Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've recently received an iguana from a friend with the intention of it being a Christmas gift to my nephew, but he's too scared, so I'm stuck with taming him and caring for him. I'm excited about my new pet, but also worried. I'm noticing that his tail and backside have some brown knots on them. I've read that it could be gangrene and that's pretty scary seeing as he's only been in my care for a day. Should I be worried? There are also some remnants of a bad shed on him and I'm trying to take care of that as well. I'm just wondering if this is something that happens to all iggies or if I should be worried?

Raised spots could be a bacterial infection. I would have a good herp vet in your area take a look at them soon.

well, i was thinking that, too. but all the spots are peeling back and i can see bright green skin under it. maybe it's just remnants of a bad shed? i'm buying a humidifier soon for his tank and i've been misting him a few times a day. i also gave him his first bath the other day, as well. it seems to be improving, but i'll look into a vet soon.

It's always good to get a good first check-up and establish a baseline with a good reptile vet. That way, if you animal gets sick your vet has an established relationship and some knowledge about your friend and that is a big asset in diagnosing and treating health issues.

this is a photo of our aforementioned problem. looking into a vet as we speak.

They look like they could be burns. However there is also a systematic bacterial infection that they can get that looks very much like that. I've heard CANV can also take that form. You DEFINITELY need a competent reptile vet to take a look at him!