As an iguana owner, you want to provide the best possible care for your pet. However, there are some threats to your iguana’s health that can be difficult to spot One such issue is mites – tiny parasites that live on the skin and can cause major discomfort for iguanas In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about recognizing, preventing, and treating mite infestations in iguanas.
What Are Mites?
Mites are tiny arachnids related to ticks and spiders. There are over 48000 different species of mites, many of which are harmless to iguanas. However, certain mites have evolved to feed on reptiles, attaching themselves to the skin and scales. Once attached, they will live on the iguana and feed on skin cells, lymph fluid, or blood.
Two common mites that affect iguanas are:
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Chiggers – Also called harvest mites, these are bright red parasites under 1mm in size. They are often found around the eyes, ears, and skin folds of iguanas.
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Snake mites – These dark brown/black mites are hematophagous, meaning they feed on blood. They tend to cluster anywhere scales overlap.
Recognizing a Mite Infestation
Mites can be difficult to spot due to their small size. Look for the following signs that may indicate mites:
- Excessive scratching and rubbing against objects
- Small red or black dots moving on the skin
- Skin appearing dull/discolored
- Pitted and crusty scales
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Anemia in severe infestations
Check carefully around the eyes, ears, skin folds, toes, and underside of the jaw. These are common hiding spots for mites. A magnifying glass can help inspect the skin closely. Vet examination and skin scraping may be needed for confirmation.
Preventing Mite Infestations
Prevention is key to avoiding mite outbreaks in your iguana:
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Quarantine new iguanas – Any new iguana should be quarantined for 4-8 weeks before entering your existing iguana’s habitat. This prevents transmission of mites and disease.
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Thoroughly clean the habitat – Spot clean droppings daily and disinfect the tank/cage monthly. Use a mild bleach solution to kill mites and larvae.
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Check heating and humidity – Ensure temperatures and humidity levels are ideal for iguanas. This keeps their immune system strong and skin healthy.
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Care with other pets – Be very careful visiting other homes with reptile pets. Thoroughly wash hands after contact.
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Buy from reputable sources – Whether buying new iguanas or habitat décor, use trusted sellers with high animal welfare standards.
Treating Mite Infestations
If mites are present, take action right away. Treatment options include:
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Betadine baths – Dilute Betadine solution in water until it looks like weak tea. Have the iguana soak 30+ minutes daily until mites are gone. This drowns mites living on the skin.
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Olive oil rub – Rub a thin layer of olive oil over your iguana’s body. Leave on at least 20 minutes before rinsing – olive oil smothers mites. Avoid eyes.
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Medications – Your vet may prescribe topical or injectable anti-parasite medications. Use these exactly as directed.
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Hot baths – Give 10-15 minute hot baths daily to drown mites. Check water temperature carefully to avoid burns.
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Thorough habitat cleaning – Remove all items from the enclosure. Disinfect with a bleach solution. Discard porous items that can’t be fully cleaned.
With prompt treatment, most iguana mite infestations can be eliminated. However, be prepared for the process to take 4-6 weeks. Mites reproduce quickly, so persistence is vital. Isolate the affected iguana during treatment, and keep watching for recurring signs once treatment ends.
The Takeaway on Iguana Mites
As a fellow iguana lover, I know how upsetting it can be to discover mites on your beloved pet. The good news is that with close inspection, preventative care, and proper treatment, mites don’t have to pose an ongoing threat. By staying informed and taking prompt action, you can keep your iguana comfortable and itch-free. With some persistence against these stubborn pests, your iguana will be back to their healthy, happy self in no time!
What are the signs of these diseases?
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a complex disease and is probably the most common medical problem of pet iguanas. It is typically caused by feeding an improper diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium or vitamin D3 (from a nutritional deficiency), or from either a lack of UV-B lighting or a lack of exposure to natural light. Common signs include swelling of the lower jaw, softening of the jaw and facial bones (rubber jaw), and/or swelling of the hind limbs. X-rays reveal thin bone tissue (decreased density), widened and thickened bone shafts and possibly fractures that appear to have happened with minimal force or for no apparent reason. Green-stick or folding fractures may occur in soft bones that appear to bend or fold and not fully break apart. Blood tests may show either a low calcium level or an elevated phosphorus level. The diagnostic feature is an abnormal calcium to phosphorus ratio. A normal calcium:phosphorus ratio is 2:1 or 3:1. As the condition progresses, muscle twitching, seizures, loss of appetite, and loss of energy (lethargy) are seen. MBD is also known as fibrous osteodystrophy or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is most commonly seen in juvenile iguanas (less than 2 years old).
A common fungal skin infection that infects mostly young iguanas is a disease called CANV which stands for Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis Vriesii. It is often referred to as Yellow Fungus Disease. Visually, the disease causes tan to yellow crusty skin lesions anywhere on the body. Advanced cases may show open bloody skin lesions. Treatment requires several weeks of a prescription antifungal medication and in some cases, may be fatal.
Infectious stomatitis (mouth rot) is a bacterial infection that manifests as pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums, swollen gums, or an excess production of thick mucus (often looking like cottage cheese) in the mouth. Mouth rot can also cause swelling of the jaw just like MBD. In the case of swelling along the gumline or along the jaw bone, a solid abscess has most likely formed in the soft tissue of the gums.
Intestinal parasites, especially pinworms, are common in pet iguanas. They often cause no clinical signs and are detected on an annual fecal examination. In some cases, they may cause diarrhea or weight loss. Pinworms are probably commensal organisms (commensalism is an association between two organisms in which one individual benefits from the relationship while the other is neither benefited nor harmed). Mites and ticks are sometimes found on the skin of your iguana. They are spread by direct contact with infected iguanas and are not from other pets or the cage environment. Mites and sometimes ticks can be visibly seen moving around, under or between scales around the head, legs, and in skin folds.
Respiratory infections or pneumonia can occur in animals that are stressed, improperly fed, or kept in poor, cold, or dirty conditions. You may see sneezing, nasal or ocular discharge, bubbles in the mouth, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, pulling or gasping for breath, and lethargy (lack of energy).
Hypervitaminosis D is a condition that develops when owners either over-supplement the iguanas diet with vitamins and minerals, or feed it dog or cat food. Clinical signs are vague and include lack of appetite and lethargy.
What are some common diseases of pet iguanas?
When iguanas are in a suitable environment, given a good diet and have exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light, they are reasonably hardy animals. Common conditions of pet iguanas include metabolic bone disease, fungal skin infections, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), external (skin) and intestinal parasites, respiratory disease, and hypervitaminosis D.
These are iguana mites 1
FAQ
How to get rid of mites on an iguana?
Bathe him in a soapy bath a couple of times a day to help remove the mites. The most important thing is cleaning the cage completely, and removing any opportunity for the mites to lay eggs and for any remaining eggs to hatch. Its going to be a multiweek battle to get your infestation under control.
Can humans get reptile mites?
Reptile mites may also temporarily cause a rash for people who are exposed to them, but the mites cannot complete their life cycles on people.
What do iguana mites look like?
Mites are very small, most running smaller then a pin head. To identify them correctly use the magnifying glass. They will crawl around your iguana and they prefer tight warm places such as that between the folds of skin, the toes, and around the iguana’s vent. Look for white scabs next to damaged scales.
How do you get rid of reptile mites?
The best way to get rid of the mites is to strip down the habitat and throw out anything that can be washed with a bleach water solution. Wash every thing else with a 50/50 bleach water solution and rise well.
How do I know if my Iguana has mites?
If you noticed that your iguana has shedding problems, excessive scratching, has strange looking or damaged scales or you have noticed small bugs on or around the folds in the skin, the eyelids, and the armpits, these are the signs that your iguana has mites. Mites are close relative to the ticks and fleas.
Why does one’s skin crawl due to mites?
One’s skin crawls due to mites because of an allergic reaction to the mites’ saliva. Mites are tiny creatures that live in the skin and hair of humans and animals. They feed on dead skin cells and sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the skin. When mites bite, they inject saliva into the skin, which can cause an allergic reaction.
What diseases do iguanas have?
Common conditions of pet iguanas include metabolic bone disease, fungal skin infections, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), external (skin) and intestinal parasites, respiratory disease, and hypervitaminosis D. What are the signs of these diseases?
How do you know if your iguana has a disease?
More often, signs of disease are non-specific, such as an iguana with anorexia (lack of appetite), depression and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases. Any deviation from normal is cause for concern and your iguana requires immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.
Can iguanas get yellow fungus?
A common fungal skin infection that infects mostly young iguanas is a disease called CANV which stands for Chrysosporium Anamorph of Nannizziopsis Vriesii. It is often referred to as Yellow Fungus Disease. Visually, the disease causes tan to yellow crusty skin lesions anywhere on the body. Advanced cases may show open bloody skin lesions.
Do iguanas have worms?
Intestinal parasites, especially pinworms, are common in pet iguanas. They often cause no clinical signs and are detected on an annual fecal examination. In some cases, they may cause diarrhea or weight loss.