Why does my iguana have a hard lump on its side and look crooked?

The bumps could be infection (bacterial or fungal). An iguana that won't eat should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. Make sure the temp in the enclosure is warm enough. Low temps can affect appetite. Symptoms may indicate MBD (metabolic bone disease), but this should be diagnosed by the vet. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will treat or prevent mild dehydration and may help with shedding. If bloodwork shows low calcium, your vet can dispense or administer calcium supplementation.

He should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose infection, injury or metabolic bone disease. Provide unfiltered UVB lighting as well as a heat source. Calcium(D3) and multivitamin supplementation is essential as is a healthy diet of fresh greens, vegetables and fruits. You can also supplement the diet with a commercial iguana food. Review iguana care at the link below. Yes, it says "green iguana" however care is the same. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/

Thanks for reaching out about Chispi and including a photo. This appears to be mandibular hypertrophy, likely a result of calcium deficiency, termed metabolic bone disease. A veterinary visit should be scheduled to determine other concerns such as bowed bones, etc. Dietary/vitamin D deficiencies, preferred optimal thermal zone and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, all need to be investigated. This is a serious and possible fatal problem and should be corrected soon. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out regarding Redd and including pictures. It does appear as his abdomen is distended. Are there possibilities he ingested something that could be obstructing his intestinal tract? Providing a shallow warm water soak for 5-10 minutes might stimulate defecation. Intestinal parasites or bacterial infections might also cause distention. If Redd continues to eat, you have some time to monitor things, but if he stops eating, becomes painful, or the distention increases, seek a reptile veterinarian sooner than later. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Baby and including photos. Could you include the radiograph? The arm does appear swollen. Calcium deficiencies and metabolic bone disease, are the most common. Has the UV bulb been changed in the last 6 months? Neurological problems can also cause twitching, so if the radiographs are normal, a comprehensive reptilian profile is probably the next step, as kidney disease can also cause tremors. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Guan. If he is having difficulty using his limbs, a veterinary visit is highly recommended. Metabolic bone disease can result in clinical signs from weakness to fractures. Environmental temperatures should be in the 90-100 under the basking site and at the lowest 70s at night, therefore they should never feel cold. See your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your young iguana and including photos. By the pictures he appears lethargic and thin, with wrinkled skin likely indicative of dehydration. Check environmental temperature to assure optimal. Intestinal infections and infestations (parasites) are possibilities if husbandry is correct. Syringe feed food and water to provided strength and hydration. A veterinary visit is highly recommended as he appears very lethargic and weak. Good luck.