I have a 3 year old Green Iguana who damaged the largest 3 spines on the back of her neck when she fell in her cage. They look like they are going to come off completely. Do these spines grow back?
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Green Iguana Spine Damage
scsnakes
Dec 15, 2003 08:03 PM
Replies (4)
Samcin
Dec 16, 2003 04:07 AM
It depends how badly they were injured. I have a stray who is still missing one spike. If the matrix, is still there, they will grow back.
scsnakes
Dec 17, 2003 04:48 PM
Thanks Samcin. Im not sure what the matrix is though.
Samcin
Dec 17, 2003 08:43 PM
The root. I doubt that was pulled out by an accident.
Cindy
It is like a figure nail. Most of the time, it will grow back, unless you pulled all of it out.
Brian-SFCRC
Dec 18, 2003 08:32 PM
SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)
Location: LEE/1.
Hello,
Cindy (Samcin) is quite correct. If the core (matrix) is damaged or gone---there is no hope of regeneration. A very sad and extreme case of this was a Beautiful and calm 5' female Ig that was missing ALL of her neck and body spines. She had been keep in a cage less than 6" high. She came to the SFCRC (LEE/1)Research Center and was evaluated and placed in a hugh outdoor enclosure befitting her size. Despite our best efforts-sadly this beautiful individual died. It had been quite evident that these spines had been rubbed off for quite a while due the torturous housing she had been in.
Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC
