IMPORTANT: These pages on health are meant to be general guides, not hard and fast rules. They were not written by vets and are NO SUBSTITUTE for veterinary care. If you suspect something is wrong with your iguana, PLEASE see a qualified veterinarian!

Betadine Baths

There are many times when veterinarians tell owners to soak their iguanas in a Betadine Bath. Unfortunately, I find that very few ever explain exactly how to do this. I feel this is a pretty important detail since Betadine can be toxic to the iguana if ingested.

Betadine Iodine is a liquid antiseptic this is often used for the treatment of cuts. In dealing with iguanas it's uses are numerous. It's pretty simple to say that if and when you see blood you should consider the use of betadine.

For the treatment of wounds do to:

* Nails torn out or clipped to short.
* Cuts or scrapes
* Mites
* and more

You can use Betadine Iodine or any of the generic brands of the same such as Povidone Iodine or Povidex Iodine. You will need to go to your local pharmacy in order to purchase these products. If you can not find them ask your Pharmacist.

PROPER SAFE USAGE is not difficult. It is common knowledge that most iguanas will drink water soon after entering the bath tub. We also know that most iguanas will defecate in warm water within a few short minutes as well. With this known it's easy to understand that just putting Betadine in the tub and soaking your ig could be deadly and a waste of the medical treatment.

1. Draw a nice warm FRESH WATER bath just as you normally would and soak your iguana.
2. Wait about 10 - 15 minutes. This will give your ig time or drink and/or poop.
3. If needed clean and replace the water with warm water once again.
4. Add Betadine Iodine solution until you achieve a "TEA BROWN" color in the water.
5. Replace the injured iguana in the tub and allow it to soak for another 10 - 15 minutes.
6. Remove and towel dry your Iguana.

This procedure should be repeated as often as your vet recommends.