Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hope everyone had a great new year!

I am very sad to say that I must find a new home for Digit.
Several months ago I posted that I started having problems
with allergies and asthma attacks while cleaning his cage.

I have been to every doctor from a lung specialist to an
allergist. I had several allergy tests but there isn't
one for iguanas. I have done research and it appears there
isn't one out there. Diagnosis after 2 pulmonary functions
was allergy induced asthma. The other kicker is I tested
positive to the following: Dogs (I have 4), cats (2), Guinea
Pigs (I have one myself and do rescue). The doctor wanted
me to find homes for my pets but I told her I never had a
problem until Digit. She said that even though there was
not a test, she is sure, due to the hives I get when he touches
me and the allergy syptoms when I react with him, that he was
the catalyst for my problems. I told her getting rid of my
pets was not an option as they are long term family members
(one of my cats is 17 years old). I did start a medication
that relieved the syptoms and the asthma stopped. It has
been several months and it seems to be losing its ability
to help.

Today, I got Digit out of his cage for a bath and shed peel.
He was expecially cranky and during our battle he scratched
me and my arms turned to hives and even under my clothing
on my legs were hives. Then the burning started in my lungs
and here we go again. Even on the medication I have to wear
gloves and long sleeves along with a mask to handle him. It
isn't fair to him! He needs someone who can interact with
him. The bigger he gets the harder to handle he becomes and I
am having problems protecting my skin. He is a good boy but
just has his own agenda sometimes.

Anyway, I am heart broke! I am afraid that someone will take
him that won't take good care of him. He was in a bad situation
once and I don't want to be responsible for that happening again. I will most likely contact some rescue groups to
see if they can put the word out for me.

Thanks for listening everyone. If any of you know a responsible person who is looking for an iguana please let me know. Digit
is 2 years old and over 3'. He is very healthy.

Thanks again
Linda

sorry to hear this.Allergies just suck but when they involve your pets its even worse..Id take your ig if you lived in Kansas, Ive been debating on getting one this next summer...You might have to go in for fish, Ive heard Oscars make pretty good pets..BTW they do have sprays for your furry pets that help reduce shedding as well some stuff you can spray on your rugs to reduce allergens. It might help for the furries anyway...
-----

Did you find a home for Digit? Where are you located?

No, I have not found a home for him as yet. I did decide to
run an ad in our local newspaper. The people who have called
I wouldn't even consider.

I live in Rockford, IL.

Thanks for asking
Linda