17 year old ig

Question
Hi!  My iguana, Ben has just turned 17.. I have had him for 16 years.  He has always been well taken care of (spoiled really) and has had vet care his whole life.  My question........ The last month he has taken a turn.. eating less to not eating for over a week now.. staying in the same spot in his cage... and he has lost a lot of weight.  I know he is old and we have enjoyed him and given him a wonderful life... do you think he is suffering?  I would like him to go peacefully... but I worry that he is suffering... what do you think??
thanks
Kelly

Answer
Hi Kelly,
Great on having a 17 year old iguana!!!!  Much praise goes out to you for that.
You may want to have some blood work done to see if there is a reason he isn't eating, such as kidney or liver disease.
If he hasn't really changed attitude, chances are he isn't suffering or in pain.  If you live in an area that is warm and sunny now, try taking him outdoors(if he is used to going outdoors) and see if the real sunshine helps perk him up a bit. Try offering some baby foods from a syringe, or even try some hand feeding.I would try to offer different foods such as soaked 12 grain breads, and other foods he normally liked and see if he eats. Is he drinking?  If not, keeping him hydrated is very important. The soaked 12 grain or whole wheat bread helps there.