Hi guys!

I took Ignatius for a routine check up.
Blood, ultrasound, X-ray, etc

For the most part, the tests showed excellent results.
However, his WBC count is very elevated, and they don't know why.


I'm meeting with the vet again tomorrow, she wants to try some antibiotics.
(Personally, I don't like the idea since we don't know the cause.)

I just wish we know what's wrong.

White Blood Count? That usually happens if someone is fighting an infection. Might have an illness you don't know about, so antibiotics are probably a good place to start.

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

I agree. so I met with the vet again, and she taught me how to give Ignatius his injections. Once every three days for four weeks, and then we will take another blood test.

Poor thing.
His eyes got soo wide...(like shocked or betrayed).
Hours later he is still giving me the evil eye.

My cats do the same thing. Just keep telling yourself its for their own good.

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

And if you cover their head with a towel they can't see whats coming!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

ooo...Merlin, great idea!!!
thanks!

Thanks for getting your ig to the vet for routine care.

You're in the Sacramento area, right? If your vet can't figure out the problem, you may want to visit UC Davis. They're great!

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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

schlegelbagel: you read my mind. i have been telling myself that over and over, and I even tell him every time he eyeballs me.

Steph: aw...thanks for the kind words. you know, it's funny...having an iguana has showed me what kind of mom I will be someday: an overprotective and paranoid one....great, just like my mom.

his regular doc is at UC Davis. just a quick drive away.
there are no herp vets near me within the same distance.

Dr. Turner is in Lodi... He's been Gil's vet for many years, but he's a "one man show," so to speak, and we had an emergency with Gil last year. We wound up at Davis. I figure I drive an hour and a half for Lodi, might as well double it for Davis. Makes for a full day, though!

Mom's had her sulcatas there too, in fact, Stanley spent three weeks there two winters ago. They're great at UCD!

__________________
~~Steph

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

After researching and calling vets in my area, I was surprised that there were few herp vets. Some said that they felt comfortable or had some experience, but I didn't feel right about those answers.

They are great at UCD! At first, the doc made some assumptions about me and lectured me, but that changed after she saw the results of his exams.

I figure that they encounter a lot of neglected and abused iguanas, and so I didn't take it personally. Actually it seems everytime I am there, a student or police are dropping off an abandoned reptile!!


Wow 3 hour drive--one way!!! That's love.


Side note: 5 injections down-- 5 more to go. Poor Ignatius. The moment I place him on the kitchen counter, he knows what comes next and squirms for his life. But I am now a pro at holding him down, and my brother finally got over giving the injections.
I try to make the experience better by taking him outside and giving him nice treats.