Swollen Eyelid Associated with Foleyella Sp Infection in a Chameleon

An adult female Oustalet's chameleon was examined to determine the cause of a fluctuant enlargement of the right superior eyelid. Surgical exploration of the subcutaneous tissues of the eyelid revealed live microfilarial parasites, which were identified later as Foleyella sp. These parasites, although seldomly reported, are fairly common in imported chameleons and can be detected during examination of blood smears. Surgical removal continues to be the treatment of choice for these parasites, because the efficacy and safety of many new anthelmintic agents have not been determined for use in chameleons.