Question
D. Iguana 7/3/10
I know you mention not to ask medical questions but wanted to know if you've ever seen similar behavior. Desert Iguanas are very similar to Green Iguanas, however probably require higher temps...It's in a desert env., at proper temps, went without UVB for 2 months...Had it for 4 months, 2 in Cali where he got sun every day, 2 in Oregon where i had heat lamps on (recently added UVB 5 days ago)...Recently stopped eating, stomach sort of sunken in around waist, occasionally smacks jaws and twitches head. Iguana is one year old. Eats dandelions mixed with spring mix, kale, and Pok Choy and occasional crickets. All Dusted with Vit D3 & Ca 3-4 times per week. Was on verge of death till I added UVB light, now moves more and looks healthier, but still won't eat. I soak in warm pedialyte in order to rehydrate and I am about to resort to force feeding as it has not eaten in 6 days. I'm not sure if you can help, but wondering what your best guess is. Lack of UVB for two months? Parasites? Insecticide perhaps on dandelions? I have cared for reptile for over 15 years and have never encountered anything like this, I want to go to vet but is VERY expensive, thanks for your time and help....
Dustin
AnswerHi Dustin,
On first look I say he is a bit dehydrated. Smacking mouth could be a sign of mouth being dry. Going two months w/o uvb really should not be a problem with a healthy reptile.
Internal parasites are possible...
I would add watermelon to the diet if he will eat it..great for hydration. I would also work on a better diet as the pok(?)choy and kale in excess can cause thyroid problems. Try adding collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, endive, escarole, ( see www.iguanaden.org or www.anapsid.org for more diet info)
If you aren't sure on pesticides, yes, that is possible that they were sprayed. Don't offer them unless from a safe source.
Offer diluted pedialyte with syringe or eye dropper...
If he is willing to syringe feed, I would offer CRITICAL CARE for Herbivores which can be purchased on line at www.calvetsupply.com or through many vets.
As I said, 2 months w/o uvb isn't a problem but not eating is generally the sign of some underlying health issue..
Many times they are willing to accept strips of greens by hand with a bit of pulling on the dewlap.
Also, I would not use the calcium with the D3 as he gets enough from the occasional crickets and uvb. Use a plain calcium with nothing added.
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