I took Gil to the vet for his annual exam Saturday morning. I specifically requested xrays because he's been having potty issues. He's been going just a little during his bath and a little more later in his enclosure. At first we thought it was behavioral (the move, adjusting to Ken, etc.); however, over the past few weeks I've begun to wonder if it was physical.

The xrays showed great, strong bones with no arthritis in any of his joints. BUT... the vet said there was more fecal matter present than he would normall like to see. The xrays didn't show any obstructions or inflamations, so the vet told me to start Gil on canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling, if you're think of giving some to your iguana) which acts as a laxative. The vet did say that sometimes there can be a buildup of fecal matter due to enlarged kidneys (which will not show up in xrays). I've started dramatic efforts to hydrate Gil.

The vet will take the xrays to his study group (I think it's at UC Davis) for discussion and further opinions.

I will get the results of the blood work back next week, but I'm crossing my fingers that the pumpkin will do the trick.

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~~Steph

"This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." John Steinbeck

WoW! I am sorry to hear that! Please keep us posted!

...We recommend feeding pumpkin due to the fact that it is fiberous and tends to firm up stools. Unfortunately I'm not finding alot of information on it over google, but I am feeling overly lazy today. I hope it get's things moving for Gil. I've found that apples really get things flowing in all of my pets.

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Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

Hello,

Hopefully it works Steph! I myself have never heard of pumpkin being a laxative.

Apples juice on the other hand I have heard of being used to help get things moving. For hydration, you can also add "Iceberg lettuce" to his salad. I know it has no nutritional value, and I know we deter users from adding it to their salads, but it has a high concentration of moisture content and would help hydrate him. (It is composed of mostly water.)

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Good luck Steph, good to hear he is doing well otherwise.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

My thoughts are with Gil Steph....hoping for poo!!!!

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

more poo talk! I hope he gets better.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I have also heard of canned pumpkin being recommended as a laxative. Hopefully it will get things moving soon!
I know that regular pumpkin gets Zok "going" well!
Gil lis fortunate to have a good, subservient, Ig-slave like you!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Greetings Steph-

Have you thought about using probiotics to re-balance the gut flora?

Regards,
Dominick

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Regards,
Dominick
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"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

He's been on probiotics; however I ran out about 2 weeks ago. This problem has been going on longer than that though.

Things seem to be "normalizing" somewhat though. For some reason I keep expecting an explosive end to this.

Thanks for all the well-wishes... I'll be sure to pass them along to Gil.

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~~Steph

"This I believe: That the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world." John Steinbeck