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Posted by JohnT on February 28, 2001 at 12:00:17:

In Reply to: Help: Iguana barely eating,losing weight posted by Chris on February 28, 2001 at 11:12:05:

Chris, welcome to the forum. You can learn much here about Iguana care.

first, if you suspect that there is a problem with your iguana, you should schedule a visit with a herp vet. This is the first step.

Second, in reading your post, I noticed a few things which will help if you change them. First, the diet you're feeding is not adequate, and will result in serious illness in your ig, if not death. Lettuce is mostly water, and has no nutrients. It is probably the single worst thing you could be feeding. Spinach contains compounds which are detrimental to ig's kidneys, and should never be fed. You should be feeding collard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, escarole, (the parsley is OK occasionally), shredded butternut squash, shredded green beans, snow peas, and a little fruit. (raspberries and figs are good) 60-75% greens,20-25% other veggies, 5% fruit. This is just a start. I have included some links for you to read about diet and care.

I am also concerned about the statement "full spectrum lighting" Many heat bulbs are labeled "full spectrum lighting", but do not emit UVB radiation, which is VITAL to your ig. Poor diet and no uvb lighting will result in a disease called MBD, or Metabolic Bone Disease. MBD is caused by a lack of blood calcium, which is directly caused by low calcium diet (which you have), and no uvb light (which I am concerned you don't have). UVB light is available in flourescent tubes from zoomed labeled reptisun 5.0 or iguanalight 5.0 (they are the same in different packaging)

Lastly, even though you have a heating pad, is the basking area at least 90-95 degrees, and the rest of the enclosure no cooler than 75 degrees? Igs are sensitive to temps.

Under any circumstances, a vet visit is in order to establish some baselines. You should ask for a fecal float,( parasites may be a problem) and a blood test. (You'll need fresh poop for the fecal float test)

I may be telling you some things you may already know, but I hope this helps. Others here will also respond with other insights and help.

http://www.sonic.net/melissk/ig_care.html
http://www.baskingspot.com/iguanas/
http://www.iguanaden.com/

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: Chris, welcome to the forum. You can learn much here about Iguana care. : first, if you suspect that there is a problem with your iguana, you should schedule a visit with a herp vet. This is the first step. : Second, in reading your post, I noticed a few things which will help if you change them. First, the diet you're feeding is not adequate, and will result in serious illness in your ig, if not death. Lettuce is mostly water, and has no nutrients. It is probably the single worst thing you could be feeding. Spinach contains compounds which are detrimental to ig's kidneys, and should never be fed. You should be feeding collard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, escarole, (the parsley is OK occasionally), shredded butternut squash, shredded green beans, snow peas, and a little fruit. (raspberries and figs are good) 60-75% greens,20-25% other veggies, 5% fruit. This is just a start. I have included some links for you to read about diet and care. : I am also concerned about the statement "full spectrum lighting" Many heat bulbs are labeled "full spectrum lighting", but do not emit UVB radiation, which is VITAL to your ig. Poor diet and no uvb lighting will result in a disease called MBD, or Metabolic Bone Disease. MBD is caused by a lack of blood calcium, which is directly caused by low calcium diet (which you have), and no uvb light (which I am concerned you don't have). UVB light is available in flourescent tubes from zoomed labeled reptisun 5.0 or iguanalight 5.0 (they are the same in different packaging) : Lastly, even though you have a heating pad, is the basking area at least 90-95 degrees, and the rest of the enclosure no cooler than 75 degrees? Igs are sensitive to temps. : Under any circumstances, a vet visit is in order to establish some baselines. You should ask for a fecal float,( parasites may be a problem) and a blood test. (You'll need fresh poop for the fecal float test) : I may be telling you some things you may already know, but I hope this helps. Others here will also respond with other insights and help. : http://www.sonic.net/melissk/ig_care.html : http://www.baskingspot.com/iguanas/ : http://www.iguanaden.com/

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