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Why did my chameleon stop using its hind legs? Is it calcium?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Chameleon | Female | unspayed

Jessie was running around the house and was climbing on me when I was laying on the ground and then she got off me and stopped using her hind legs

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 10th, 2019

This sounds like metabolic bone disease. Very common symptom for this is loss of use of the back legs due to calcium deficiency. I doubt it has anything to do with him climbing around on you other than that activity used up the available calcium he had in his body. Are you sure your husbandry is 100% correct? Diet, lighting, temperature, supplements, etc. This is almost always due to improper husbandry. I suggest you review all of your husbandry and get him to a reptile vet for treatment. ( https://mypetchameleon.com/diseases/metabolic-bone-disease/ ) ( https://www.pahvets.com/exotic-animal-vet-albuquerque/ )

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