Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My name is Drew, I am new here, and heck, I love Iguanas! Anyways I have been rescuing Iguanas for the last year. I got my first rescue about four months ago from a zoo I volunteer at, my second rescue about two weeks ago from a college student who didn't want it anymore, and my third rescue within the last few days from a man that also rescues all kinds of reptiles. Iguana number two and three are healthy from what my observations are, but Iguana number one is in poor health. He doesn't poop everyday, he can barely walk (can't climb), I believe he has metabloic bone disease but I am not sure to what extent. On the flipside he eats like a champ and is very friendly (probably because he isn't strong enough to be mean lol). Anyways, I was wondering if anyone is willing to offer advice to make circumstances better for Iguana number one. Remember, I am doing this as a last hope for these animals only because I love them and I thought it would be the right thing to do, provided I was educated about the care of Iguanas, and I am.
Thanks,
Drew

You should also know that the first thing to do is have them checked by a vet, especially the one in poor health.

Good appetite is a good thing, but the weakness sounds worrysome. For pooping, try a bit of prune, some red beans, and the good ol' luke-warm soak in water to get things moving.

Nice to see good-Samaritans here, welcome to the board.

Tell us if u see any improvements in these upcoming days.

-IJ

I will try a prune and warm baths. I also forgot to add that I am converting my green house into an iguana room. It is about 12x6x6. I feel good about being a good samaritan lol.
Thanks for the advice,
Drew

Hi,
This may sound stupid, but if my Iguana has MBD (which I think it does) what will a vet do for it? I've heard that they can give an injection of calcium or something like that, but is that it? How much would a vet trip cost for an Iguana? Again, I thank all of you who have helped.
Thanks,
Drew

Injections usually.

SOmetimes MBD is caught in time and can be reversed. Other times it is so bad, the iguana remains malformed, but otherwise can still live a happy, healthy life once treated.

I don't know the costs, but since any animal, dog, cat, ferret, etc. is to be brought to a vet when acquired, so should an iguana.

Awsome idea with the greenhouse!!!

-IJ

The main thing to do for the MBD iguana is to get it to a vet. It needs veternarian care. The second is get good strong UVB. IMO the MegaRay by ReptileUV does wonders for the iguana.

I got Dragon (13 year old female) 10 years ago, she had had MBD. Without great veternarian care she probably would not have lasted this long. I almost lost her to kidney disease last year but between her vet and the advice I got from Repile UV (GREAT rehabbers) she is now doing terrific. Current pictures.

-----
Marie
Baby, Dragon, VLS-Huff, Miss Kitty

Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it.
Drew