Respiratory conditions in chameleons

Inside the bodies of mammals there is a big sheet of muscle called the diaphragm; this separates the chest, where the lungs are situated, and the abdomen where the stomach and intestines are. Your chameleon doesn’t have a diaphragm; his chest and abdomen share the same space known as the coelomic cavity.

No, partly because they don’t have a diaphragm, chameleons are unable to cough.

This can be a problem because if they get a build-up of fluid in their lungs, they are unable to clear it by coughing. This can affect breathing and cause infections so ensure if you see labored breathing to take your chameleon to the veterinary practice.

Pneumonia is an inflammation and infection of the lungs. It is not common in chameleons but can develop as a result of poor housing. Ensure your chameleon’s vivarium is at the correct temperature and kept at the correct humidity and you practice good hygiene within the vivarium.

The daytime temperature should be around 21-40°C/69.8-104°F. The vivarium should have two ends, the higher temperatures being the basking end of the vivarium and the other end the lower temperature where the chameleon can go to cool off.

A good balanced diet will also protect your chameleon’s immune system to help prevent infection.

If your chameleon is showing signs of illness, then you must take him to the veterinary practice. It is important your aware of your chameleon’s activity level so any changes can be identified and help you to determine if your chameleon is unwell.