Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i dont know if any of you have read my post a little ways down on the page. but a kid dropped of an iguana at my work and it is in pretty bad shape... so i went today to go look at it and they have another over there now. the first one that the kid dropped of looks dehydrated malnurished, and it has what appears to be a growth on its side. and the second one is in pretty good shape health wise. but it has a few fingers in the front that are very swollen and look like they are about to fall off.

so when i went to pick up the first one which they were originally going to give me they are now telling me i have to pay for it. not a big deal since i get 20% off of anything in the store.

so my big question is... do you think i should rescue these two iguanas? my gut instinct is yes i want to.. but a part of me is saying no. my gram wants me to. my parents are undecided.. i just need so input from you guys..

i already have the cage set up.. so if i decide to tehy will be coming home with me after work tomorrow

also does anyone know what the vet bill would probably be to get the growth removed and to get the fingers on the other one taken care of?

thanks for any help in advance

Mike D
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1.0.0 adopted iguana
0.0.1 mali uromastyx
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.0.1 common snapping turtle

then the ussual
2 dogs
6 cats
hermit crabs
rat
misc. fish

My Email

ITS NOT ABOUT YOU DIEING FOR YOUR COUNTRY, ITS ABOUT MAKING YOUR ENEMY DIE FOR HIS.

HAPPINESS IS LIKE PEEING ON YOURSELF, EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT ONLY YOU CAN FEEL THE WARMTH

Personally, I would offer to pay anything they had put out to feed the ig or igs you decide to take home, provided they show proof or that its a reasonable amount for that time, and thats it. There's no way a pet store should profit from someone elses ignorance, and certainly not at the expense of these poor igs, especially when they said you could take the one for no cost at all. Selling unhealthy animals is not good!! Helping rehome them to somewhere they will be taken care of is.

Its a tough call. I'd at least point out that you are going to be in for some significant vet bills, and also that at least *you* know that. Let them know how pissed someone else will be if they pay for an exotic pet, only to have it die or unexpectedly have big vet bills, because the store was unethical in what they sold. If they are just trying to cover costs, fine, but I would try to knock them back down to free myself.

Poor igs Its hard enough to deal with rescues as it is, without people making it more difficult or trying to gain from somethings misfortune Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Go to your place of work and tell them that you've heard a rumour that someone is going to report the store for cruelty, since these lizards are not receiving medical attention that is sorely needed. Tell them that you're willing to help them out by taking the lizards and that you will provide for their medical treatment. Explain that your initial vet costs will be well over $200 for exams, fecals, and bloodwork, and that the first Iguana most likely needs surgery to remove the growth or abscess that it is suffering from. If they don't gladly hand over both of those lizards I'd be very surprised. If you don't feel comfortable about fibbing, email me the name and phone number of the store and also the number for your local Animal Control. I'll make the calls.

well i got them today.. and i didnt have to pay anything... cuz the lady i talked to the first time was there.

the little guy that had the growth.. didnt really have a growth.. it was dried up poop that they couldnt get off.. the first thing i did when i got them home was soak them.. and it came off. so now i just need to get wieght on it.. he/she has already gone poop(very little) ate a few peices of greens, and drank alot of water. he has more energy as well now he a little trooper

the other one isnt real bad.. it just has the problem with its toes... which will be taken care of asap.. is there any way that the toes could clear them selves up? or do they need to be anputated? he could use a little weight (very little).. other than that he is in good shape.. getting ready to shed it looks like

for the time being they are in a ten gallon tank because it is easy to keep up the humididty and temps.. i have paper towls on the bottom because they hold the water and is easy to clean..

i will have pics up tomorrow.
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1.0.0 adopted iguana
0.0.1 mali uromastyx
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.0.1 common snapping turtle

then the ussual
2 dogs
6 cats
hermit crabs
rat
misc. fish

My Email

ITS NOT ABOUT YOU DIEING FOR YOUR COUNTRY, ITS ABOUT MAKING YOUR ENEMY DIE FOR HIS.

HAPPINESS IS LIKE PEEING ON YOURSELF, EVERYONE CAN SEE IT BUT ONLY YOU CAN FEEL THE WARMTH

n/p

I dont know if the fingers will take care of themselves. I would take it to a vet and see what the vet says. The vet may try to save them or he may remove them. Good job for saving these little guys. Which they both need a vet visit now anyways to check for nasties inside and out Good luck and keep us posted
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Heather, Vern, Andy, Router, April And OODLES of fish