Bacterial Infections

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BLISTER DISEASE:  Chronic exposure to bacterial contamination

from poor sanitation and hygiene is the most common cause of

bacterial infections in captive iguanas.  Blister disease results

from confining an iguana is confined to a moist, filthy

enclosure.  The disease is characterized by blisters, especially

on the underside aspects of the body, that develop into

seriously infected wounds.  Aggressive antibiotic therapy is

necessary to successfully treat affected iguanas.



DRY GANGRENE OF THE TAIL OR TOES:  Another sign of serious,

body-wide bacterial infection is dry gangrene of the tail and

often the toes.  The dry gangrene usually slowly moves up the

tail from its tip.  One or more toes may have the same type of

progressive problem simultaneously.  The disease can be

controlled with aggressive antibiotic therapy, strict hygiene

and good husbandry.



MOUTH ROT:  Bacterial infection of the mouth is often the result

of malnutrition and a debilitated, weakened condition.  Signs of

mouth rot include swelling, inflammation and accumulations of

pus within the mouth, increased salivation, and difficulties in

eating.  Treatment involves identifying the offending bacteria

and giving appropriate antibiotic therapy.  Providing vitamins,

fluids and forced feeding are also essential.



ABSCESSES:  Bacterial infections may settle in one or more areas

and result in abscess formation.  Reptile pus is not liquid but

is of a cheesy, sometimes rubber-like consistency. Consequently,

treatment of abscesses by a veterinarian involves opening up the

pus-filled abscess and manually cleaning it out. Antibiotics are

then infused directly into the cavity and also given by

injection.



Bacterial infections of reptiles require injectable antibiotics

to eliminate the bacteria from the body as rapidly as possible.

When therapy is delayed or insufficient, bacteria multiply and

spread throughout the body, usually resulting in internal

abscesses.  Antibiotic therapy then is much less successful.

Initial and periodic white blood cell counts are necessary to

properly monitor the progress of the patient and to detect any

relapse.



PARASITE PROBLEMS:  Parasites may be found externally (mites),

within the gastrointestinal tract (worms, protozoa), and within

the blood (malaria-type parasites) of captive iguanas.  Parasites

represent a significant burden in addition to the inevitable

stresses of captivity endured by all pet iguanas and should be

treated by a veterinarian specializing in reptiles.  Iguanas

weakened by malnutrition and chronic bacterial infections are

particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of parasites.



VIRAL INFECTIONS:  Though viruses probably cause disease in

iguanas, only a few have been specifically identified in this

capacity.  With continued interest and research in iguanas, our

understanding of viral infections will be enhanced.



ORGAN FAILURE:  Failure of vital organs often accompanies

advancing age and may also be a consequence of gout and severe

bacterial infections.  If possible, blood samples should be

collected to allow evaluation of vital organ function.  Treatment

by a veterinarian is usually guided by the results of diagnostic

testing.



BLADDER STONES:  Minerals in the urine may precipitate and form

stones within the urinary bladder of iguanas.  The iguana may

exhibit no signs of illness or may strain during urination and

act listless.  If the stone becomes very large, the abdomen may

become enlarged.  The droppings may also contain blood.  A

radiograph (x-ray) is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Abdominal surgery is necessary to remove the stone.



EGG-BINDING:  Egg-binding can be a life-threatening condition.

It results when a pregnant female cannot expel one or more eggs

from the reproductive tract.  Causes of egg-binding include

malnutrition (especially mineral imbalances), various diseases,

mummification of eggs, and large or malformed eggs.  Physical

examination and radiographs (x-rays) are necessary to diagnose

this problem.  The veterinarian may select a medical and/or

surgical approach to relieve this serious condition, depending

upon circumstances.



SWOLLEN JAW:  See Fibrous Osteodystrophy.



BROKEN TAIL:  Though iguanas do not shed their tails like some

other lizard species, tail fractures, dislocations and other

serious injuries may occur.  Care must be taken to firmly

restrain the tail when an iguana is picked up and held.  A

veterinarian can treat soft tissue injuries according to their

severity, and can set and splint the fractured tail if

necessary.



BROKEN TOES:  An iguana's toes are very vulnerable to injury,

especially when iguanas are housed in screened or wire

enclosures.  It is very easy for toes and/or toenails to become

entrapped within the wire mesh, resulting in fractures,

dislocations, torn nails (with subsequent bleeding), and

injuries to the skin and scales of the toes.  These injuries

often occur during attempts to remove a panicked iguana from its

enclosure.  Great care should be taken when overcoming the

animal's grip on the wire mesh.  Twisting of the iguana's body

against this steadfast grip often causes serious injuries to the

feet and toes.  A veterinarian should be consulted at once if

such injuries occur.