Like humans, iguanas actually also fall ill. Here are some of the most common iguana illnesses that require immediate veterinary attention and proper medication or else you will lose your pets.

Fibrous Osteodystrophy or Metabolic Bone Disease - This iguana illness comes as a result of extreme malnutrition especially when they are not fed well. Most shops selling iguanas give out worthy nutritional tips and advices to the buyers of these reptiles. Most of the pet owners prefer to feed their pets with squash and lettuce. In truth, lettuce is a water sponge - meaning there is no nutrition to be derived from it. This shortcoming is aggravated by insufficient vitamin D3 and calcium intake by the reptile. When they become exposed to this dangerous situation, they might in fact die. Among the vital symptoms of the disease are a swollen lower jaw, listlessness, rubbery or soft face and lower jaw, difficulty in eating and swollen limbs. At most times, the spine and the limbs also easily get fractured.

Paralysis of the Back Legs - This is the result of a deficiency in vitamin B1. The tail also becomes affected. An injection of the essential minerals and vitamins and a change in its diet is recommended.

Nose Abrasions - Frequent attempts to escape cause abrasions and scratches to its face and nose. When they are in search of a way to escape, they often rub their noses on the enclosures of their tanks. The abrasions are often caused by the wire, glass or plastic enclosures of their cages. When nose abrasions remain untreated, ulceration of the rostrum, bacterial infection and other deformities could result.

Thermal Injuries or Burns - Burns are usually acquired through contact with the heat sources within the tank enclosures. Among the typical culprits are hot rocks and light bulbs which are left exposed. Lights should be placed above the enclosures where they cannot be reached by the iguana and hot rocks are not recommended.

Bacterial Infection - There are several types of bacterial infection that can affect the iguana. Blister disease is caused by the repeated exposure to a filthy and damp environment. Dry gangrene of the toes and tails causes these body parts to turn dark gray to black and then start to break off. The root cause of all these is insufficient sanitation. Mouth rot causes inflammation, swelling and pus in the mouth of the iguana. Abscesses result in the formation of pus.

Parasites - Parasites settle within the gastrointestinal tract in the blood of the iguana. Parasites are the major causes of death in captive iguanas.

Viral Infection - On-going research is being carried out to find the causes and cure of viral infections in iguanas.

Organ Failure - Organ failure among iguanas is caused by age or bacterial infection. The dominant symptoms are weight loss, loss of appetite, listlessness and bloating leading to death.

Bladder Stones - Symptoms are an enlarged abdomen.

Egg-Binding - This causes death in female iguanas when they are unable to let the egg pass through their reproductive tracts.

These and a lot of other iguana illnesses require medical attention if you do not want to risk the life of your iguana pet.