Green Iguana Spikes on back

Question
QUESTION: My iguana has lost most of his spikes on his back and they do not seem to be growing back. He doesn't seem to be bothered by this. I was very concerned until I talked to a naturalist nearby after seeing their iguana had lost most of his spikes, about 8 years ago. Should I do anything?

ANSWER: Hello Tracy,

So how old is your iggie?  What type of nutrition does he get in his salad?  Do you offer veggies & fruits as well as calcium & vitamins?
It sounds like some type of malnutrition to me.
Are you using any UVB lighting at all?  If so, what type & brand of UVB are you using, a flourescent tube bulb or a compact or coil?  How old is it?


Tracie

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

QUESTION: Iggy is around 3. We feed him mostly collard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens and kale. Sometimes banana-his favorite. We do have a calcium/vitamin powder we sprinkle on his food occasionally. As for lighting we have UVB light, not sure of brand, but it is a bulb near the top of his cage. He usually tries to lay away from it though, especially at night.

Answer
Hello Tracy,
How old is the UVB?  I do need to know the brand.  Some are not very good at all.  What type of basking light do you use?  A bright white light or a colored bulb?  What are the temps in the tank & the humidity?   
He needs calcium at least 3 times per week, on a regular basis. He also needs some fruits & veggies also. If you have a flourescent tube bulb, it needs to be replaced every 6 months.  The best one is the Reptisun 10 tube bulb.  
Here is a good feeding chart for you:
www.beautifuldragons.com
Click on the nutrition link.
He needs total darkness overnight.  

Tracie