I have a juvenile chameleon. I noticed that their eye has been shut for about 3 days now. What could be going on?

I am so sorry that your companion has you worried. Can you share a few pictures of your concern to our chat? I’d like to see what you’re seeing specifically.

Thank you so much. The photos are slowly coming through on my side.

While we wait for these to load, can you tell me what species of chammy your companion is?

Can you also tell me the humidity level in the habitat?

It's imperative to know the humidity in your companion's habitat. These guys are incredibly sensitive and we must give them exactly what they'd receive in the wild. Panther chammies require 90-100% humidity which can be difficult to provide without a constant mister or fogger system. If your humidity is below this level, be aware that this can result in chronic dehydration for your companion which can lead to other medical issues like organ failure. Be sure to follow a veterinary-approved care sheet like this one: http://www.exoticpetvet.com/panther-chameleon-care.html

This could be the start of why their eyes aren't functioning properly. I would soak the cage down today like it had just heavily rained. I would obtain a fogger system, as well, if you can. I'd also take their habitat into the bathroom when you shower and let them enjoy the humidity in there. Leave the cage and close the door behind you when you leave the bathroom so long as the temps are acceptable. This should help with hydration, as well.

If the misting and humidity does not help, I would be more worried about an eye infection. Ideally, they do need to see a vet. At home, you can use warm, moist compresses on the eyes a few times a day to help alleviate discomfort and keep the eyes clear of debris. You can also try vitamin A drops in the eyes to see if this helps, as some reptiles will develop swelling due to a vitamin A deficiency (most common in animals not receiving vitamin supplementation in their diet): https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-repti-turtle-eye-drops-225-oz/dp/183221?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Zoo%20Med&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-ARIsABjT4nicm0WwNZhKZ51n-4FSj7nt1df6E3gF7wJ8ceOWL_tKYnfDJCeyIXYaAlJREALw_wcB

If this does not offer a full resolution by Tuesday or they worsen at any time, I'd move to a vet visit. You can find a reptile vet by searching http://www.anapsid.org/vets/ and also http://www.arav.org. They are likely to prescribe antibiotics which should address these symptoms within just a few days.

If finances might limit your ability to obtain care for your companion at this time, please visit this link where I have comprised 26 links to help with financial aid, financing and fundraising: https://www.dropbox.com/s/o3mxuiqvbt8drjk/JAFinancialAid.docx?dl=0

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Before we formally end our discussion, I want to make sure that we will both be leaving this interaction feeling like we’ve addressed your concern effectively. Would you say that you are comfortable with the next steps we’ve established together? If not, can you tell me how I can best assist you?

Chammies can be tricky as they prefer not to be handled. If they will allow it, you can be able to tilt their head to either side and place a drop into each eye. If not, try a soft hand towel wrapped around them, break their contact with whatever they're holding onto and then do the drops. Keep your fingers away from the mouth as they could bite.

You're quite welcome, it has been my pleasure to assist. Should you need any additional support on this topic, know that you can return to our chat at any time. We can pick up where we left off, if needed, and at no additional charge. I'm just a message away.