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Iguanas/i think my iguana broke his toe?
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Question
i think my iguana broke his toe(back left foot "thumb") it's all twisted and looks a tad swollen.what should i do? leave it be or go see a vet? his toe is tiny a little bigger that a match.please advise
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Dylan,
To be honest with you, broken toes are very common and happen to a large number of iguanas. I have had several of mine break toes in the past as well. I do not take them to the vet for that because all that would be accomplished is that they might give antibiotics to prevent a septic joint, but that is unlikely anyhow with a toe. Now, there is not much you can do, certainly it would be too costly and unnecessary to cast the toe, so unless you want to pay for that or get medicine to help your iguana's pain, it is probably unnecessary to go. Keep an eye out in the future that the toe doesn't become black in color because sometimes iguanas can develop dry gangrene especially in tails and toes after breaks, but again, I have never had this happen.
Be sure you are giving your iguana UVB so that his bones aren't brittle and prone to breaking because iguanas need UVB to digest calcium. Check your bulb and if it is only UVA, upgrade immediately to a bulb with both or buy a separate UVB bulb.
Good Luck!
Sara J Gwerder
President
Raptor Rescue Iguana Sanctuary
Shreveport, LA
www.RaptorRescue.org
Related Articles
Sara J Gwerder
Expertise
I can answer questions about the best types of lighting and heating sources. I also am very knowledgeable of metabolic bone disease, foods of which to comprise a balanced diet, growth rates, personality and decoding of iguana body language. I cannot provide any medical diagnoses, but can instruct you on the best home care in addition to a veterinarian's instructions. I can recommend when to seek professional medical advice.
Experience
President and founder of Louisiana's only nonprofit iguana rescue mission and sanctuary called Raptor Rescue Iguana Sanctuary. I am an iguana owner of over 5 years and specialize in the rehabilitation and rehoming of pet iguanas. I currently have 10 iguanas in my home all of which receive medical attention when needed, fresh food diets, freedom to roam, top quality sun-simulating lamps and playtime with other iggys. See my website at www.RaptorRescue.org for more info.
Organizations
Networked with PETA, Resource for Iguana Care and Adoption, and Petsavers
Publications
My "iguana bill" is being introduced to the Louisiana State Senate and aims to mandate that retail pet stores be required to distribute veterinarian-approved informational literature with the sale of any exotic animal. See the article:
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/03/north_lousiana_lawmaker_wants.html
I am currently in works with ZooMed, a popular reptile supplies manufacturer, to revise their advertising on their popular reptile basking bulbs to alert customers that their bulb does not emit UVA and needs to be used in conjunction with a UVB source.
Education/Credentials
No formal education in herpetology or veterinary medicine, all knowledgeability on this subject has been gained through personal research and years of hands-on experience with this animal.
Awards and Honors
Nothing formal as of yet.
Past/Present Clients
15 rescued iguanas since May...Currently, I house 10 iguanas in my home by the names of Trogdor, Isador, Miss Jacky, Pete, Balthor, Mr. Pop, Twizzle, Spunky, Peatree and Medina.
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