Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,
Haven't posted for a little while, but I need some help on a certian topic.
A few months ago, I received a nasty bit from Edgar. His teeth sliced through a tendon and into the joint of my right thumb. I was treated and placed in a cast for a month. I was also placed on two antibiotics to fight off any bacterial infection.
Here's the wierd thing...Up until all of this happened, I've been pretty healthy. The last few months, I had been experiencing a bunch of related symptoms. Two months of doctor visits did not explain anything. I tried one last doctor, and I am now being evaluated for something called Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (or POTS), which is an auto-nervous system disorder that may have been caused by any number of circumstances.
My family is concerned this syndrome may have originated from the initial bite.
My Uncle was a biology major, and mentioned something about Iguanas, and the fact that they carry diseases OTHER than Samonella. My mom said she thought it was a disease that possibly started with an "N," and that my uncle easily pulled his reference from the internet. I haven't been able to get ahold of my uncle to find out for sure, so I would GREATLY appreciate if ANYONE could give me a general direction of diseases carried by iguanas. I have searched myself and came up empty-handed.
Thanks a bunch for any help!!
-a

You might try this site:

http://lapublichealth.org/vet/guides/vetzooman.htm#Exotic%20Pets

I found it on Melissa Kaplan's web site:

http://www.anapsid.org/mainzoonoses.html

There's lots of info....hope it helps.
-----
Sheryl

Touch passion when it comes your way, it's hard enough to find as it is. Don't walk away when it calls you by name.
B 5

Happily enslaved to Green Iguana Master G'Kar
~~24 7~~

Hey thanks a lot for those links and the replies. It doesn't sound like any of this was due to the bite. I appreciate your contribution, Joe, but I had previously explored those links you posted. I really am swayed that this condition is linked to genetics rather than circumstance. I guess my uncle got my mom (and myself) spooked a little when she told him about the iguana bite. Thanks SciFi for the other links, indeed there was much info to be understood.
Take care guys! Thanks again!!
-a

Sorry to hear about ur condition.

Try these also:

http://www.potsplace.com/pots_an_overview.htm
http://www.nymc.edu/fhp/centers/syncope/POTS.htm

M. Kaplan also mentions it in her bio:
http://www.anapsid.org/aboutmk/mkcom/

It doesn't sound related to your iguana bite.

Anyways, I wish you find the answers you're looking for, and wish you a fast recovery.

-IJ