Re: Very sick juvenile iguana

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Iguana Forum ]

Posted by Kate on January 10, 2003 at 21:46:15:

In Reply to: Re: Very sick juvenile iguana posted by stephiesoo on January 10, 2003 at 19:38:47:

The yogurt could help, depending on what the problem is. The helpful bacteria in it is acidophilus, which you may be able to find at a health food store or the like. (I mean acidophilus on its own, rather than in yogurt.) If you can't find it on its own, go ahead and use a small amount of yogurt. You're right that once an iguana is showing obvious signs of sickness, you don't want to wait 2 weeks for the results of a fecal exam. There's no reason why a fecal exam should take that long, even if it does have to be sent away. Can you call around and find another vet somewhere in your area who can see Iggy and do a fecal exam? I know it may be a hassle, but if you are truly worried about him it's probably worth it to you.

A ReptiSun 7.0 is good. Spinach, however, is not a good calcium source because it has oxalates. Oxalates bind calcium so it cannot be absorbed by the iguana. Cut down on or get rid of the spinach in favor of other greens, such as collards, mustard greens, dandelions, turnip greens, etc... I wish I could be of more help.

Best of luck to you and Iggy.

Kate

:The cage is definitely large enough it is 5'x3'x6'tall. They are also not positioned so they can agitate each other as they are in separate areas of the room with their backs (the wood part) towards each other.

:We are using Reptisun 7.0 we were told that it was one of the best for them. I don't have the package for the wattage just that it is 24" flourescent type.

:We do only use bananas for treat. We were told Spinach was very good for calcium by the pet store and by the iguana care book we purchased as long as it was mixed with other greens and squash etc. We were also told that the Herpcare powdered supplement was one of the best for their age as long as you used it in recommended quantities.

:The substrate is indoor/outdoor carpet.

:Iggy does use the bathroom once a day but it seems to be stringy and almost mucusy. It is whitish in color. The vet in our area will not do a fecal exam but could possibly send it to a different lab if asked. We were told it could take almost two weeks for results. We're afraid with how much Iggy has went downhill he may not have that long or will keep suffering! I talked to an online vet about Iggy and he had a suggestion. He said to feed Iggy some yogurt with bacteria mixed with pureed veggies. He claimed the bacteria in the yogurt would fight other bacteria in Iggy and could help. Has anyone else heard of this?

:I don't havbe a digicam sorry it would definitely help.

Follow Ups:

Yougurt frikidiki 01/12/03 (3)
- Re: Yougurt stephiesoo 01/12/03 (2)
  - so sorry for your loss........ np stardust 01/12/03 (0)
  - Thats sad np frikidiki 01/12/03 (0)
Re: Very sick juvenile iguana stephiesoo 01/11/03 (0)