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My iguana won't eat, is very thin, and looks sick. What could be wrong?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Iguana | Male | 3 years old | 2 lbs

Hi..I'm Rida from indonesia..I have 2 iguanas,male n female,female is cool,but male already didn't have appetite since last year,so I always shot his foods to his mouth,mostly veggies,sometimes fruits..n now his brain bumps flatting already since last week,but his belly is in normal size..his throat grey,not red like the female one..2 days ago he threw some slime out,but it kinda hard..vets here r not good enough bout reptiles..idk wht to do..he already looked like an anorexic...pls help me..:'(

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on October 19, 2018

Thanks for reaching out about Muu-chan and including pictures. It is concerning that he hasn't eaten by himself for along period of time. By the pictures he does appear very thin. Continuing to syringe feed him will help but probably is not solving the problem. A gastro-intestinal foreign body is a possibility, but there are many illness that can causes there clinical sings, including renal disease.
It is very important you see a veterinarian even if they aren't great with reptiles. Maybe they can consult with other veterinarians.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 8, 2017
Wow, good thing you rescued this poor guy. It's possible that his kidneys were damaged with a high protein diet like this. Signs of this and other disease processes will be lethargy, not eating well, drinking more than usual and a dull color.

The best way to tell if DC is healthy is to have a veterinarian exam him. There are only a few vets that will see reptiles, but you can usually find one (or more) in your area with a google search.

For more information about Iguana husbandry, I recommend you visit the link below:

http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/index.html

I hope that helps and all is well with DC.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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