Sick Iguana

I have a friend who owns a sub-adult iguana who has mysteriously become sick, and since they do not have internet access i told them i would post this for them. Here is what they told me, "He is limp and lethargic and is getting brown splotches. He barely eats and will only drink from a dropper. Keeps eyes closed most of the time." Any help would be much appreciated.

I was also just told by the owners that his jaw sometimes seems limp and his back legs look "puffy".

what do they feed him?

Very worrisome!

My knee jerk reaction says that they have not been providing it with enough calcium or exposure to UVB. More information is needed as mentioned in the above post by Laura.

This animal could very well be near death. No, I am not being melodramatic.

How long have they had it?
Where did they get it from?
Explain in detail how it is being housed.
Heat? How is it provided and what are the temps?
Light/UVB? By what method and for how long each day?
Size of container
How often is it cleaned?
Water?
Provide a complete list of what they have been feeding it.
How often?
Has it been eating what has been offered?
How has the food been prepared?
What supplements have they been using? How much and how often?
Are they psychologically and financially prepared to take responsibility for doing what is necessary to correct this situation-provided the iguana can survive?

It the answer to the last question is "NO" or even "Yes, but..." euthanasia would be the last kindness they can offer.

If you can provide answers to the above I would be in a better position to give effective advice.

I acknowledge that my response may sound harsh and judgmental. This does not negate its value. Still, I commend them and you for seeking help.

Wow, sounds like a case of MBD. The Coyote has asked some excellent questions. I have one myself. After noticing these symptom(which has existed for more than a day if they know it will only drink from an eye dropper) Have they taken the iguana to a Vet?

That is step number one if the symptoms are this far along.

i will talk to them tonight and ask all those questions. thanks very much.

The sooner the better if it is MBD, as it sounds. First and foremost it needs a vet!