| Gout in iguanas is a condition that causes painful, | | | | main symptom of this disease is swollen, painful |
| swollen feet. It affects the joints and can lead to | | | | joints. Although tissues in the feet are usually |
| severe arthritic symptoms. You may be wondering | | | | affected, other areas such as the eyes may also |
| what could cause such a condition. | | | | become swollen. Most iguanas suffering from gout |
| Causes | | | | also experience lethargy or inactivity. Their scales and |
| Most iguanas suffer from this disease because they | | | | skin will also look unhealthy. |
| have been fed too much animal protein. These lizards | | | | Treatment |
| can't digest animal protein very well. Uric acid, a | | | | The first order of treatment is to administer |
| byproduct of protein digestion, will eventually start to | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. This will |
| become lodged in the tissue of the joints leading to | | | | help reduce pain associated with arthritis attacks. In |
| gout. | | | | some cases, your iguana could even need surgery. |
| Although an improper diet is by far the most | | | | Since improper care is usually the underlying cause of |
| common cause, it's not the only one. Iguanas that | | | | gout in iguanas, changes in care will also need to be |
| experience frequent dehydration are also particularly | | | | implemented. |
| susceptible to this condition. This is usually caused by | | | | Prevention |
| lack of fresh water on a daily basis. Kidney damage | | | | Gout is an incurable condition, so it's best to prevent |
| resulting from various conditions can also cause gout. | | | | it in the first place. This means making sure that you |
| Signs | | | | don't feed your iguana too much animal protein. You |
| As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the | | | | will also need to provide fresh, clean water daily. |