How do I heal and prevent injury?

[zammy12]

Hey I made this thread so I can find the answer what do you do if an iguana's toe is starting to be black and prevent it?

Im not sure if the toe is damaged or not I can't get a good picture of one and are bar cages good or bad?
Because I have the feeling that my iguana might hurt itself on the bar cage and besides it's time for a new one!


How do you heal an injury if it does happen. (Well im just saying IF IT DOES HAPPEN.)


I have pictures below to show you.








Please give me an answer or response, because the people who are on IZ are very smart and know alot about iguanas.

And is there some type of gloves to use holding an iguana on bare skin hurts of its sharp claws and it is well tamed.

[crazybaby]

I don't know about the toe thing since there really isn't much to go on but there may be parts in the bars where a toe could get caught and the iguana could tug at it and hurt it somehow? I don't know.
As for the gloves...you can do anything your imagination brings to you to help protect your arms. I have seen some use big men's socks and cut out a hole for the fingers and one for the thumb, I believe Esoteric Composer (another member here) uses and oven mitt...there are a great variety of ways to do this. I would find that socks are the easiest though.

[prism_wolf]

This is a bird cage and definitely has places a toe can get caught and the nail torn out or a toe getting broken. I have two of those the exact same style I think. Mine are single-story though. This looks like a taller cage. You do need something MUCH bigger. What are the measurements on the cage he's in now? Height, width and depth. The size you will need for his adult cage will be 6'T x 6'W x 3'D.

Since you don't have a picture of the toe...it's impossible to tell you anything to do. If it is turning black...it could be dry gangrene. Often the toe falls of by itself, but sometimes a vet is needed. Dry gangrene is a dying of the tissue caused by an injury or shed that has gotten stuck on the toe. Do not wait to see if the toe will fall off on it's own. Let a vet decide. If the toe does not fall off the dry gangrene will continue up the foot and into the leg and once it hits vital organs it will mean those die, too. A good course of antibiotics is usually offered to help fight the infection. There is no cure for dry gangrene. The dead parts just need to be removed.

As for arm guards...CB offered some good ideas. Men's sports tube socks doubled is a good way to protect your arms from the claws. Cut the toes out of both socks for you fingers to go through and another hole for your thumb. This will keep them from sliding up your arm. This not only gives you protection from those demon-claws, but it gives your ig a more secure feeling "branch" than the slippery, soft skin we have.

Even with these a set of sharp claws can go right through. It's time to trim some claws:
www.anapsid.org/clawtrim.html
www.anapsid.org/adambritton.html
www.iguanaden.org/care/claws.htm
www.greenigsociety.org/clawtrimming.htm

[zammy12]

hmmm that sounds like a good idea bar cages aren't good for igs eh. I know what im getting, a glass terrarium.

[zammy12]

I live with my parents still so I wonder if my parents will let me see the vet for him and im worried that any vets would have iguana care hints or things to save a toe. Even though I could see a vet I might have to pay for it is it expensive? I just want my iguana to not lose a toe and make sure everything is fine.

[crazybaby]

well a vet trip can get pricey but it's well worth it if there hasn't been a trip to the vet yet. They can find out if there are any underlying issues or problems you should be aware of.

As for the toe, it's not a big deal if it needs to be amputated, iguanas live on wonderfully not having to deal with a sore toe (if it is in fact hurting at all).

If you are concerned with your iguana's overall health it might be good idea to visit a vet. I would hope your parents would allow you to care for your animal as best you can, just let them know what you're concerned about and they might understand.

Also, some vets offer payment options if it becomes too costly to pay within the first visit, all you need to do is call and ask them, they can give you a ballpark number on what it would cost for a checkup. The only things that make the cost go up are medications, surgery...etc.

[prism_wolf]

For the size your ig is you really need more than an aquarium...unless you use a 75 gallon. A 50 gallon is fine for a baby under 1 yr old, but older than that they need significantly more room. Since your little one is already about half grown...a 75 gallon would be a good choice. This will last up to about 1 1/2 yrs.

After that...you need to have something built... ;D. Maybe you could make it a project for you and your dad.

A vet trip is worth it's weight in gold. Maybe you can do some extra chores around the house or mow a few lawns. Mowing lawns gets you about $10-$15 these days I would imagine. If they see you're trying hard to do what's right for your ig...maybe they'll offer to meet you half-way. Even I pull overtime at work when I know extras are needed. It's just something we need to do when we keep an exotic animal...

Don't use just any vet. MOST vets know very little about iguana care. You will need one that specializes in herps and iguana care in general.

[zammy12]

I hadn't logged in a long and here is my latest news... Im getting a new cage build no bars or anything but a screen and a lot bigger hehe. ;D

[prism_wolf]

Good for you Sam! Your ig will appreciate the extra room.

[zammy12]

Whats the best length for an iguana thats 3 feet long just wondering and how much does it cost to check him out in the vet it seems expensive cause I never heard anything been operated on a lizard.

[prism_wolf]

Hey Sam...a favor please. Use some periods to break up your sentences. Makes it easier to read. Thanks...:-)

At 3' long...you should go ahead and build an adult-size enclosure. 6'T x 6'W x 3'D.

As for the vet...depends on the vet. You'll just have to call around. Make sure it's one that deals with reptiles and iguanas in general. Here are some links to help locate one closest to you. Sometimes that still means you have to travel...but hopefully not.
www.herpvetconnection.com
www.arav.org <---Click on "Members" then U.S.
www.anapsid.org/vets

[zammy12]

How much it costs though? Like whats the highest you spent at a vat.

[Merlin]

There is no real answer to your question.The price is going to vary depending on the area and even the particular vet. You use. Even within the same city, vet prices can vary a great deal.
What costs 50 at one can cost 100 at another.