon
What happens when this is not treated at a time?
Osteomyelitis, dacryocystitis and even pneumonia can affect the chameleon if the mouth rot is not taken care of at the early stage.
Why does mouth rot happen?
There are not single but various different causes that may result in mouth rot. There can be the issue of dehydration or maybe the lack of ample UVB rays which shows the deterioration of the chameleon’s health.
Moth rot does not happen due to a particular cause; rather it shows the poor husbandry of the creature. When the temperature of the terrarium is not adequate or the chameleon is not getting enough minerals in its food it can suffer from mouth rot too.
Other reasons can be oral injury while consuming live prey. This is a common scenario when the inner side of the chameleon’s mouth get cut or scratched. Their gum or teeth may also get cut while they try to chew the food or maybe while they are trying to tear a leaf or two from the foliage inside their terrarium. These cuts, if not treated properly, can worsen and end up causing mouth rot to these creatures.
Stress is another prior reason for mouth rot among the chameleons. There are good bacteria inside their mouth, just like us. When they are stressed the number of good bacteria lessens and it results in mouth rot among them. These good bacteria keep a check on their oral health and their absence makes the cuts and scratches troublesome.
How to treat the mouth rot?
To heal the mouth rot you need to provide it with proper medication and also maintain the basic hygiene in its terrarium. The food should not have any sharp sting or edge which can affect the soft part of the mouth of the chameleon.
Also, you should clean the terrarium daily and not leave the poop or uneaten food on the substrate, which may boost the bacterial growth inside the cage and later it will affect the chameleon.
How to be cautious to avoid mouth rot in chameleons?
The owner should keep a check on the mouth rot and always make sure that there is any cut inside the mouth of the chameleon. This is the primary level and if the owner possibly finds the sign, there will be less chance of mouth rot or further issue related to it.
Even if you are not checking the mouth of your pet there are other ways you can make sure that the pet is having some problem. You may see that the chameleon is not eating properly or finishing its food. Also if it drinks less than the regular amount of water then there can be some difficulty it is facing.
Also when you see the saliva is dropping from their mouth and it is thick in consistency, then it is pretty sure that the chameleon is not alright. Sometimes you can see puss coming with the saliva which is alert that the mouth rot is getting worse. This is a severe case of this ailment and should be treated by the vet immediately.
What medication is needed to cure mouth rot?
While mouth rot can be prevented and cured at the beginning easily, it can be a fatal problem for the pet chameleon if ignored or not checked at first.
There are a few medicated ointments which, if you find the chameleon is experiencing mouth rot, can apply. These are some simple medicines which can be applied if the mouth rot is at the early stage. When you go to the herp veterinarian, he or she will prescribe one of these ointments as these ones work as an antibiotic or antifungal cure. Also, you can get these ones if you ask the chemist over the counter.
Conclusion:
There are various treatments for mouth rot of the chameleons, and if you check with vets they will suggest a combination of different medicines. But you should be conscious beforehand and not ignore the earlier signs of diseases. Also, you should provide your chameleon with fresh and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables which builds the immunity.
A healthy chameleon will not face the problems of mouth rot easily as it can combat other regular illnesses. Also, keep the chameleon hydrated by misting it regularly and allowing it to drink clean fresh water from the bowl that is provided in its terrarium. Also keeping the heating source working is a necessary part of the chameleon’s looking after the process. Proper heat, food and water make a chameleon healthy and immune internally and it will suffer less from various diseases.
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