Green Iguana Care

It’s very important that you take proper care of your iguana. An improper diet or living area will greatly increase the chances of him getting sick. There are a few common iguana diseases that all owners should be knowledgeable about.

Metabolic Bone Disease

One of the most common ailments that affect iguanas and other reptiles is metabolic bone disease. This illness results from insufficient calcium in the body. Owners are usually to blame as the disease is often caused by improper lighting, diet, or housing.

If your pet is afflicted with metabolic bone disease, he will show a variety of signs. They include general lethargy, swollen tail, and swollen limbs. The lower jaw may also become swollen which will cause your iguana to have trouble eating.

Paralysis

One of the next common diseases in iguanas is rear leg paralysis. It is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1. However, an insufficient amount of calcium in the body can also cause this problem. If vitamin B1 deficiency is to blame, your iguana will need to take B vitamins via injection. You will also need to improve his diet so the problem doesn’t recur.

Blister Disease

Blister disease is characterized by the formation of blisters around the body. The condition is caused by prolonged exposure to bacteria. This is often due to poor hygiene or sanitation in the living area. Blister disease can especially be a problem when the enclosure is particularly moist. Your iguana will need to take an aggressive course of antibiotics to treat blister disease.

Mouth Rot

Lizards that are in a weakened state and also suffering from malnutrition are particularly susceptible to mouth rot. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection. It leads to signs such as increase salivation, swelling, and the formation of pus in the mouth. Most iguanas have trouble eating when suffering from mouth rot. The veterinarian will have to identify the specific bacteria and treat it with antibiotics.

Dry Gangrene

One of the final common iguana diseases is dry gangrene. It is caused by a bacterial infection throughout the body. This is a serious condition. Dry gangrene usually affects the toes and tail, moving slowly up from the tip of the tail towards the base. You will have to give your iguana an aggressive course of antibiotics and make sure he has good hygiene.

These are a few of the most common diseases in green iguanas. As mentioned earlier, you can prevent many by taking proper care of your lizard. Make sure you download your copy of The Comprehensive Guide to Iguana Care today to make sure you’re doing the right things. Your iggy will thank you for it.