Most Common Iguana Illnesses

Just like any living creature, iguanas can also become ill. Changes in their behavior or appearance are usually signs of health problems. Take note that healthy green iguanas are green in color and have well-rounded bodies. They also eat well and defecate regularly. To ensure the health of your pet, you should observe it on a regular basis. Do not hesitate to take it to a veterinarian when you notice signs and symptoms of disease.

Some of the common signs of iguana illnesses are loss of appetite, inactiveness, discharge from nose, vent, or mouth, weight loss, defecating issues, limping, change of daily routine, swollen trunk or limbs, muscle weakness, paralyses or tremors, loose skin, change of color, change in sleeping pattern, and frequent drinking. These symptoms can declare a non-serious or serious threat to the health of your pet. So, in order to be sure, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Metabolic bone disease is one of the most common iguana illnesses. It can result from improper feeding and malnutrition. To prevent your pet from developing this disease, you should make sure that you give it proper nutrition. Feed it with the right kinds of vegetables and fruits. Avoid certain vegetables such as beet greens and chards because they contain oxalic acids that can be harmful to your pet. Iceberg lettuce is not ideal either. It lacks the vitamins that your pet needs.

If your pet iguana does not receive ample supplies of calcium and vitamin D3, there is a high possibility that it will develop metabolic disease. It might develop symptoms such as having a rubbery face, a swollen lower jaw, swollen limbs, and fractured spine. It might also experience listlessness and difficulty in eating. Another illness to watch out for is the paralysis of your pet's back legs. This can result from lack of vitamin B1.
Burns, thermal injuries, and nose abrasions are other forms of common iguana illnesses. Your pet can suffer from burns and thermal injuries if you do not install the lighting fixtures properly. It can obtain serious burns if it comes in contact with a hot light bulb. Hence, you should place the lights in areas that your iguana cannot reach such as above the enclosures. Avoid using hot rocks because these can be dangerous for your pet.
Similarly, your pet can suffer from nose abrasions if you do not put it in a secured environment. Chances are your iguana will try to escape if it is not happy with its new home. It might scratch its face and nose when it looks for an escape route. If you do not treat injuries and abrasions as soon as possible, bacterial infection may result. Ulceration of the rostrum and other types of deformities may occur, as well.
Furthermore, your pet can suffer from parasites, viral infection, bladder stones, organ failure, and dehydration if you do not monitor its health. Parasites usually settle in the bloodstream and are very dangerous. Viral infection can cause tremendous pain to your pet. Dehydration may result if the iguana does not drink sufficient amounts of water. Organ failure, on the other hand, is usually a result of old age and existing bacterial infection. If you do not take your pet to the vet immediately, its situation can get worse, and it may die.

Article Source: EzineArticles