How to Identify Different Iguana Illnesses

Iguanas make wonderful pets and are becoming more popular every day. However, they, like every other pet, may get sick and knowing what signs to look for can help determine if the iguana has an illness. Illnesses in an iguana can often be seen by observing changes in its appearance or behavior. By knowing what a healthy iguana looks like an owner can tell an iguana may be ill by noting a change in the animal's appearance. A healthy iguana is green in color with clear eyes and nose and a well-rounded body that is not obese. Healthy iguanas are active with good appetites and defecate on a regular basis.

Any change in activity is an immediate indicator that an iguana may be sick. If the iguana becomes inactive or lethargic it may mean that the pet is ill. These symptoms, especially if accompanied by other changes such as loss of appetite or weight loss, usually suggest a problem with the iguana. Frequent drinking may be a sign of kidney failure and lack of drinking or signs of dehydration can also indicate a health problem. Attention should be paid to the iguana's water and food. If changes in the pet's eating and drinking habits occur and last more than a day a call to the vet for a professional opinion may be warranted. To check the skin the owner can pinch the skin to assure it is tight and not loose. Loose skin is a sign of dehydration in an iguana.

An owner should observe for changes in the pet's bowel habits. Changes in the appearance or consistency of the pet's stool may be a sign of a health problem. An intestinal blockage may be the cause of constipation in an iguana. Swollen limbs may indicate a broken bone or other medical condition and should be taken seriously. A soft or misaligned jaw, deformities in the limbs, bone fractures, lethargy, and tremors are indicators of a serious metabolic bone disease that can occur in an iguana. This disease is caused by poor calcium absorption, possibly due to a poor inadequate diet. Fat is stored in the iguana's tail making the tail plump. Observing bones in the tail can mean illness in an iguana.

Iguanas are easy to care for and keep as a pet. A well balanced diet full of the necessary amounts of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins can help prevent metabolic bone disease. Iguanas should not be fed animal protein. Offer an iguana a fresh supply of water. Kidney failure can occur if an iguana is becomes dehydrated and given too much animal protein. The iguana gets most of its water supply from the moisture in its environment so keep the pet iguana's environment humid.

Any extreme behavior changes, such as a passive iguana becoming aggressive, warrants immediate medical attention for the pet. Iguanas are easy to care for and make terrific pets. By looking for changes in an iguana's behavior, appearance, eating/bowel habits, and activity an owner can determine if the pet is sick or injured. With a proper diet and environment an iguana can live a healthy, happy life. If illness is suspected seek immediate medical attention for the iguana since most signs/symptoms of illness don't occur until it may be too late. A proper diet and environment can allow an iguana to enjoy a healthy, happy life with its owner.