Why Are Pet Chameleons Susceptible to Vitamin A Deficiency?
Chameleons kept as pets often have a diet that primarily consists of insects. In many cases, insects purchased for feeding have not been fed properly and have poor vitamin A levels. In the wild, chameleons also eat small lizards and birds as part of their diet. These species, because of the vegetable matter in their stomach and intestines, provide much higher levels of vitamin A. In addition, the insects they feed on have generally not been nutritionally deprived, as are some purchased insects. How Are Chameleons With Vitamin A Abnormalities Treated? Hypovitaminosis A is treated by giving oral or injectable vitamin A. The husbandry and nutrition must be corrected to prevent recurrence. Secondary problems such as infections also need to be treated. Animals with severe deficiencies may have permanent problems such as skeletal abnormalities, eye disease, or impaired respiration. The basic treatment of hypervitaminosis A is to remove the supplemental source of vitamin A. Secondary problems
