Pore Infection

Question

Gollum's Hind Leg   Hi,  I have a 10 yr old male green iguana. About a month ago I noticed he was bleeding from one of his hind pores. It looked like one of the seminal nubs was pulled out, I think it may have gotten caught in a afghan he liked to sleep on. I took that away, right away and he hasn't been on it or had an issue since. He didn't seem bothered by the pore and it stopped bleeding and seemed to heal. However I noticed tonight that his hind leg is swollen behind the pore. It's more inside the leg, if you look at the pore it doesn't look infected. So I am guessing the infection is inside? I know I need to take him to the vet, which I am going to do. I just wondered if there is anything I can do for him in the meantime. He is defecating fine and he's eating but his appetite is a little down. Should I keep him in a warm bath or just let him go about his business. He's walking around more then usual.. He's 5 foot long so he doesn't have a cage, he has his own bedroom.
Thanks for your time! I've attached a photo!
Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie,
You are correct..he does need to see a vet.  It looks like it may have possibly abscessed. The vet MAY try just an oral antibiotic to see if that helps.  In most cases an abscess does need to be removed.  In the meantime, you can try more baths..also, if he is willing you can try hot(not too hot) compresses which are soaked in Epsom salts. Don't wait too long on getting him to the vet because if it is more infection that abscess, it can  make him really ill with internal infection. Abscesses on iguanas feel like a ball of  little beads inside.