Need Insight On Desert Iguana Problem (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

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Posted by Reptile Rescue on November 21, 1999 at 07:14:42:

We got a desparate phone call from a lady with a 1yr old desert iguana - Elmo. I am not too familiar with these iguanas so I could really appreciate some insight into this problem.

Elmo is in a 30gal aquarium with a temperature between 90-100, with UV lights. He is between 8 and 10" long.

Within the past while, he is refusing to eat (he will eat a small amount every 3-4 days) and spends most of his time lying there and sleeping. The vets are baffled but none of them have done a fecal exam.

I know that it is hibernation time for most desert dwellers - my bearded is going through it right now. Do desert iguanas hibernate and could this be the cause of the problem? Would a fecal exam be beneficial to check for possible parasites?

We told her to try some baby food with him (squirting some on the nose - this has worked with our worst case reptiles) and keeping him hyrdrated until we can figure out what is going on.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated - and any suggestions. We loves Elmo dearly and has spend 1000s on him and wants to do everything she can for him. Thanks!

Candace

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maybe time for a new vet? iZ's mom 11/21/99 (0)
Re: Need Insight On Desert Iguana Problem (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) Kitty 11/21/99 (0)

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: We got a desparate phone call from a lady with a 1yr old desert iguana - Elmo. I am not too familiar with these iguanas so I could really appreciate some insight into this problem. : Elmo is in a 30gal aquarium with a temperature between 90-100, with UV lights. He is between 8 and 10" long. : Within the past while, he is refusing to eat (he will eat a small amount every 3-4 days) and spends most of his time lying there and sleeping. The vets are baffled but none of them have done a fecal exam. : I know that it is hibernation time for most desert dwellers - my bearded is going through it right now. Do desert iguanas hibernate and could this be the cause of the problem? Would a fecal exam be beneficial to check for possible parasites? : We told her to try some baby food with him (squirting some on the nose - this has worked with our worst case reptiles) and keeping him hyrdrated until we can figure out what is going on. : Any insights would be greatly appreciated - and any suggestions. We loves Elmo dearly and has spend 1000s on him and wants to do everything she can for him. Thanks! : Candace

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