Help with a sick iguana?

Question

we have an iguana that is sick. he may be dieing. we can not take him to the vet as we can not afford it. i know you are all gonna say you should not have a pet if you can not pay for it. well we rescued it off of someone who was not taking care of it. we want to help it. what can we do? he is not eating or drinking. has not in over a month. he is just laying there. should we try soaking him in some water? he looks very dried out. we got him some carrots, some kelp & cleaned out his cage. it was so gross. he seems kinda agressive. any help that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. please don't yell at us. we are only trying to help him. we have told the people that had him that it is animal abuse what they have done.

Answer 1

FIrst off, let me applaud you for what you are trying to do.  It is so very common for iguanas to be abused.  We really do need thousands more good homes for all the mistreated iguanas in the US alone.

Now onto your situation - Your iguana could be suffering from any number of ailments.  I know this isn't what you want to hear but you absolutely must find some way to get to a qualified herp vet.  Most vets will work with you on payment out of sympathy for the animal.  It could be the difference between the iguana living or wasting away.  From your description, it will be very hard for anyone here to diagnose exactly what is wrong with the lizard.  My best guess would be Metabolic Bone Disease due to improper diet and lack of UVB lighting.  You can read up on MBD here: http://www.greenigsociety.org/mbd.htm

Also, it sounds like you may need to brush up on staple diets for iguanas: http://www.greenigsociety.org/foodchart....  If the iguana will not eat then it needs to be given nutrients by force - and again a vet is needed.

Soaking is water is never a bad idea, but from the sounds of it, the iguana may not be able to hold his head up so be sure that his nostrils are above water.

Good luck!