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!
Mouth Rot
Mouth rot, also known as stomatitis, usually shows up as pus-like material in the mouth of the iguana. Early signs may include thickening saliva, change in appetite, and/or change in color of the inside of the mouth.
Mouth rot is is more of a symptom than a disease itself. It usually occurs if there is a systemic (or body-wide) infection in the affected animal. Vet attention is necessary both to treat the mouth rot itself and to determine and treat the underlying cause.
Treatment for mouth rot usually includes the cleaning of the mouth to clear out the pus and other debris, and often a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Your vet may prescribe other care depending on your individual case.
As with any reptile illness, it is important to keep your iguana calm and stress free during their recovery time. Your vet may recommend you boost their basking temperatures a little, and you should make sure they have a hide box available in their cage. With prompt veterinary attention, mouth rot is usually easily curable.
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