Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently found a lump on the lower jaw of my iguana. Could this possible be an abscess?

Mmm.. that could be a lot of things.. What do you feed it? Do you provide the UVB lighting for it to bask?? What´s the size of its enclouser? What´s the size of the bump? Does the material in the swelling feel solid?? Is there any other animal it may have had contact with (ex; other Ig)? Does it feel pain when you touch the bump?

Hatfield says "Abscesses are usually a secondary problem created when a bite from another iguana gets infected. Abscesses can also be caused by claw scratches or any open wound that is in contact with "bad" bacteria..."

He also says that if there is only one Ig in a habitat, it´s hard for it to get an abscess.
The smartest thing to do is to take it to the vet. He will be able to tell if it´s really an abscess. If it is, the vet will cut it open and remove the material inside and throughly clean the wound. So you will have to take it to the vet anyways.
If it´s not an abscess, it could be a sign of MBD (metabolic bone desease). Does its jaw feel spongy (rubber jaw)?? IF it does, it´s probably MBD, and again it needs to see the vet.
Sorry I can´t give any direct help. Can you post a picture?? It could help us to help you.
But still, I strongly recomend you to take it to the vet. Abscess and MBD, if not treated, can and will kill the lizard.
Good luck.
Later,
Dan

>>I recently found a lump on the lower jaw of my iguana. Could this possible be an abscess?

Abcesses often look initially like zits. They can be caused by cage rubbing, banging, nips from other animals, scratches etc. They are an infection, so they need to be debrided and antibiotics need to be administered. If it is not an abcess but more something like mild deformity relating to MBD, you will still need a vet to properly diagnose.

Either way a vet visit is in order.

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Cindy
PHFaust

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Land of the Outcasts!

thanks for everything. The bump is hard. I called up and scheduled him for a vet appointement for tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks!

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Thanks you for all of your help. Iggy was taken to the doctor, and he did in fact have an abscess. It was cut from the inside of his mouth and drained. I am not in the process of giving him his daily meds.

Thanks!