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!

Why Do I Need a Vet?

Modified from an original post on IguanaDen by Melodie

#1 -- Every iguana needs to have a yearly check up and be treated, if there are parasites, etc. Also the vet can take note of how the iguana looks, the size, overall "what is normal" (or not) for the iguana at this time. This way, the vet has "prior knowledge" of the iguana. He also has knowledge of you and will be much more likely to "not demand immediate total payment" if there is a costly emergency in the future.

#2 -- God forbid -- if there is an accident or emergency, you will already have a vet to turn to. In an emergency there may well not be time to "go searching" for a herp vet.

#3 -- Iguanas are VERY good at hiding signs of illness and injury. If your vet sees your iguana on a regular basis and is familiar with his or her normal health, it will make it easier for the vet to identify symptoms and diagnose illness in the early stages.

#4 -- In the long run, it can end up saving you money! Not only can early diagnosis and treatment of problems cost less than if the illness or injury progresses, but your vet fees may also be lower if you are a regular customer. Vets will often charge more for emergency visits by non-regular customers than they will for a known customer.