What's the right Chlorhexidine mix for iguana fungus treatment?

Yes, you can purchase chlorhexidine in most pharmacies. It may be generic chlorhexidine or Hibiclens which is the brand name. You can also use Betadine solution. Dilute the chlorhexidine to a "sky blue". Some use a 2 tablespoons in 1 gallon of water dilution. The Betadine (povidone) can be diluted to the color of medium tea. Whichever you use, gently scrub the shell first then apply silvadene cream to the affected areas. Keep Squirt in dry dock, allowing 30 minute swim to eliminate and rehydrate, daily.

Hello. Good question. Mites unfortunately, are not easy to get rid of. You have to treat both the iguana and her environment. It is not recommended that you use any medications on your iguana without speaking to your vet first. Over the counter treatments do not usually work well and can often times be toxic if not used correctly. No matter what treatment you use it will likely take multiple treatments. It is best to obtain treatments directly from your veterinarian. If you do not already have a vet that you work with, this is a veterinary hospital near you where the vets are well versed in treating reptiles: http://chadwellanimalhospital.com/about-us/the-hospital/ You must also treat Li Mai's environment. Remove her from the cage. Throw away and branches or other organic material including the substrate. Soak the bowls and the enclosure itself in a 10:1 dilution of water to bleach. Let is soak for at least an hour but as long as you can. Be sure to get the bleach water in all the crevices. You will probably have to do this twice weekly over the next few months. Please consult with a veterinarian as these mites can be VERY difficult to get rid of. They can cause a myriad of other health problems including issues with shedding, damaged scales, stress, scratching, and more so you need to work together with a vet you trust to make sure all of her husbandry is correct. This includes her diet, the lighting, the temperatures and humidity in the cage. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you and Li Mai! Dr. Amber

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, Clorox is a potent cleaning chemical and, like most cleaners, can be irritating to eyes, skin, and lungs - for both you and your iguana. For this reason, all disinfected surfaces cleaned with bleach (or any other cleaner) should be thoroughly rinsed and allowed to completely dry before coming in contact with Marcela. Hope this helps!

Hello again. I would use a mild antibacterial skin cleanser like Hibiclens. This has chlorhexidine & is available at any pharmacy. Treat the area at least twice daily. Hope this clears things up. Thank you.

Yes you can use Betadine solution (not the scrub). You will want to mix it with tap water until it is a light iced tea color. Don't use it straight. Chlorhexidine solution would be better to use in my opinion. Be aware that this is not an easy thing to cure and it will take a long time. I recommend soaking the feet with with either chlorhexidine or betadine, drying the foot and applying Neosporin twice daily. Continue the soaks until the ulcerations are gone, but continue the ointment until completely healed. I suggest bedding on towels and changing it daily. If he is in a wire cage you need to take him out of it immediately. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about your iguana. It really depends on the type of worms. Tapeworms and roundworms respond to different medications. Other parasites are microscopic (flagellates, ciliates, amoebas) and would be a totally different medication. A fecal examination at your veterinarian would be best, to identify the specific parasite and prescribe the appropriate medication. Good luck.

In most cases, avascular necrosis occurs in toes or the tail. It could be AN, bacterial or fungal infection. An exam would be necessary for diagnosis. For now, provide the proper environment for Zilla, especially adequate humidity. lighting and heat. You can confirm proper environmental parameters using the link below. Daily soaks may help remove any stuck shed. Gently cleanse the area with a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. If necessary, the veterinarian will need to debride the area to allow for healing. Fluker's Repta Boost can be used to supplement the diet until Zilla is eating more o his/her own. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/