Introduction

Green iguanas are common reptile pets (Box 22.1). Destined to become large (<2 m in length) powerful animals, many owners struggle to provide an appropriate environment for them as they mature. This may lead to husbandry deficiencies as in this case and potentially fatal disease.

Husbandry

The iguana’s enclosure was a converted wooden cupboard measuring 1 m high × 1 m deep × 2 m wide; the front doors had been replaced by glass sliding doors. The substrate was newspaper. A hide box – made of cardboard – was present in the centre of the enclosure. Artificial plants were present. Several logs permitted the iguana to climb.

Supplemental heating was provided by two ceramic heat bulbs at one end of the enclosure. They were connected to a thermostat, set at 27–29°C. The owner did not measure the environmental temperature within the iguana’s enclosure. A UV striplight was present at the top of the enclosure (approximately 30 cm above the highest branch), which had been replaced a few months previously.

The enclosure was spot-cleaned daily, with change of the newspaper substrate, and completely cleaned out and disinfected once every 3 months. A pet-safe disinfectant was used, and the enclosure and furniture (such as branches) rinsed well with water after cleaning.

The iguana was fed on a mixture of fresh and tinned vegetables and fruit. These included tinned mixed fruit, tinned mixed vegetables, fresh leafy greens, mixed salad leaves and spinach. A mineral supplement was added to the food once weekly. A shallow water bowl was provided for drinking and bathing.

Most of the time, the iguana was retained in the enclosure, but she was taken into the owner’s living space occasionally for 1–2 hours at a time.

Case History

The owner had owned the green iguana for approximately 17 years, having purchased her from a local petshop. Several years previously, the iguana had been radiographed, showing the presence of poor bone density. The iguana did not have UV access for a prolonged period while still a growing juvenile. She had laid a clutch of eggs in the past; no problems were noted. Until 6 months previously, the iguana was housed with an adult male green iguana (which had died of unknown disease at that point).

The iguana was presented with an acute history of collapse, initially seen 2 hours prior to presentation. However, during the consultation it became clear that some other clinical signs had been present during the previous 48 hours.

There was no history of access to potential toxins.

Clinical Examination

A brief clinical assessment was performed to reduce the stress of restraint to the patient until a clearer picture of her health had been ascertained. Findings included:

Figure 22.1 Collapsed green iguana on presentation. Note the lack of body support by limbs, half-closed eyes, and re-grown distal tail after autotomy.

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