On March 24, 2003 Tiger laid her third clutch of eggs.  This clutch was a bit unusual.  First, Tiger dumped 5 eggs on the bottom of her cage.  Next, her clutch size was small for her (22 eggs).  Finally, there were a number of deformed eggs.  One egg in particular was horse shoe shaped (below).  I don't have any idea why the eggs were deformed but it could be due to a lack of calcium or a calcium/phosphorus imbalance.  I am investigating these possibilities.

I had a feeling that Tiger was in trouble when the next day she didn't perk up.  Her appetite was off and she was very inactive.  I took tiger down to the Chiropractic clinic where I used to work and had an X-Ray taken (top picture).  The X-Ray showed one clear egg and two to three additional lightly calcified eggs.  Retained eggs or "Egg binding" is one of the leading causes of death in female Chameleons.  Clearly Tiger was in troubled and needed some help.

I took Tiger to my vet.  There are two main treatments available.  Some vets will opt for Oxytocin injections.  These can stimulate strong contractions and will often expel retained eggs - however the force of the contraction can be harmful to the Chameleon and this treatment is usually used as a last resort.  My vet opted for a less dramatic treatment.  She gave me some Calcium Gluconate liquid.  This calcium liquid helps in several ways.  First, it allows uncalcified eggs to calcify.  A Chameleon usually can't release an egg until it is fully calcified.  Next, it replaces calcium that will have been stripped from the Chameleon's bones during egg maturation.  Finally calcium helps with muscle strength and contractions.

By April 8, 2003 Tiger had expelled three more eggs to the bottom of her cage.  Her general health had improved quite a bit.  I took her to the vet again and we had another X-Ray taken.  While I was waiting for the results, Tiger dropped an egg in my hands.  The vet came out and announced "She still has one egg".  I held up the egg and said "Is this the one?".  The Egg appears normal and healthy.  I will incubate it and see if it hatches.

Tiger is alive and well but this does illustrate one of the many dangers to Chameleons of the reproductive process.