What steps can I take to make my iguana's spikes thick and healthy?

He should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose infection, injury or metabolic bone disease. Provide unfiltered UVB lighting as well as a heat source. Calcium(D3) and multivitamin supplementation is essential as is a healthy diet of fresh greens, vegetables and fruits. You can also supplement the diet with a commercial iguana food. Review iguana care at the link below. Yes, it says "green iguana" however care is the same. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/

The black spots look like skin that did not shed properly. I suggest you check the cage temperature and lighting as that is the number one reason they get lethargic. Also make sure her diet is correct and you are giving her calcium supplements. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/ )

Without an image or physical exam, it can be difficult to determine exactly what is going on. It could be a bacterial or fungal infection, skin from shedding or trauma (burn, abrasion, etc). Ideally, Iggy should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one using the link below if necessary. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 In the meantime, confirm proper environmental parameters. To much humidity can promote bacterial or fungal overgrowth, too little humidity can lead to difficult sheds. Make sure Iggy cannot come into contact with either the heat lamp or UVB light source. Minor infection can be treated with daily cleanings using diluted Betadine or Chlorhexidine. Clean and sanitize the cage and use plain paper towels as substrate to make cleaning easier until the issue is resolved.

Consider having Bud examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Iguanas should be kept in a large enclosure that is properly heated. A varied diet complete with a multivitamin and calcium supplement will prevent disorders such as metabolic bone disease. At the very least, the vet can confirm Bud is on the road to recovery. Continue with daily soaks. You can use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. In addition to darky leafy greens and diced vegetables, offer a commercial diet. Zoo Med and Mazuri offer excellent choices. You can read more about iguana care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Green-Iguana/

Thanks for reaching out about Baby and including photos. Could you include the radiograph? The arm does appear swollen. Calcium deficiencies and metabolic bone disease, are the most common. Has the UV bulb been changed in the last 6 months? Neurological problems can also cause twitching, so if the radiographs are normal, a comprehensive reptilian profile is probably the next step, as kidney disease can also cause tremors. Good luck.

The bumps could be infection (bacterial or fungal). An iguana that won't eat should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. Make sure the temp in the enclosure is warm enough. Low temps can affect appetite. Symptoms may indicate MBD (metabolic bone disease), but this should be diagnosed by the vet. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will treat or prevent mild dehydration and may help with shedding. If bloodwork shows low calcium, your vet can dispense or administer calcium supplementation.

Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Consider a supplement such as Oxbow Critical Care or Fluker's Repta-Boost. Review her diet with your veterinarian to make sure it is appropriate, adequate and that Saphira isn't getting too much vitamin D3 which can be toxic in large quantities.

Thanks for reaching out about Spikey and including a photo. A veterinary visit is recommended, for diagnostics and treatment recommendations, as something might be done to improve quality of life. Check and correct heat support and other husbandry parameters. Offer food and water via a syringe. A vegetable based baby good would work well. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Chispi and including a photo. This appears to be mandibular hypertrophy, likely a result of calcium deficiency, termed metabolic bone disease. A veterinary visit should be scheduled to determine other concerns such as bowed bones, etc. Dietary/vitamin D deficiencies, preferred optimal thermal zone and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, all need to be investigated. This is a serious and possible fatal problem and should be corrected soon. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Heli and including photos. He does appear a little thin in the pictures. Not sure if this is a boney lesion as few bones at that lateral aspect. Does he eat a lot of dark leafy greens? A urinary stone or enlarged kidney would be concerns. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing warm water soaks could stimulate water intake and urination. Good luck.