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DO IGUANAS NEED TO GET ANNUAL SHOTS?
Iguanas do not get the kind of mammalian type diseases that require vaccination. However, they are prone to internal parasites, especially hatchlings and poorly kept iguanas. So while they don’t need annual shots, a yearly visit to an exotic/herp trained veterinarian is in order.
Whenever you acquire an iguana it’s always recommended that you bring it in for a baseline exam. The vet will draw blood to analyze the Calcium to Phosphorus ratio and check the white blood cell count to determine if there are any underlying infections. Bring a sample of your iguanas’ most recent poop. It will be checked for parasites such as pinworms, round worms etc. Your vet will also perform a physical exam starting with the mouth. The inside of the mouth should be free of any thick matter. Any lumps, bumps, lesions, sores, bleeding or unusual behavior should also be noted at this time. The vet will palpate the abdominal area to check for unusually large organs. He or she will use the stethoscope to listen to your iguanas’ heart and lungs.
The captive iguana is your pet. Just any other pet, whether it’s a cat, dog, horse, or guinea pig, you have taken on the responsibility of assuming the proper care for it. This includes veterinary care, which is more expensive than for dogs and cats. Due to the exotic nature of your pet iguana, it’s money well spent to keep it healthy from the beginning. An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. A healthy, thriving, happy, tamed iguana is a magnificent, beautiful sight to behold.
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