The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies
Hospital for Small Animals
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre
Roslin
Midlothian
EH25 9RG
www.dickvetexotics.com
Tel: 0131-650 7650 Fax: 0131-650 7652

EXOTIC ANIMAL AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
A. Meredith, MA, VetMB, CertLAS, DZooMed MRCVS
K. Eatwell, BVSc (Hons), DZooMed MRCVS
E. Keeble, BVSc, DZooMed, MRCVS
B. Reusch BVetMed (Hons), CertZooMed, MRCVS
S. Hollamby BA, BVSc (Hons II), MS
G. Goodman DVM, MSc, MRCVS
L. Longley MA BVM&S DZooMed MRCVS
L. Benato DVM, GPCert (ExAP), MRCVS
J. Hedley BVM&S MRCVS

Iguanas
Iguana iguana

The Green iguana is a large arboreal lizard originating from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In fact, it is one of the largest New World lizards with an adult measuring up to 2m, and living between 10-15 years in captivity. This is therefore, not an ideal animal for a novice reptile owner, and any potential owner should consider the space requirement, expense and dangers of owning such a lizard.

Diet
Iguanas are herbivorous naturally browsing on fruits, leaves and blossoms. In captivity, their diet should ideally be composed of 90% vegetable matter and 10% fruits. Suitable vegetable matter can include greens such as mustard, turnip, carrot greens, alfalfa hay, kale, parsley, cabbage, green beans, and small amounts of spinach or broccoli. Fruits can include apples, bananas, pears, grapes, and strawberrties. Food should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement twice weekly.

Water
Water should always be available and a container is required which will allow the lizard to submerge completely. This should be changed daily.

Accommodation requirements
A large a vivarium as possible should be provided, but at least 2m long x 1.5m high and 2m deep. This is required to enable a thermal gradient to be created along the length of the tank (hot to cold). Wooden or fibreglass vivaria are ideal as this provides the lizard with some visual security and ventilation can be provided at lizard level. Alternatively, accommodation may be provided by converting part of a room into a large enclosure.

Reptiles are ectothermic so a heat source is required. Typically a spot area is created using a spot bulb, providing a basking temperature of 40?c. This should be kept on all day. Temperatures should be measured to ensure the tank is not overheating. The cool end should be maintained at 25?c. Background heat can be provided with a heat mat (on the back wall) a tubular heater, a heat plate or a ceramic bulb. This should be set on a thermostat so that the overnight temperature does not drop below 21?c. The temperatures should be measured with a maximum/minimum thermometer. During the cold winter months careful checking is required to ensure the heat sources are keeping the tank sufficiently warm. Heat sources should be guarded to prevent thermal burns.

Humidity is important for this species and this has to be taken in balance with ventilation requirements. Providing a humidity of 80-90% is ideal, and this may be achieved by regular spraying or misting with a warm water spray, as well as positioning the water bowl at the hot end of the vivarium.

Iguanas must be exposed to UV-b light. The best sources are the mercury vapour lamps which give out heat as well. This will need to be on all day for 12 hours and at a distance of 30 cm (1 foot) from the lizard. A small branch or rock can be placed below the basking site. It is important to get the basking temperature correct. The mercury vapour lamps cannot be fitted to a thermostat. These lamps should be checked regularly for their UV output and should be changed at least annually.

Hides are required to provide some security. Artificial plants, cardboard boxes, plant pots, logs or commercially available hides can be used. They should be placed both at the warm and cooler ends of the tank. Sturdy branches should also be provided for climbing.

Substrates suitable for housing lizards include newspaper, Astroturf and some of the commercially available substrates. It is important that the substrates either cannot be eaten, or if they are, do not cause blockages as this can prove fatal. Wood chip based substrates should never be used for this reason.

The vivarium should be cleaned out at least twice a week to help prevent disease and a suitable disinfectant used.

Companions
In general the happiest lizard is the solitary lizard, and iguanas can be particularly territorial so are best housed alone.

Salmonella
All reptiles can potentially carry Salmonella.

However it is rarely a cause of illness and treatment is not required.
It can be transmitted to people and good hygiene after handing the reptile is important. Generally washing your hands in soap is sufficient. There are commercially available disinfectants that can be used as an alternative.

Parasites
Internal parasites are common but it is important to check what parasites are present as treatments vary depending on the problem. It is best to get a faecal sample checked by your vet.

Signs of ill health ? call your vet if you see any of these
Anorexia ? although lizards can go for a little while without eating it is important to get the lizard looked at early so that husbandry corrections or treatment can be started as it can take time for the lizard to respond.

Dysecdysis ? shedding problems are commonly seen and this can be due to husbandry problems or a sign of ill health.

Poor growth ? There are a number of reasons for a lizard to grow poorly and if your lizard is not growing it should be presented to your vet.

Metabolic bone disease ? this is sadly still very common. Lizards may have difficulty moving around and feeding. It is important to get these checked out early on so that treatment can be started.

Reproductive disease ? many females can collapse while trying to produce eggs. It is important that these are presented promptly to your vet for medical or surgical treatment.

Insurance
Unfortunately there is no NHS for reptiles and many conditions can be ongoing and require a number of diagnostic tests, leading to a financial strain which would be removed by insurance.

The Exotic Animal and Wildlife service offers
1.All our vets are very experienced and have extra qualifications in reptile medicine and surgery and can offer your pet a high quality standard of veterinary care
2.All reptiles are hospitalised in appropriate vivaria
3.First opinion consultations
4.For the more unusual and complex cases you can be referred to us
5.For emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, please ring our veterinary hospital on 0131-6507650

Resources:
www.dickvetexotics.com
our website providing up to date information on our services.
Reptile rehoming, reptile charity, gifts for reptile lovers
a good source for information sheets and husbandry advice.
Exotic Animal Welfare Trust [EAWT] - "Home"
a good source for information sheets.
UV Guide UK - Ultraviolet Light for Reptiles - UVB reptile lighting on test
the latest information on UV light sources.