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Post by petergunga on Feb 17, 2009 5:43:58 GMT -8
I just purchased a 3ish month old iguana from a reputable petstore in upstate NY. He seemed very healthy overall when i got him, but after I got home I noticed a problem with his front right foot. It seems to be enlarged in the metacarpal area. His toes seem to be fine, but the main part of the foot appears to be almost swollen. It feels firm to the touch. He seems to have pretty normal use of it so far. Could this be a symptom of metabolic bone issues? Please Help!!
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Post by prism_wolf on Feb 17, 2009 18:41:50 GMT -8
Hey Peter. Welcome to the IZ.
It could be a sing of MBD if the "hand" was broken. Brittle bones and such. To be honest with you - and you will hear this on every board, forum and group you go to...see a vet. If it is broken it should have a vets care. If it's due to MBD a blood panel will be able to tell the vet exactly what kind of regimen should be administered.
It could also be an abscess. Reptile abscesses are very different than human in that the pus is more like cottage cheese. This would still require a vet for cleansing and to show you how to do this at home along with some antibiotics.
Either route - a vet is the only one that can tell you for sure...but at least this gives you something to go on.
Let us know how the appt goes...:-)
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Post by darkluvr on Feb 17, 2009 20:20:03 GMT -8
a picture would really help though.
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Post by petergunga on Feb 18, 2009 5:30:24 GMT -8
Thank you for your advice, and the quick response. I found a few things out last night after I returned home from work. One; the foot is not fully functional at all. Two; the issue is almost definitely a contusion (contrary to my original belief) because A) there is actually some purple bruising on the hand, and B) I called the pet store I purchased him from and they said he jumped out of the cage and landed on the floor from about shoulder height right before I got there.
So now I have a dilemma: in the short time I have had him, I have already grown quite attached... he is a beautiful little guy who seems curious and interested in everything. I also picked him out because he was the most attractive and healthiest specimen that I was almost positive was male. having said that, the pet store offered to replace him and have him rehabilitated by professionals (and it is a very reputable pet store that seems to take top notch care of its reptiles).
I feel this could be the best option for both of us, but I am having trouble with the thought of parting with my new friend. Would it be unwise to assume that I (and my vet) can nurse a broken foot on a juvenile iguana back to full health? Is there a risk that it will never heal right and he will have a permanently under functional foot? I'm having a tough time with this decision. He is my first iguana and I have wanted one for longer than I can even explain. I'm feeling really bad about this. What should I do?
I will add a picture asap....
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Post by petergunga on Feb 18, 2009 5:48:23 GMT -8
ok here are the pictures... what you cant see in them is that where it is most swollen on the foot, the scales are spread apart (due to the inflammation) and there is a distinctive blue color in between the scales (most likely indicative of contusion). ![]() [/img] Wait, how do you attach photos to the post? |
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Post by Jen on Feb 18, 2009 6:24:41 GMT -8
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Post by prism_wolf on Feb 19, 2009 17:20:52 GMT -8
There is very little chance of correctly sexing an iguana under a year old. Even those that know what they're looking for have a very hard time.
It is possible to heal a broken foot, if that is indeed what's wrong. X-rays are needed to ensure that's what you're dealing with. I am glad the pet store was honest with you. Tough choice and only one you can make. An exchange - or treat it yourself. Good luck with your decision.
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Post by petergunga on Feb 20, 2009 13:06:50 GMT -8
So I also think the third toe may be dislocated...  Im very sad, but I do have good news! - So i took the iguana to the petstore last night and they told me that because this happened within 7 days of owning the reptile that they would cover all vet expenses. They also agreed to take him there and closely monitor him during the initial stages of rehabilitation. I also noticed that the food in their iguana enclosure was mostly lettuce... probably the reason his foot broke in the first place (improper diet = weak bones). I was very disappointed to see that. I have however, noticed a decent amount of weight gain (no more wrinkles) and good color change (from deep brown to some healthy greens, and even a little blue in some spots) since I have had my iguana. I am really hoping for a full recovery and not needed toe amputations. Has anyone ever dealt with a broken (or possibly broken) foot or toe before that has any helpful advise? |
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Post by Jen on Feb 20, 2009 20:33:49 GMT -8
Make sure he doesnt have anything to climb on in the enclosure. Thats all I can think of. Thats good that they plan on taking care of the injury. You can help them by explaing what they are doing wrong so that there are no more health issues with their Igs.
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Post by prism_wolf on Feb 21, 2009 8:20:15 GMT -8
I agree with Jen. Helping to educate them on better diet suggestions will greatly improve their chances for healthier igs and the chance of them having to pay for more medical issues in the future.
As for the broken foot/toes...Zair has many broken toes from his early days of MBD at a year and a half. He's now almost 13 yrs. There's not much you can do about toes. I changed nothing in his habitat through healing, but I should have had I known...or even thought about it. Your ig's bones will be brittle so keeping it low to the floor will be the best for healing and further injury.
Do you have a calcium supplement? This will be vital in your igs recovery.
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Post by petergunga on Feb 27, 2009 7:10:55 GMT -8
I'm very happy to report that my little guy/girl whom I've temporarily named Pollux is back in my care and doing very well. He is eating and seems lively and happy. The foot looks infinitely better and the Dr. said no fractures were visible. His behavior has changed significantly though, probably due to a stressful time at the vet. See my post in "behavior" for more details. Thanks for all the helpful advice!!!!
- Pete
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Im very sad, but I do have good news! -