Dangerous Iguana Illnesses

An iguana does get ill like a typical person would at times. However, there are all sorts of iguana illnesses that are dangerous the iguana's health and can be painful to the animal. Many of these can be treated, but in some cases a visit to an animal doctor will be the best option.

Metabolic bone disease is one of the most common illnesses in iguana health. This occurs when the iguana is not fed very well. This especially occurs when an iguana is fed lettuce, which does not contain any real nutritional value for the animal. It happens because there is a lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in the animal's body. This can be deadly and can cause a swollen lower jaw, swollen limbs and a general difficulty in eating. The body can be fractured easily as well.

When there is a deficiency in vitamin B1 the iguana will develop paralysis in the back legs. An injection of these minerals will be needed along with a significant change in the iguana's diet.

Nose abrasions are common concerns in iguana health. Constant attempts to escape the cage in some cases will occur when the iguana is rubs its nose on the enclosure. Bacterial infection can occur as a result. It is best to work on instilling discipline in the pet iguana so that the iguana will not do this in the future.

The bacterial infections that can take place can be serious. Blisters can be created when the body is not cleaned and the iguana keeps moving in a dirty area. Inflammation can also occur in the mouth.

A typical iguana cage will have some artificial UVA and UVB lighting in it to help control the iguana's body temperature. Burns can result from these lights though, as the iguana could come in contact with one. It helps to keep lights above the enclosed areas so that the iguana will not get in contact with the lights.

There are various important concerns in iguana health that will need to be handled in the veterinarian's office. Parasites are one of these concerns, as these are creatures that nest in the gastrointestinal tract. This is one of the main causes of death in iguanas. Organ failure, which occurs due to old age or a poor diet, is another concern. Bladder stones, which create an enlarged abdomen, are also dangerous. In female iguanas egg-binding is a concern for an animal doctor to handle, as this is where the iguana cannot get its eggs to move through its reproductive tract.

Iguana health is not something that one should take lightly. There are various different dangers to watch for, including not dangerous to iguanas from a lack of a good diet and more serious concerns for a veterinarian to handle. These iguana illnesses are all dangerous and should be well handled.