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Problem of a Young Iguana
8 months old iguana "Zen" was presented to our surgery because of the large swelling of its left lower jaw. Because of the swelling Zen couldn't take food properly and he become less active.
In case of sick reptile long and thorough talk with owners is necessary. Information about the type of food given to the reptile, conditions and accommodation of the reptile are of a vital importance as retiles are very sensitive to inappropriate life conditions. Inappropriate life conditions can cause very serious illnesses to them.
Clinical examination of Zen didn't reveal any signs of diseases except the swelling of the left lower jaw.
From the history and the x-ray examination we suspected that Zen was affected by secondary hyperparathyroidism. This disease with complicated name Zen developed as a consequence of inadequate nutrition. The owner was informed correctly that the iguanas are herbivores but she didn't know that they also require the animal proteins when they are young. Also Zen was fed by vegetables which are not recommended for iguana's nutrition. Because of wrongly selected nourishments, Zen developed misbalance of the minerals in his body, especially Calcium and Phosphorus.
The only recommended treatment for Zen was a new diet. We gave the owner a list of foodstuff which are recommended for young iguanas. Zen and his owner do not live in Belgrade so we didn't have a chance to see them again but the owner told as by phone that Zen was getting better and that the swelling from his jaw was slowly disappearing.
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