Iguana Care and Health Issues

Iguana grows very quickly. In Latin iguana is known as iguana iguana. Native of an iguana is central and south America.

Factors to be considered for Iguana care :

1. Enclosure: Enclosure of iguana should be larger in size. This cage should make an iguana feel comfortable and happy. The house made for an iguana should be at least 3 times larger than the size of an iguana. There should be enough space in the cage for an iguana to roam and perform exercise when needed.
2. Temperature : Iguana comes from tropical climate. The temperature in the cage should be kept warm which should be around 80-85 degrees F. Basking spot should be around 90-95 degree F. In night temperature should be around 75-85 degree F. Temperature should be checked regularly with thermometer.
3. Heat and light: UVA and UVB light are required for proper growth of an iguana. Light is very necessary for the metabolism and skeletal development in an iguana. Improper light in a cage will lead to death of an iguana. Fluorescent tube is the best way of providing light. Heat can be provided by using infrared ceramic emitters.
4. Substrate in cage: Substrate used in the cage should not be toxic like wood shavings, mulch, sands, etc. carpet used in the cage should not tangle in the nails of an iguana. It should be properly placed in a cage.
5. Humidity level : Humidity level in the cage must be maintained around 60-75%.
6. Diet for iguana: Iguanas are vegetarian. Feeding iguana with animal protein will not be beneficial for its heath. They face problem while digesting animal protein.

   A proper balanced includes 40-45% greens (collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, escarole),40-45% other vegetables(green beans, orange fleshed squashes, okra, parsnip, alfalfa, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet potato, and carrots.) 10% of fruits(blackberries, honeydew, watermelon, grapes, mango, papaya, banana) and less than 5% with other grains. Acidic fruits should be feed occasionally.

7. Maintenance of Iguana cage: Enclosure Cleanliness is very important. Waste products should be removed daily from the cage otherwise it may cause infection to iguana. Fresh water should be placed in cage.

Following are some of the heath issues which iguana suffers:

1. Abscesses disease in iguana : Abscesses disease forms in iguana due to bacterial infection. Treatment of this disease can be done by opening the pus filled in abscess and manually cleaning it. Antibiotic are injected in body to eliminate the bacteria.
2. Egg Binding disease in iguana: It occurs in female iguanas, when it cannot expel one or more eggs from the reproductive tract. Causes of this disease are malnutrition, mummification of eggs and malformed eggs. To cure this disease frequent surgical treatment and proper balanced diet is needed.
3. Metabolic Bone Disease in iguana: This disease occurs in an iguana due to gross malnutrition. The most common mistake of an owner is feeding iguana with ice berg lettuce. This problem also occurs due to deficiency of calcium and vitamin D3. Indication of this disease is swollen lower jaw, difficult in eating, swollen limb and tail .It requires veterinary attention.
4. Mouth rot disease in iguana:Nose Abrasions disease in iguana: This heath problem occurs due to habit of trying to escape from cage. They push and rub their nose on the walls of enclosure which results in nose abrasions. This problem can be prevented by providing adequate visual security and hiding space to iguana.
5. Paralysis of iguana legs : This result occurs due to deficiency of vitamin B1. This problem can be cured by injecting vitamin B1 injection and proper diet including vitamin and mineral. Calcium is also necessary to iguana.
6. Thermal Injuries in iguana : Serious burn is the common injury found in iguana. It occurs to iguana when it contact with any heat source like exposed light bulbs and heat lamps. These equipments must be placed properly from the reach of iguana to prevent any burn.