The Iguana’s skin can often indicate the health of the animal and the circumstances it is kept in. The terrarium should have a high humidity, but when hygiene is below standards, this combination will create a perfect environment for bacterial and fungus based infections of the skin.
Burn- and abrasion marks, because of the rupture of the upperskin, provide bacteria and fungi the opportunity to multiply and severely infect the skin…; this may lead to a general infection. For example: The gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas can cause a serious infection after a burn or wound. It can lead to a serious infection including severe, pus discharging eczema. This bacteria can be indicated by means of bacteriological research.
By removing a piece of skin under a local anaesthetic, the cause of the infection can be researched under a microscope.
Treatment
DThe recommended treatment includes surgical removal of the skin tissue, desinfecting the wound with betadine and a treatment with antibiotics. Spots of eczema that create puss can be treated locally with antibiotic ointment and an oral treatment of antibiotics. The Iguana also needs to be kept clean and dry.
Author, Evert Henningheim
Bibliography
Elliot R. Jacobson, DVM, PhD, DACZM (2003) Biology, Husbandry, and Medicine of the Green Iguana. Original edition., Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida, USA.
Source: Dr. Marja Kik, veterinarian for reptiles