You are here:

Reptiles/bump on iguanas jaw

Advertisement

Expert: Tracie Kretzschmar - 11/3/2009


Question
I got my iguana from a pet store and the longer i had it and talked to people the more i was told that pet store isnt a very good one. I am not sure how old it is, the sex it is, or if it even came from a good place. But here recently i have noticed a bump on its jaw right under its mouth. It doesnt seem to affect its eating or be sore. It eats really well actually. I just dont know what could be causing it.

Answer
Hello Nicole,

Can you post a picture of the bump for me?  That would be helpful if possible.
You can also post a picture of the ventral (belly) side if you can, so I can see if there are any enlarged femoral pores which would indicate a male.  How old is he or she, any guess at all?
My guess just based on a brief description could be an abscess or a cyst, or possibly a bone deviation from metabolic bone disease.  Is the bump hard or soft?  It might have been banging its face or snout up against a tank, possibly.  
What type of UVB are you using currently?  Are you using calcium supplementation as well?

Tracie

Reptiles

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tracie Kretzschmar

Expertise

I can answer questions pertaining to health, UVB specifics, overall husbandry care & supplementation, analysis of blood test results, and behavioral problems & handling. I can answer questions pertaining to bearded dragons, leopard geckos, iguanas, uromastyx & ball pythons. I can answer adeno virus related questions in bearded dragons, & then specifically about the testing methods as well. I am beginning an Pogona Adeno Testing Society in 2008 which will help to begin to start some standardization within the bearded dragon colonies of the breeders who choose to test.

Experience

I have been working with bearded dragons for over 5 years now, as well as leopard geckos, too. I am currently doing rescues, as well. I hope to be able to educate people prior to them purchasing an exotic pet in order to avoid any health crisis with them.

Education/Credentials
I have a master's degree in sports medicine & physiology, & 1 year of vet tech schooling, & am currently working on a reptile certification through the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.