Why is my iguana dying?
External Parasites Parasites are among the common causes of iguana’s death. External parasites like mites and ticks are the most common external parasites that affect iguana. You can find them in iguana’s eyelids, vent, and mouth and it usually occurs because of the dirty environment.
How can you tell if an iguana has a disease?
Common signs include swelling of the lower jaw, softening of the jaw and facial bones (rubber jaw) and/or swelling of the hind limbs. X-rays reveal thin bone tissue (decreased density), widened and thickened bone shafts and possibly fractures that appear to have happened with minimal force or for no apparent reason.
How to treat metabolic bone disease in iguanas?
Metabolic bone disease usually requires immediate treatment with injectable or oral calcium, a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement, or calcitonin, a drug that promotes calcium uptake into your iguana’s bones. Long term management of MBD requires dietary modification and balancing, and provision of UV-B lighting.
What to do if your iguana has diarrhea?
Direct Smear If your iguana has loose feces, diarrhea, or the feces are very smelly (you can smell it walking in the door of the room – or the house), your iguana may have a protozoan infection. When doing this test, the veterinarian or technician mixes a portion of the fecal sample with a fluid,…
What causes swelling in the mouth of an iguana?
Mouth rot can also cause swelling of the jaw just like MBD. Parasites, especially pinworms, are common in pet iguanas. They often cause no clinical signs and are detected on an annual fecal examination.
What should I look for in a pet iguana?
Start out right with a healthy pet. Avoid lizards that appear skinny, have loose skin or sunken eyes, and appear inactive or lethargic. A young healthy iguana is usually bright green, aware, active, and alert as often evidenced by the front legs pushing the chest and head upright and high.
Why do iguanas have to go to the vet?
Besides parasites, the most common reason iguanas see the vet is a devastating condition known in ‘herp’ circles as MBD. In fact, a whopping 75% of iguanas under two years old who are seen by veterinarians are diagnosed with this degenerative condition.
What are the symptoms of a sick iguana?
Rubber jaw – a swelling of the lower jaw, softening of the tissues in the entire jaw and face. Swelling of the hind legs. Seizures and muscle twitching. Any of the above symptoms in your iguana should be addressed immediately.
What should I do if my Iguana is lethargic?
Sometimes, adding more minerals to the diet can solve the problem in a short period of time. But if you delay the treatment, there will be irreversible damage. If you notice your iguana is being lethargic and is sneezing, it might have a respiratory infection. Other symptoms might include throat enlargement and rapid breathing.
