Academic literature on the topic 'Chameleon calyptratus'

<strong>Severe Case of Metabolic Bone Disease in Yemen Chameleon, <em>Chamaeleo calyptratus</em></strong><strong><em>&nbsp;</em>(Sauria: Chamaeleonidae)</strong> A severe case of metabolic bone disease, MBD, is reported in captive <em>Chamaeleo calyptratus, </em>treatment and captive conditions for successful recovery are discussed. <strong>Key words: </strong>Chameleons, metabolic bone disease, MBD, captive care, treatment, <em>Chamaeleo calyptratus</em>

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a typical member of the family Chamaeleonidae and a promising object for comparative cytogenetics and genomics. The karyotype of C. calyptratus differs from the putative ancestral chameleon karyotype (2n = 36) due to a smaller chromosome number (2n = 24) resulting from multiple chromosome fusions. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of an XX/XY system were described recently using male-specific RADseq markers. However, the chromosomal pair carrying these markers was not identified. Here we obtained chromosome-specific DNA libraries of C. calyptratus by chromosome flow sorting that were assigned by FISH and sequenced. Sequence comparison with three squamate reptiles reference genomes revealed the ancestral syntenic regions in the C. calyptratus chromosomes. We demonstrated that reducing the chromosome number in the C. calyptratus karyotype occurred through two fusions between microchromosomes and four fusions between micro-and macrochromosomes. PCR-assisted mapping of a previously described Y-specific marker indicates that chromosome 5 may be the sex chromosome pair. One of the chromosome 5 conserved synteny blocks shares homology with the ancestral pleurodont X chromosome, assuming parallelism in the evolution of sex chromosomes from two basal Iguania clades (pleurodonts and acrodonts). The comparative chromosome map produced here can serve as the foundation for future genome assembly of chameleons and vertebrate-wide comparative genomic studies.

Serpentoviruses are an emerging group of nidoviruses known to cause respiratory disease in snakes and have been associated with disease in other non-avian reptile species (lizards and turtles). This study describes multiple episodes of respiratory disease-associated mortalities in a collection of juvenile veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Histopathologic lesions included rhinitis and interstitial pneumonia with epithelial proliferation and abundant mucus. Metagenomic sequencing detected coinfection with two novel serpentoviruses and a novel orthoreovirus. Veiled chameleon serpentoviruses are most closely related to serpentoviruses identified in snakes, lizards, and turtles (approximately 40–50% nucleotide and amino acid identity of ORF1b). Veiled chameleon orthoreovirus is most closely related to reptilian orthoreoviruses identified in snakes (approximately 80–90% nucleotide and amino acid identity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase). A high prevalence of serpentovirus infection (&gt;80%) was found in clinically healthy subadult and adult veiled chameleons, suggesting the potential for chronic subclinical carriers. Juvenile veiled chameleons typically exhibited a more rapid progression compared to subadults and adults, indicating a possible age association with morbidity and mortality. This is the first description of a serpentovirus infection in any chameleon species. A causal relationship between serpentovirus infection and respiratory disease in chameleons is suspected. The significance of orthoreovirus coinfection remains unknown.

The relevance of this study is conditioned by the lack of detailed information on the structure and topography of the digestive organs of the Yemeni chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). The purpose of this study was to find out the specific features of changes in body weight, topography, and structure of the digestive organs of the Yemeni chameleon, to determine their morphometric parameters in animals from 1 day to 1 year of age. The research material included the tongue, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas of chameleons of different sexes of 9 age groups. The data obtained were processed by one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). According to the topography, macroscopic structure and surface of the mucous membrane, there are three intestines in the small intestine: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and two intestines in the large intestine: the colon with a diverticulum and the rectum, which passes into the cloaca. A feature of the serous membrane of the chameleon intestine is that it is coloured black by melanin. From 1 day to 1 year of age, the body weight of chameleons increased 185.9 times, the snout-vent length (SVL) increased 6.7 times, the length of the digestive tract increased 3.8 times, and the ratio of the length of the digestive tract to SVL decreased from 3.2 to 1.8 times. The most intensive increase in body weight and SVL occurred during the second and third months of life. The relative length of the small intestine in chameleons of different age groups was 65.1- 81.6%, with the longest part being the jejunum. The increase in the morphometric parameters of the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas was asynchronous. The most pronounced changes in their relative weight were determined in animals of 2-3 months of age. The obtained materials supplement and clarify the information on the topography and structure of the digestive organs of the Yemeni chameleon, and therefore they will be useful in X-ray and ultrasound examination during veterinary manipulations

Background: Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) are two of the most popular pet chameleons, and consequently, these species are frequently evaluated in veterinary practices. According to our review of the literature normal computed tomography (CT) anatomy of these lizards has not been previously described. Aim: The purposes of this prospective study were to describe the normal CT anatomy of the coelomic organs in healthy patients and to provide normal reference values in these species. Methods: Seventeen clinically healthy veiled chameleons and fifteen clinically healthy panther chameleons were included. All CT studies were performed with the chameleons under light anaesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency. Studies were performed with a 16-slice helical CT scanner with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm. The authors recorded qualitative and quantitative CT characteristics of the coelomic structures. Macroscopic cross-sectional anatomy was performed for comparison of the CT findings. Results: Lungs, liver -including caudal vena cava, hepatic vessels, and gallbladder-, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, gonads, fat bodies, kidneys, and urinary bladder could be visualized with CT. The spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands could not be identified. Conclusion: This study provides a guide of the normal cross-sectional and computed tomographic anatomy of the coelomic cavity in veiled and panther chameleons. Our results could be used as a reference for future research studies or for comparison of clinically ill patients.

Nečas, P. &amp; F. Harris (2020)&nbsp;Obesity in&nbsp;Chamaeleo calyptratus&nbsp;DUM&Eacute;RIL &amp; DUM&Eacute;RIL, 1851 (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae) successfully treated with a diet. A Practice Report. &ndash;&nbsp;Archaius 1 (2): 1-5

Archaius, the Journal of Chameleonology and Chameleonoculture vol. 1, issue 1 2020 full electronic journal including cover page&nbsp; Content: Nečas, P. (2020)&nbsp;Tongue Punching,&nbsp;an unknown secondary antipredatory function of the tongue-shooting&nbsp;in chameleons (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae).&nbsp;&ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 1 &ndash; 3 Nečas, P. (2020) Chameleodactyly: New term to describe the unique arrangement of digits in chameleons (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae). &ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 4 &ndash; 5eng Nečas, P. (2020) Panther Chameleon Challenges in Chameleonoculture: an integrative approach: wild &ndash; trade &ndash; captive propagation. &ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 6&ndash; 11 Nečas, P. &amp; P. Dvorak (2020)&nbsp;A brief review of captive history of Chamaeleo calyptratus DUM&Eacute;RIL &amp; DUM&Eacute;RIL, 1851 (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae), with notes on degeneration of the captive and feral populations, including inbreeding effects, and the first report on a two&ndash;tailed chameleon in history. &ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 12 &ndash; 24 Nečas, P. (2020)&nbsp;The Language of Chameleons: how the animals, which cannot talk and do not hear, communicate. Silhouette.&nbsp;&ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 25 &ndash; 28 Nečas, P. (2020)&nbsp;The Language of Chameleons: how the animals, which cannot talk and do not hear, communicate.&nbsp;Silhouette.&nbsp;&ndash; Archaius 1 (1): 29 &ndash; 30 &nbsp;

While substrate-borne vibrations are utilized by different reptile species, true conspecific communication via biotremors has not yet been demonstrated in reptiles. This study follows a preliminary report that the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) could produce biotremors in communicative contexts. I tested chameleon behavioral sensitivity to vibrations by placing them on a dowel attached to a shaker emitting vibrations of 25, 50, 150, 300, and 600 Hz and then measured their changes in velocity before and after the stimulus. I then paired chameleons in various social contexts [anthropogenic disturbance (human disruption of animal); dominance (malemale; female-female C. calyptratus); courtship (male-female C. calyptratus); heterospecific (C. calyptratus + C. gracilis); and predator-prey (adult + juvenile C. calyptratus)] and used a video camera and accelerometers to record their behavior. This study demonstrates that chameleons produce biotremors and that receivers exhibit a freeze response when exposed to a simulated biotremor stimulus. Furthermore, veiled chameleons produce biotremors in anthropogenic disturbance, conspecific dominance and courtship contexts, and these biotremors are elicited by visual contact with another adult conspecific and heterospecifics. Overall, two classes of biotremor were identified, "hoots” and “rumbles,” which differ significantly in dominant frequency and waveform. No correlation was identified between animal size and dominant frequency of the biotremors they produced as biotremors originate from rapid muscle contractions. Juvenile chameleons of two months of age are able to produce biotremors, suggesting this behavior may have multiple functions. Overall, the data suggest that the veiled chameleon has the potential to utilize substrate-borne vibrational communication during conspecific and possibly heterospecific interactions.

Vibratory communication has evolved in numerous animal groups, including insects, spiders, fishes, mammals, and was recently discovered in veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). I examined the mechanism by which C. calyptratus produce these biotremors. Muscle activity data were gathered during simulated anti-predator responses via electromyography (EMG) with simultaneous recordings of biotremor production using an accelerometer. I correlated EMG data with the accelerometer data to implicate the muscles responsible for the production of the biotremors. Mixed-effect linear regression models described the mechanism, and a model selection framework determined which model fit the data best. I then used an analysis of variance to partition the variance to each variable to determine which muscles were most important in the biotremor producing mechanism. The Mm. sternohyoideus superficialis et profundus, Mm. mandibulohyoideus, and M. levator scapulae were active during the production of biotremors. Mean latency calculations revealed that the M. levator scapulae and Mm. mandibulohyoideus activated prior to the vibration onset, and the Mm. sternohyoideus superficialis et profundus activated after the vibration onset. The M. sternohyoideus superficialis then ceased activity prior to vibration cessation, and the M. sternohyoideus profundus, Mm. mandibulohyoideus, and M. levator scapulae ceased activity after the vibration had ended. The description of the biotremor producing mechanism further supports that C. calyptratus can produce biotremors, possibly for communication.

El camaleó vetllat (Chamaeleo calyptratus) i el camaleó pantera (Furcifer pardalis) són dues de les espècies de camaleó més populars al món, i en conseqüència, dues de les que més freqüentment s’atenen a les consultes veterinàries. Les diferents tècniques de diagnòstic per imatge solen incloure’s de forma rutinària als protocols diagnòstics en medicina herpetològica com són la radiografia, la ecografia, la tomografia computeritzada y la ressonància magnètica. Tot i així, els estudis publicats sobre descripció anatòmica mitjançant tècniques d’imatge són escassos, i la interpretació d’aquestes últimes es basa en l’experiència pròpia del clínic o bé per extrapolació d’altres espècies prèviament estudiades. Per aquest motiu, els objectius d’aquest estudi anatòmic prospectiu van ser desenvolupar protocols de diagnòstic per imatge en aquestes espècies i descriure l’anatomia dels òrgans de la cavitat celòmica en animals sans, mitjançant l’ús de la radiografia, l’ecografia i la tomografia computeritzada. Es van incloure disset camaleons vetllats (7 mascles i 10 femelles) i quinze camaleons pantera (13 mascles i 2 femelles) sans en base als resultats de l’examen físic general i de l’estudi corològic. L’estudi es va realitzar en camaleons sedats mitjançant l’administració d’alfaxalona (Alfaxan®, Crawley, UK) 4-6 mg/kg IV a la vena ventral de la cua. Un cop sedats, es va realitzar un estudi radiogràfic amb dues projeccions (lateral dreta i dorsoventral) amb xassís de mamografia. Seguidament, es va realitzar un estudi ecogràfic complet de la cavitat celòmica amb l’ús de sonda lineal de 15 a 18-MHz en decúbit lateral dret. Finalment, es va realitzar una tomografia computeritzada helicoidal amb un escàner de 16 talls en decúbit esternal. Es va realitzar l’estudi postmortem d’un exemplar de cada espècie per tal d’aclarir, il·lustrar i avaluar les troballes de les proves d’imatge. Els resultats obtinguts suggereixen que les diferents tècniques d’imatge estudiades permeten la visualització del fetge (incloent la vena cava caudal i las venes hepàtiques), la vesícula biliar, l’estómac, els intestins, les gònades, els cossos grassos i els ronyons en camaleons vetllats i pantera. La bufeta de la orina només es va identificar mitjançant ecografia i tomografia. La melsa, el pàncrees i les glàndules adrenals van ser identificades als estudis postmortem però no van poder visualitzar-se mitjançant cap tècnica d’imatge. En conclusió, aquest estudi proporciona una guia de les característiques anatòmiques normals dels òrgans celòmics mitjançant tècniques de diagnòstic per imatge en camaleons vetllats i camaleons pantera. D’aquesta manera, les troballes poden ser utilitzades com a referència durant els exàmens de pacients malalts o per a futurs estudis d’investigació.<br>El camaleón velado (Chamaeleo calyptratus) y el camaleón pantera (Furcifer pardalis) son dos de las especies de camaleón más populares en el mundo, y en consecuencia, dos de las que más frecuentemente se atienden en la consulta veterinaria. Las diferentes técnicas de diagnóstico por imagen suelen incluirse de forma rutinaria en los protocolos diagnósticos en medicina herpetológica, entre ellas la radiografía, la ecografía, la tomografía computerizada y la resonancia magnética. Sin embargo, los estudios publicados sobre descripción anatómica mediante técnicas de imagen son escasos, y la interpretación de estas últimas se basa en la experiencia propia del clínico o bien por extrapolación de otras especies ya estudiadas. Por este motivo, los objetivos de este estudio anatómico prospectivo fueron desarrollar protocolos de diagnóstico por imagen en estas especies y describir la anatomía de los órganos de la cavidad celómica en animales sanos, mediante el uso de radiografía, ecografía y tomografía computerizada. Se incluyeron diecisiete camaleones velados (7 machos y 10 hembras) y quince camaleones pantera (13 machos y 2 hembras) sanos en base a los resultados del examen físico general y del estudio coprológico. El estudio se realizó en camaleones sedados tras la administración de alfaxalona (Alfaxan®, Crawley, UK) 4-6 mg/kg IV en la vena ventral de la cola. Una vez sedados, se realizó un estudio radiográfico con dos proyecciones (lateral derecha y dorsoventral) con chasis de mamografía. Seguidamente, se realizó un estudio ecográfico completo de la cavidad celómica mediante sonda lineal de 15 a 18-MHz en decúbito lateral derecho. Finalmente, se realizó una tomografía computerizada helicoidal con un scanner de 16 cortes en decúbito esternal. Se realizó el estudio post mortem de un ejemplar de cada especie por tal de esclarecer, ilustrar y evaluar los hallazgos de imagen. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que las diferentes técnicas de imagen estudiadas permiten la visualización del hígado (incluyendo la vena cava caudal y las venas hepáticas), la vesícula biliar, el estómago, los intestinos, las gónadas, los cuerpos grasos y los riñones en camaleones velados y pantera. La vejiga de la orina solo pudo identificarse mediante ecografía y tomografía. El bazo, el páncreas y las glándulas adrenales fueron identificados en los estudios post mortem pero no pudieron ser visualizados mediante ninguna de las técnicas de imagen. En conclusión, este estudio proporciona una guía de las características anatómicas normales de los órganos celómicos mediante técnicas de diagnóstico por imagen en camaleones velados y camaleones pantera. De esta forma, los hallazgos pueden ser utilizados como referencia para exámenes de pacientes enfermos o para futuros estudios de investigación.<br>Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) are the most popular chameleons over the world, and consequently, two of the most frequently species attended in veterinary practice. The most commonly used imaging techniques in diagnostic protocols in herpetology include radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, few studies about imaging description in reptiles have been published. The objectives of this prospective anatomic study were to develop imaging techniques for these species and to describe the normal anatomy of the coelomic organs using radiography, US and CT scan. Seventeen healthy veiled chameleons (7 males and 10 females) and fifteen healthy panther chameleons (13 males and 2 females) were included in the study. Animals were considered to be healthy on the basis of the results of a complete physical examination and coprology testing. The imaging study was performed in sedated chameleons after the administration of alfaxalone (Alfaxan®, Crawley, UK) 4-6 mg/kg IV in the ventral vein of the tail. A right lateral and dorsoventral radiographic views were performed with a mammography cassette plate in all animals. Then, an ultrasound was performed in right lateral recumbency using a linear 15 to 18-MHz transducer. Finally, a CT examination was performed with a 16-slice helical CT scanner in sternal recumbency. Post-mortem study of one chameleon of each species were used to clarify and illustrate coelomic anatomy and to assess imaging findings. The results of the current study suggest that the different imaging techniques (radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography) allow the visualization of the liver (including caudal vena cava and hepatic veins), gallbladder, stomach, intestines, gonads, fat bodies and kidneys in healthy veiled and panther chameleons. The urinary bladder was identified using US and CT examination. The spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands were identified in post-mortem studies, but could not be visualized with any imaging technique. In conclusion, this study provides a guide of the normal imaging anatomic features of the coelomic organs in veiled chameleons and panther chameleons. Findings can be used as a reference for future research studies or for examinations of clinically ill patients.

This study investigates the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of follicular stasis in female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Reproductive status was assessed by enzyme immunoassay of fecal metabolites of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone; ultrasonography; and male introduction trials. Ultrasonography and hormone pattern analysis confirmed follicular stasis, while female response to male presence was inconclusive. Hormone patterns of corticosterone metabolites indicated a cyclical pattern consistent with reproductive events, but there was insufficient data to compare peak levels between ovulatory and non-ovulatory cycles. Ovulation induction was unsuccessful using either chicken GnRH-II, or a combination of progesterone and prostaglandin F2α. Feed restriction induced weight loss, but this was not directly related to changes in follicle size. Prevention of follicular development (i.e. contraception) was attempted using Depo-Provera and Lupron Depot, but neither treatment was effective. The outcomes of this study supplement the information on follicular stasis in reptiles, but further research is still needed.<br>NSERC, Toronto Zoo