Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 9 to 10 year old green iguana. I have had him since he was very small. He has always been a good eater.... romaine col. greens, must. greens, etc (no spinach) as well as fruits and veggies. I have given him supplements since he was about two years old....

Basically, two months ago he started eating very little. He just kept slowly decreasing the amount he ate until, currently, I have to practically force him to eat and drink. He has lost tons of weight and looks like skin and bones... he still loves to be held.

He hasn't been to a good reptile vet since he was small, but he has always been very healthy until now. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong or what I can do to help him get better?

I would get him to a good reptile vet in a hurry...has he had proper UVB lights? Obviously his diet has been good...good luck...Lyn

I was originally hoping that he had just slowed his eating due to the seasons.... I live in Michigan..... but it has obviously progressed beyond that.

He has had full spectrum and heat lamps his whole life.

Does anyone have a good estimate of the life span of captive green iguanas??

-if properly cared for. He could have some kind of parasite... you can start finding a reptile vet using these two links:

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

Good luck!

Where in Michigan are you located? He needs to see a vet ASAP. This doesn't sound like normal breeding season loss of appetite. Let me know where you are and I'll help you find a good vet! I'm in Michigan too.

Thanks!
I'm just west of Ann Arbor.

From everything I've read, I think it might be a parasite too...

First off, TAKE HIM TO A VET. Then, you could try forcefeeding. But there is no easy solution to this problem, it will take some work on your part. To forcefeed, you can use either strawberry flavored Ensure, or use a blender/food processor to make a slurry of veggies and collards. Sounds to me like it could be some kind of parasite. When you go to the vet, make sure to bring along a fresh fecal sample, or just drop one off whenever you get a chance.

Okay...
I have an appointment scheduled for him next week. I found a vet that isn't too far away. Since I need him to eat enough to get a fecal sample, how should I go about forcing him to eat?

How do I get him to open his mouth? I've never had to do anything like this before.

In the meantime, I have been soaking him in warm water every day to try to keep him hydrated. Is that okay?

Also, how would he get a parasite since he is the only reptile in our home? I work with reptiles during the day, but I am always really careful about washing my hands. Is it possible I brought something home that is doing this?

This could very well be something internal and unseen. I agree with the other posts, he needs to see a vet. Xrays will probably be needed for pinpoint teh problem. he is probably i pain if an internal problem is causing him not to eat too, so be careful. good luck

I have to say that you have all been very helpful.

Zeeke will be seeing the vet this week. I hand fed him some orange and some greens today.... it was the first thing he has eaten in three days, but at least it's something. I am going to save his next fecal sample for the vet.

I am pretty sure he isn't in any pain.... he likes being held, and he never responds like something hurts....

I only hope it is something taht the vet can help with.

Thanks again everyone!