Probiotics Use after Surgery

Question

Laceration   QUESTION: Hi Diane,

My 4-year-old, 2.5 pound, spayed/female iguana underwent surgery to repair a laceration 2 weeks ago.  I came home from work and found that she had dropped her ceramic water bowl to the bottom of the cage where it shattered.  She must have crawled over some of the sharp bits leaving one small (a little less than 1-inch long), but deep cut on her left flank (through cutaneous, fat, and muscle layers, but not into the abdominal cavity). She had lost what appeared to be a lot of blood for her size, but her attitude and color was very good! I gathered her up and took her back to work immediately to get her stitched up (I am a veterinary technician).  

The cut was very clean and quite easy to repair.  Her time under anesthesia was short and uneventful. When she woke up we immediately began injectable antibiotic therapy.  She had been on Baytril before, but this time we chose Ceftazidime ("Fortaz" http://www.rxlist.com/fortaz-drug.htm?), 0.1ml given in the muscle of the front legs on day 0, 3, and 6.

She is a very resilient beastie =), but I did anticipate some depression and loss of appetite for a few days after this incident.  After finishing the antibiotics a week ago her attitude is good, but she still eats sporadically (cleans her bowl one day and then eats virtually nothing for the next several days) and she has had diarrhea for about 1 week.  

I was wondering if there are probiotics that are safe for green iguanas.  Neither my vet nor I have heard of any reliable ones.  I did some research on Bene-Bac and NutriBac, but neither say whether they contain animal protein and both claim to be good for birds AND reptiles which makes me pretty skeptical.  

Also, do you have a good recommendation of vitamin/mineral supplement for general maintenance? I currently do not supplement on a regular basis because I have not found a brand that I trust.

Thanks so much for your time!

-Jess

Here is some general information that may be useful:
Habitat: length 4.5'x width 3' x height 5.5'
Basking Area Temperature: daytime 96.5-100F, nighttime 80-85F
Humidity: 40%
Lighting: 18" ReptiSun 10.0 high UVB output bulb, 2 150wtt UVA basking bulbs(http://www.reptmart.com/p-1483-reptisun-100-high-output-uvb-bulb-18-for-sale.asp)
Diet: 65% dandelion greens, turnip greens, & collard greens, 15% swiss chard & kale, 20% steamed sweet potato & finely shredded butternut squash, and occasional cantaloupe

ANSWER: Hi Jess,
That sure was an ouchie for her!!  In answer to your question...  yes, there are several pro biotics that are safe and actually recommended for iguanas.  
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 for an adult iguana...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
Some people use a tiny amount(1/2 cc or less) of live culture plain yogurt for 2-3 days, but this is only something that is recommended for healthy iguanas.
I wouldn't use yogurt on a regular basis.
On the uvb, good choice..I would like to see two 4 ft tubes being used for a good uvb supply.  Make sure the uvb source is 10-12 inches above your igs level.
On diet, It may be best to increase the collards, turnip greens, dandelion greens to a bit higher %..use less chard and kale (chard is high in oxalate acids and Kale can cause thyroid problems)....switch between the butternut squash and sweet potatoes... You can also add some mustard greens, endive, escarole, arugula, radicchio for a variety.
I do like using watermelon rather often especially of the ig isn't a big water drinker. Soaking some whole wheat or multi grain bread in water on occasion is also a good source of water and most igs really do love it.  Mine will jump off their shelves when they smell the bread!!
IF you have a source for good, fresh greens in a big variety, supplements usually are not needed but the one brand I recommend and use is the REP CAL  Herptivites and the Calcium that has no added D3 or Phosphorus.  Just a very very light dusting a few times a week.
Hope this has helped you out!!  BTW..it is great to see someone that has good husbandry for their iguana!!  Nice job!!

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much Diane! I have ordered the Acidolophliz+ since that sounds like the easiest to apply . . . do you know what dose I should start her off with?

Also, I have a sort-of unrelated question.  I've handled reptiles regularly for over 3 years, but recently (past 2 months or so) when I handle MY iguana I get a red rash, swelling, and sometimes welts on my arms where her scales lightly scratch my skin.  She often scratches me with her nails and this reaction does not happen. It leads me to think that I may have developed an allergy to something under her scales.  Is this a common problem with iguana or reptile handlers?

Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Jess,
Off hand, I don't remember the dosage per lb, etc.  The label will have that info.  The nice thing with natural pre biotics is that you really cannot overdose.
Ahhh.... you are getting what I refer to "Iguana road rash"!!!   I get it on my arms and also on my legs when their tail wraps around my leg..on my arms, it seems to be when I am putting them down and they do that slide off of my arm.
Also, it is possible to develop an allergy to iguanas.  You might want to try bathing her in some baby shampoo to see if that helps you out. If not, then an easy fix is to just have a long sleeved shirt handy when you are handling her. Wanted to add that only bathe her if her sutures have been removed!!