Owner’s Guide to Tasting in Iguanas

Gout in iguanas is a condition that causes foot pain and swelling. It affects the joints and can cause severe arthritic symptoms. You may be wondering what could cause such a condition.

Causes

Most iguanas suffer from this disease because they have been fed too much animal protein. These lizards cannot digest animal protein very well. Uric acid, a byproduct of protein digestion, will eventually begin to lodge in the tissue of the joints, leading to gout.

Although an inadequate diet is by far the most common cause, it is not the only one. Iguanas that experience frequent dehydration are also particularly susceptible to this condition. This is usually caused by a lack of fresh water on a daily basis. Kidney damage resulting from various conditions can also cause gout.

signs

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the main symptom of this disease is swollen and painful joints. Although the tissues in the feet are often affected, other areas, such as the eyes, can also swell. Most iguanas that suffer from taste also experience torpor or inactivity. Their scales and skin will also look unhealthy.

Treatment

The first order of treatment is to administer anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. This will help reduce pain associated with arthritic attacks. In some cases, your iguana might even need surgery. Since improper care is often the underlying cause of gout in iguanas, changes in care will also need to be implemented.

Prevention

Gout is an incurable condition, so it’s best to prevent it in the first place. This means making sure you don’t feed your iguana too much animal protein. You will also need to provide fresh, clean water every day.