Iguanas and Stunted Growth?

[Samba]

I was just wondering if anyone here has ever heard of an iguana's growth being stunted (temporarily or permenantly) due to lack of space. About a year ago I rescued a green iguana approx. 2 and a half yrs. in age and around two feet long, (s2t). His former owner (who also named him 'Iggy", ew), kept this poor thing in a 20 gallon long tank the entire time he had him, never took him outdoors, and only took him out of the tank to clean the cage. (Which, by the way, didn't even have substrate in it). He only fed him pelleted food, which caused MBD (not severe, but it does effect his ability to climb, and walk, since his limbs are deformed). Since I've had Iggy, I've corrected his diet, provided him with near daily outdoor excursions to the park, given him a spacious room to roam and yet, I've noticed very little growth. I fear his growth may be permenantly stunted due to, or in part to being kept in such a confined place for so long. I've also considered that his MBD may also have had an effect. Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts? It's a shame that such a beautiful animal may remain so tiny for his age, although I'm still holding out hope that he may achieve the weight and length that is normal for an adult iguana. While I'm on the subject, I was watching Animal Planet a few weeks ago and saw the show 'PetsBurg' which featured a 6 year old iguana about the same length/weight as mine. (This was what got me thinking). Anyways, Iggy makes a wonderful educational animal and is very personable, which is why I've decided to keep him, rather than adopt him out so no matter what I'll always do what is best for him. If anyone has information or comments about iguanas being stunted, please let me know.

P.S. His vet said he should've started growing by now... but I just wanted the imput of other keepers...

[Tiliqua]

I have seen this before. Of the two iguanas that I have, one is now 4 years old and 5 and a bit feet long. He was adopted as a healthy baby from the local SPCA.

The other, is now 9 years old and 3.5-4 feet long. Definately stunted. Even though I have had her for 5 years, and has had the same luxuries as the younger, she is small for her age. The people that I took her in from had her at 3 feet when I got her 5 years ago.

I have no qualms about believing that growth and development can be stunted, whether it be iguanas or people. Just a shame that such a magnificent animal will live a shortened life span because of other treatment!

Good luck!

[eyespy]

The lack of space thing is a myth, but with all the other husbandry nightmares that poor ig has suffered it's no wonder the growth was stunted. MBD will definitely stunt growth and it takes at least 6 months to start rebuilding healthy bone mass so give this iguana a lot of time before you give up on his growth. His energy might still be directed towards growing healthy bone tissue and so he's not gaining length or girth but might be growing quite a bit internally. Most MBD igs never achieve a normal adult size but many of them get some decent growth a year or two after they get a good serum Ca:P ratio.

My first rescued iguana, Amazon, was kept in a 1.5 gallon hex aquarium on top of a cashier's register at a Pet____ chain store. He grew out of his enclosure to the point where the vertebrae in his tail base became fused and his tail was paralyzed. So just a small space alone won't stunt growth.

[Samba]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I haven't given up on Iggy's growth, and it would be nice if he didn't remain stunted. It's been only a year, so he's got a ways to go. I too, suspected that the MBD might be the source, but with the other issues at hand it probably is just one contribution among many. I'll keep you guys updated and keep the stories coming! Thanks again!

[garterguy]

iguanas rarely have stunt in there growth because of there average size,even with MBD it wont stunt its growth.When iguanas breech the 2 yr. mark they stop having growth spurts.this means they will only grow about a inch or 2 per month.SO i do not think your iguana has problems.

[eyespy]

I strongly disagree, garterguy. At that age, the iguana should be 4-5 feet long if conditions are adequate and he's only half that size. My 2 1/2 year old female is 47.5 inches and females don't grow as big or as fast as males.

I've seen thousands of stunted MBD igs in my years at the vet hospital.

[Samba]

GarterGuy, Thanks for the imput, BUT even if iguanas stop the growth spurts and only grow an inch or two per month as you stated, my iguana should be 12-24 inches longer now then he was when I got him (he's still the same size)! I've already made it clear that he's had a past with MBD, so I don't know why you would say he doesn't have any problems, because that is a MAJOR problem for reptiles of all kinds. I'm more likely to agree with EyeSpy, but all information and opinions are welcome...

Just out of curiosity, have many iguanas do you own right now; How long have you had them; and Have you ever rehabilitated an animal with MBD? I look forward to hearing from you both, and anyone else who wants to add something.

[garterguy]

ohhhh i didnt look at how large your ig was hehe maybe hes a dwarf hehe