For the past two weeks my 12 year old female iguana, mama, is sneezing (sounds like more of a squeak and not the normal salt expulsion) about an hour after the lights go off and will do this squeaking throughout the night and not during the day. Took her to vet 07-24-07, he said there are no visible signs of a respiratory infection. He checked her mouth, nose and her breathing. So he did bloodwork and it returned today, 07-25-07, with no signs of bacterial/viral infection. He said she is very healthy. He suggested her membranes may be dry and to try a steamy bathroom for humidty, which I will try. So my question is this: has anyone experienced something like this? is it possible for iguanas to develop allergies? I do have two other iguanas, which show no signs of this ailment. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.......Melissa
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iguana sneeze/squeak nighttime not salt
Replies (4)
Every animal is different. Since the vet found no ailments, thank goodness, it is likely an issue of insufficient humidity.
It is interesting that it occurrs only at night. Are the night temps warm enough?
Keep us updated.
-IJ
Nighttime temp is around 78. Steamed a bathroom for her last night and we sat in there for about 10 minutes. I will try this every evening for a few days and let you know how it is working. Another idea that might be causing this squeaking is that I seperated the 2 girls from the boy about two weeks ago (when he tried to mate with them.) Maybe it is stress? Will keep you posted...........Melissa
Hi, Melissa. I generally post on the Chuckwalla Forum, but I took my gasping female to a very good reptile vet last week and he told me that it could be anything from the infections to lung cancer, to congestive heart failure, etc. Same things that get to humans. I had gone to Baytril, hoping that the infection was bacterial, and that has cleared her up. His comment was that the blood work doesn't always show a positive. He also said that the lungs can be given a saline "wash". Interesting. Anyway, hope your girl gets relief from the steaming.
The sneeze/squeak has almost stopped, 2-4 times a night. I did use the steam from a hot bathroom for a few days. I also spray the igs down with room temp. water everyday now. So maybe it was seasonal allergies or dust from the newspaper that they like to shred with the nails, lol. Thanks all for your help.......Melissa
