Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I'm actaully writing this post about my Mom's Iguana, Gwendolyn. Gwendolyn is about 5 years old, is very well cared for, and is a free-roamer in the apartment. When she came to live w/ Mom about 3 years ago, she had the beginning of an abscess on her right ear. It gradually grew bigger and Mom started taking her to a vet, who is pretty good, but all he does is cut the abscess open, drain it, and rinse is w/ saline solution, which isn't bad, but even w/ this treatment, the abscess has persisted for more than a year now.
So I'm wondering if anyone out there has any advice or can suggest a good herp vet in the Denver Metro area so that she can get a second opinion. I live in California, and even tho I get out to Denver as often as I can, it's never long enough to find out about the vets in the area. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. I tried posting this in the Iguana forum, but didn't get a reply.
Thank you!!!!

Wayne
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Yes dear, but why is the RUM gone?!?

IF the abcess is persistent and keeps coming back after the vet cuts and drains it each time, then the bacteria causing the problem is systemic. You can either discuss with the current vet about sending a sample from the abcess and some blood to confirm the extent of the bacteria & determine which antibiotic to combat it or you can have your mom change vets. A good source of reptile-experience vets can be found from the link below:
Link

Sorry, typed too fast to keep up with my fingers...correct link is below:

Goodluck
Link

Try www.arav.com and/or one of it's links, herpvetconnect. Also try phoning for a referal (vets don't mind if you go for a second opinion, actually, sometimes it is a relief)

It is hard to judge this vet's performance based on a third party description. Ideally, an abscess is removed surgically, and entirely, and then antibiotics are not necessary. If this is not possible, which is likely in the ear area, then as much is removed as possible, then flushed, and antibiotics (either topical or systemic; case dependent) are given. Bloodwork should be done to determine if the infection is systemic, and other predisposing factors.

NOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT!

Even the best treatment won't work if husbandry is not ideal.
This iguana has the run of the apartment, thus HUSBANDRY IS NOT IDEAL!

In addition to seeking a herp experienced vet, or reconsulting with the current one, you should re-evaluate husbandry and improve upon it in any way possible. Consider www.anapsid.org, other avenues withen kingsnake.com, and of course books, to look up proper iguana care.

I don't know the iguana owner, but I do know the typical iggie owner seen in the clinic (whether or not she falls into this catagory is unknown to me). The vet recommends this, and so and so, and then due to cost, and/or ignorance towards something that was "researched on the internet" the owner declines all but the most rudimentary care. And of course insists that good intentions and TLC are adequate husbandry. (my words of course).

Good luck with seeking the proper care for this lizard

-np-
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Yes dear, but why is the RUM gone?!?