This is one case from a series of reports compiled as part of an investigation into photo-kerato-conjunctivitis, possibly occurring as a result of excessive low-wavelength UVB radiation under certain brands of fluorescent UVB lamp. Please do not view this one case without reference to the whole report of which it is a part.

Case History : MB2 (Italy) - Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Cases examined by Michele Buono DVM (Turin, Italy)

One juvenile Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) was brought to the veterinary clinic in June 2007 for an eye problem. The chameleon was kept in a glass terrarium, size 40cm by 80cm by 40cm, furnished with branches and a plastic rock waterfall.

A ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 Compact Lamp was positioned inside the terrarium; branches were used as perches, which enabled the animal to come very close to the lamp, closer than 15cm (6in.)

The owner reported that one week previously, another juvenile Veiled Chameleon had died in the terrarium, after one month of inappetance with its eyes closed.

At clinical examination the only symptom seen was that the chameleon would not open its eyes. The therapy suggested was to remove the ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 Compact Lamp and replace it with a linear fluorescent UVB tube, such as a ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 tube.

After 7 days the owners reported that the chameleon had opened its eyes and had begun to hunt and eat again.