Sick iguana

Question

Iggy   QUESTION: Hi Diane.  

IGGY, my 4 year old iguana seems sick.  He is sort of sneezing and for the past 3 days has not been eating well.

4 days ago, i gave him a few freshly boiled corn kernels, i think he consumed about 6 kibbles.  for two days, he did not move his bowel.  today, he moved twice (no foul smell).  I noticed that he seems to be pushing, as though he wants to move his bowel.  I think he has stomach ache.  He is not his normal self.  He seems to be in pain.  What do I do? He also is not eating well. :(

ANSWER: Hi May,
Sneezing is normal as it is how they expel excess salt from their bodies since they don't sweat. This is that dried white stuff we see stuck to everything.  If the sneezing is off color, containing mucus, then there is a problem and may be an upper respiratory infection..which, a vet is needed.
With the bowels, have you tried a nice warm soak/swim for him?  Many times this helps them to go as it is their natural instinct to use water as their toilet. The swimming exercise may help him along.
It is very possible that the corn did give him a stomach ache..I have one that can't eat any parsley at all or she gets an upset stomach.
Are you positive he couldn't have gotten into and eaten something he should not have?  String< hair, money, and anythign else that may be laying around?  If that is the case, then a vet is needed to have an x ray done to see if some object is causing a blockage.  If that is even remotely possible, you don't want to do anything that would cause him to strain to "poop" as that can cause damage.
If you are positive that he didnt eat something he shouldn't have, the bath is fine. Also, baby food prunes seem to have a "wonderful" effect.
You can try giving him some acidolophus to see if that helps with his stomach..it replaces teh needed gut bacteria that can be lost through different ways..such as not eating, medications, etc. Also, baby food prunes seem to have a "wonderful" effect.
To replenish the needed gut bacteria you can use one of the following products.. bene bac...labeled for birds, approved for reptiles. nutri bac acidolophliz+ or plain, human grade Acidophilus...... one capsule will dose for at least 2 days. most often 3-4 days of treatment is recommended but there is no problem with giving for a longer period of time on any of the products. They can also be given on a regular basis 2-3 times a week. BeneBac ..most larger pet stores should carry it...especially if they have birds... Acidophiliz+ I think Pets Mart carries it..if not....on line at www.reptilesupply.com
Do you supply a proper form of uvb lighing for him? Also, temperatures?  With the outdoor temperatures changing, many times we forget to adjust their temperatures..wich can cause them not to eat if they don't have access to the needed 92-96 degree range for proper digestion.
He is a handsome boy!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Diane.

First of all thank you so much for replying.  At this point you already have given me much knowledge on how to care for IGGY. He is our family's first and only iguana. Just a follow-up on your insights.  

I don't see any white stuff coming out of his nose.  In fact, over the 4 years of his life, it is only now that I saw him sneeze and it is quite frequent, say over 10 times today.

I will try the swimming thing.  I used to give him a bath but he dislikes it. He is always in a hurry to get out of the water.

Since he roams around the house the whole day (he is kept loose with the dogs and my cat), I really can't say a 100% that he did not eat anything.  
Although he moved his bowel twice today, first time that he did it.  Normally, he would move only 1x each day.  Quite concerned about his appetite.  He just ate a stalk of his green veggies and a few pieces of papaya.


I truly appreciate the advice on the use of benebac, etc.  I will see if they are available here in the Philippines.  By the way, do iguanas drink?  He never drinks.  His diet is vegetables and fruits.  He adores apples.

Yes, I agree with you, he is a very handsome boy and I am a very proud IGGY MAMA.

Thanks again Diane. :)

Answer
Hi May,
Let me clarify... the sneezes produce a clear liquid which dries white..we call it snalt. It is possible that the foods you are feeding don't contain much natural sodium which would build up in his system..he may not sneeze as much as iguanas here in the states due to the difference in foods and also weather conditions.
Iguanas do drink..some more than others.  Some basically get all their water from us misting their greens, which is very important.
Do be careful with apples as they can be an appetite suppressant.
You can also use one of the other products I mentioned pertaining to the gut bacteria.  The human grade acidophilus should be available.
With swimming/bathing..try placing a rolled towel in the tub with him.  He can cling to it he he chooses.
With the dogs and cat being in the same area, he can be a bit blocked with hair from them...also, does he have access to the dog/cat food?  these things, if eaten, can cause dehydration in iguanas which in turn can cause a slight blockage.  Of course dog/cat food is a no no for iguanas due to the meat content.  Do your very best to keep that food away from your handsome boy.
Also, be sure that her gets at least four to six hours of unfiltered sunshine a day..or 10-12 hours of uvb via  tube or bulb producing uvb lighting...it is vital to their health!! You have the weather that allows you to give the very best natural uvb..the sun!!
Another thing that can be causing the low appetite is breeding season issues.. do you notice any color changes?  More orange? If yes, then it is breeding season most likely.  In the past few months did he seem to be eating more than usual?  If yes, then again, breeding season related.  They "bulk up" on food prior to breeding season because during the season they are too, ummm..busy to eat.