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Caring for an iguana is quite different from caring for a more conventional pet, such as a dog. Even though it’s a very fierce looking lizard, an iguana can be very vulnerable to health problems if not given proper care. There are some aspects of iguana health that every vigilant owner should be aware of.

One issue in iguana health is metabolic bone disease. This occurs due to either a bad diet or inadequate lighting which renders the animal unable to absorb calcium properly. Symptoms can appear as severe weight loss, enlarged swollen jaw and joints, listlessness and difficulty eating. Symptoms may also appear as especially firm, swollen limbs and tails commonly mistaken as plumpness. More severe cases involve broken bones. A change of diet and lighting may be adequate treatment for some lizards; more severe cases may require calcium or vitamin injections.

Sometimes, the threat to iguana health is invisible to the naked eye. Intestinal parasites can manifest their presence in an upset stomach, followed by diarrhea. Your pet should be brought to the vet at the first sign of runny stools. External parasites like mites can also make your iguana’s life miserable. If left untreated, they may infect other pets or people in your home.

Egg binding is another common health problem for female iguanas. This takes place when an iguana is unable to expel an egg from her reproductive tract. It is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by illness, malnutrition, or when the eggs formed are too large or malformed. The iguana would have to undergo an x-ray for the problem to be diagnosed, and treatment mainly involves medication and surgery.

Taking care of this pet may sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually no more work than taking care of your own self. Don’t hesitate to get medical help for your pet if something doesn’t feel right